What is venous disease? Venous disease can involve the veins of the legs, resulting in leg pain, varicose veins, swelling or open ulcers. Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins. Venous disease occurs when the leg veins do not work properly. Normal leg veins carry blood from the legs back to the heart. There are valves in the veins that keep the blood flowing in one direction toward the heart. When the valves are open, blood flows toward the heart, and when they are closed, they prevent blood from flowing backward into the legs. When the valves are damaged or do not work properly, venous disease can occur. This causes blood to pool in the legs, especially if you sit or stand for long periods of time without walking. What can cause venous disease? Blood clots in the veins of the legs; Injuries to the legs; Pregnancy can change hormone levels and cause the walls of the veins to weaken, especially in multiple pregnancies; Weight gain; Venous disease can also be hereditary and is not associated with any of the above causes. What are the symptoms? Leg pain, or fatigue or heaviness in the legs, especially in the evening; swollen veins – “spider veins” are swollen small veins in the legs. “Varicose veins” are swelling and twisting of the larger veins in the legs; Swelling of the calves or ankles – swelling can be present in the evening or throughout the day; Skin color changes – reddish or reddish-brown coloring, i.e. bruised dermatitis. Open ulcers – also known as “venous ulcers” – are often found on the ankles and can cause pain and oozing. Are there specific tests? Yes, there is. The doctor will examine and visualize the leg and may order an ultrasound. The ultrasound can check the function of the valves in the legs and also determine if there are any blocked veins. Is there anything I can do to reduce my symptoms? Swelling relief measures include: walking around and avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time; elevating the leg 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes; and moving the foot and toes up and down several times a day. The following can treat dry or itchy skin: Wash your legs daily with a mild cleanser, not everyday soap, as this may aggravate dry skin. Apply an unscented moisturizing cream or ointment while the skin is still wet. Vaseline cream or ointment works well. Ask your healthcare provider before using other types of creams or ointments, as some may cause a rash. If the skin problem is severe, your healthcare provider may recommend special ointments, medications or bandages. How is it treated? A variety of treatments are available to treat symptoms and reduce swelling, including: “Compression stockings” are special socks that fit snugly around the ankle and leg. A “compression bandage” is a bandage that wraps around the affected leg in several layers and is appropriate for patients with severe swelling, skin changes, or open wounds; a “compression pump” is a device that wraps around the leg and squeezes the leg every few minutes. Medication – treating different symptoms with a variety of medications, e.g. when compression stockings and compression bandages cannot be used, medication may be tried to improve vein function, skin infections may need antibiotics, and itchy skin may need prescription creams or ointments; Surgery – if other treatments do not work, surgery may be used. treatments do not work, surgery is used to remove or destroy the damaged veins so they do not refill.