Many patients think of varicose veins or spider veins as cosmetic concerns, but these visible vein issues can point to problems beneath the surface. When veins don’t work as they should, blood flow becomes less efficient, which can affect your overall circulation.
At VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we focus on how vein conditions can impact your broader health, not just how they look. There are different types of vein issues, and some can affect the way blood returns to your heart. Understanding how these conditions relate to circulation can help you decide when it’s time to seek care.
What Do Veins Do?
While arteries are responsible for carrying blood away from the heart, veins carry blood back after it delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body. They contain one-way valves that keep blood moving in the right direction, especially from your legs, where blood flows upward against gravity. Healthy veins work alongside your muscles to support steady circulation throughout the day.
How Poor Vein Health Disrupts Circulation
Venous insufficiency happens when the valves in your veins stop working the way they should. Instead of pushing blood upward toward the heart, the veins allow blood to flow backward and collect in the legs. That backward flow, called reflux, increases pressure in the veins and makes it harder for your body to keep circulation moving efficiently. As blood pools, it can stretch and weaken the vein walls, which leads to a cycle of worsening symptoms and strain on the circulatory system.
When your body struggles to return blood to the heart, your legs may start to feel heavy or achy. The skin around the ankles can become irritated or change in color. In more advanced cases, the skin may break down and form ulcers. Poor venous return also forces the heart to work harder, which can place added stress on the cardiovascular system.
Symptoms linked to poor venous circulation include:
- Leg swelling, especially at the end of the day
- Heaviness or aching in the legs
- Fatigue during walking or standing
- Skin discoloration around the lower legs or ankles
- Flaking, itching, or thickened skin
- Venous ulcers or open sores that heal slowly
Risk Factors That Affect Vein and Circulatory Health
- Age, Genetics, and Gender: Vein function can decline as you get older, especially if you have a family history of vein disease. Women are also more likely to develop vein issues, partly due to hormonal changes that affect the vessel walls and valves.
- Sedentary Lifestyle or Prolonged Standing: Your veins rely on muscle movement to help push blood back to the heart. Sitting or standing for long periods without enough movement reduces that support and allows blood to pool in the legs.
- Obesity: Excess weight places more pressure on the veins in your lower body. The added strain can stretch the veins and damage the valves, causing circulatory problems.
- Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes: Shifts in hormone levels and increased blood volume during pregnancy can affect vein tone and valve function. The growing uterus also adds pressure to the pelvic veins, which slows down blood return from the legs.
- Smoking and Chronic Illness: Tobacco use and conditions like diabetes or hypertension damage blood vessels and interfere with circulation. These factors can weaken the vein walls and make existing problems worse.
Common Vein Conditions and How They Impact Circulation
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop when vein walls weaken and valves stop closing properly, allowing blood to pool and stretch the veins. They often appear twisted or bulging, most commonly in the legs. While they are visible at the surface, the problem starts deeper with impaired blood flow. Left untreated, varicose veins may contribute to more advanced circulatory issues.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are small, damaged veins that appear near the surface of the skin, often in red, blue, or purple patterns. They usually result from increased pressure in smaller blood vessels and may develop on the legs or face. When there are other symptoms like leg fatigue or swelling, they may point to larger circulation problems.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This condition can severely disrupt circulation by blocking the normal flow of blood back to the heart. A clot in a deep vein can also break off and travel to the lungs, leading to a serious and potentially life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism. DVT often causes pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected limb, but it can also occur without obvious symptoms.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency develops when the veins in the legs cannot return blood to the heart effectively for an extended period. Damaged valves allow blood to flow backward and pool, increasing pressure and weakening the vein walls further. This ongoing strain leads to symptoms such as leg swelling, aching, and skin changes that can progress to ulceration. The condition interferes with normal circulation and may gradually affect both mobility and quality of life if not treated.
How to Support Healthy Vein Function
- Daily Habits to Improve Venous Return: Take short movement breaks throughout the day to keep blood flowing, especially if you sit or stand for long stretches. You can also elevate your legs and do simple movements like ankle circles or calf squeezes to support better circulation.
- Compression Stockings for At-Risk Patients: Compression stockings can help reduce leg swelling and move blood upward more efficiently. They work best when fitted properly and worn regularly, especially if you have a history of vein issues or spend long hours on your feet.
- Managing Weight and Staying Active: Light, consistent activity such as walking or swimming helps activate your leg muscles, keep your weight consistent, and reduce strain on the venous system.
- Avoiding Smoking: Tobacco use weakens the blood vessels and raises the risk of clot formation. If you want to improve your vein health, quitting smoking is one of the most effective steps you can take.
How Vein Treatments Can Improve Circulation
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy treats small varicose and spider veins by injecting a solution that causes the vein walls to collapse and close off. Your body reroutes blood through healthier veins, which improves circulation in the treated area. As the damaged veins fade, symptoms like heaviness or swelling can also improve. It works well for surface-level veins and is commonly done in-office with minimal downtime.
Endovenous Ablation
Endovenous ablation treats larger, malfunctioning veins using heat from either radiofrequency or laser energy. A thin catheter goes into the vein to deliver energy directly to the vessel wall, sealing it shut. Once closed, the blood naturally redirects into nearby healthy veins that carry it back to the heart more efficiently.
VenaSeal™
VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive to seal a problematic vein shut without heat. After the vein closes, your body absorbs it while blood flows through better-functioning veins nearby. Patients usually do not need compression stockings after this option, which can make recovery more convenient.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy removes damaged veins through small punctures in the skin using special instruments. The surrounding veins take over the job of carrying blood back to the heart, which restores healthier blood flow. It works best for veins that are close to the surface and can be seen or felt. Because the incisions are so small, most patients return to normal activity quickly.
Improve Your Overall Wellness Through Better Vein Health
When circulation slows due to faulty valves or blocked veins, symptoms like swelling, heaviness, and fatigue can interfere with daily activity. At VENUS Vein Clinic, Dr. Kelly Schroeder specializes in diagnosing and treating a full range of venous disorders using modern, minimally invasive options. If you are looking for answers about how to get rid of varicose veins, we can evaluate your condition and guide you through the best course of treatment.
To ask questions, request an evaluation, or schedule a consultation, contact us or call (402) 979-8346. We serve patients throughout Omaha, NE, and offer care that focuses on restoring function and improving quality of life.