Chronic Venous Disease (CVD)

‍What Is Chronic Venous Disease (CVD)?

Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) refers to a group of conditions caused by poor circulation in the leg veins. Normally, veins have one-way valves that push blood up toward the heart. When these valves weaken or fail, blood flows backward (venous reflux) and begins to pool in the lower legs.

As pressure builds, it leads to symptoms such as swelling, varicose veins, skin discoloration, and in more advanced cases, venous ulcers.

How CVD Develops

• Healthy valves open and close to keep blood moving upward.
• When valves malfunction, blood flows backward toward the feet.
• Pressure increases in the veins, causing them to stretch, bulge, and weaken.
• The cycle of pressure and valve failure continues, leading to chronic venous damage.

This long-term process is what defines chronic venous disease.

Who Is at Risk for CVD?

CVD is extremely common—affecting nearly 40% of adults in the United States. Risk increases with age, lifestyle, and genetics.

Major Risk Factors

• Age 40+
• Family history of vein disease
• Pregnancy
• Limited mobility or long periods of sitting/standing
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Prior blood clots (DVT)
• Inactivity
• Diet low in fiber / high in salt
• Excessive alcohol
• Certain ethnic backgrounds
• Female gender (hormonal influence)

Having multiple risk factors increases the likelihood of developing CVD.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Venous Disease

Speak with a vein specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs
• Aching or throbbing pain
• Restlessness (especially in the evening)
• Leg cramps
• Tingling or itching
• Visible varicose or spider veins
• Skin discoloration or thickening around the ankles
• Slow-healing wounds or venous leg ulcers (advanced CVD)

Symptoms often worsen at the end of the day or after prolonged standing.

Treatment Options for Chronic Venous Disease

CVD is highly treatable. Most patients improve with minimally invasive procedures performed in-office.

1. Sclerotherapy

A solution is injected into damaged veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade.

• No anesthesia required
• Performed in-office
• Effective for smaller varicose and spider veins
• Often used for both medical and cosmetic improvement

2. Endovenous Thermal Ablation (Laser or Radiofrequency)

A small catheter delivers targeted heat inside the vein, closing it permanently.

• Minimally invasive
• Quick recovery
• Treats larger veins causing reflux
• Leaves the vein in place to minimize bruising

EVLA (laser) and RFA (radiofrequency) are first-line treatments for venous insufficiency.

Surgical Options (Used When Needed)

While minimally invasive treatments work for most patients, some severe cases require surgery.

Ligation and Stripping

• The damaged vein is tied off (ligation)
• Larger veins may be removed through small incisions (stripping)
• Used less frequently today due to modern alternatives
• Recovery ranges from a few days to 10 days depending on the extent

These procedures are typically reserved for patients who cannot undergo less-invasive solutions or have recurrent disease.

Chronic Venous Disease Treatment Near You

If you live in Walnut Creek, Alamo, Alameda, or anywhere in the East Bay Area and want to understand your treatment options for CVD, the experts at BASS Vein Center are here to help.
We’ll evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary testing, and create a personalized plan to relieve discomfort and improve long-term vein health.