Signs & Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

If you do not see bulging veins on your legs, you may wonder whether it is still possible to have varicose veins or venous insufficiency.
In many patients, symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency appear years before veins become visibly enlarged.

Use the questions below as a self-assessment guide.

1. Do You Experience Leg Pain or Discomfort?

Do you experience pain or discomfort in your thighs, calves, ankles, or inner (medial) thigh?

• Is the pain related to prolonged standing or sitting?

• Does it worsen in hot weather, during menstrual periods, long walks, or car rides?

• Is the pain relieved by leg elevation, walking, resting, or wearing compression stockings?

Pain sensitivity varies from person to person. Common descriptions include:

• Pain at rest

• Dull aching pain

• Burning or sharp pain

• Muscle cramps or night cramps

• Heaviness or tired legs at the end of the day that improves by morning

2. Do You Experience Swelling in Your Legs?

Do you notice swelling in your feet, ankles, or lower legs?

• Is swelling associated with prolonged standing or sitting?

• Does it worsen with heat, travel, or hormonal changes?

• Is swelling reduced by leg elevation, walking, or elastic compression stockings?

3. Is There a Family History of Vein Disease?

Have any of your parents or grandparents had:

• Varicose veins

• Chronic leg swelling

• Skin changes

• Venous leg ulcers?

Venous insufficiency is often hereditary.

4. Do Your Leg Symptoms Affect Your Daily Life or Work?

Does the condition of your legs affect:

• Your job or employment duties?

• Activities requiring prolonged standing or sitting?

• Daily activities, sleep, exercise, or hobbies?

• Clothing choices or overall quality of life?

5. Do You Have Itchy, Burning, or Tingling Skin on Your Legs?

Itching, burning, or tingling sensations in the legs can be directly related to venous insufficiency.
If these symptoms occur near spider veins or enlarged veins, a vein evaluation should be considered.

6. Do You See Spider Veins Near the Inner Ankle?

Do you notice bluish or purplish spider veins around the inner (medial) ankle area?
This is a common early sign of underlying venous reflux.

Conclusion

• If you answered NO to all of the questions above, venous insufficiency is unlikely at this time.

• If you answered YES to one or more questions, a comprehensive venous ultrasound evaluation may be appropriate.

Leg symptoms can have multiple causes, which makes accurate diagnosis essential before considering any treatment.
To ensure diagnostic accuracy and patient safety, Dr. Jozef Tryzno, MD, RVT, DABVLM personally performs all venous ultrasound examinations and all vein procedures.

Discuss Your Symptoms With a Vein Specialist

An in-office evaluation can help determine whether further testing is indicated.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to get started today

Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical evaluation or diagnosis. Symptoms described may be caused by conditions other than venous insufficiency. Individual diagnosis and treatment decisions require a comprehensive medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional, including physical examination and diagnostic testing when appropriate.