If your legs feel heavy, achy, or swollen by the end of the day, you’re not just tired. You could be dealing with venous insufficiency—a condition where the veins in your legs don’t work the way they should. Blood struggles to flow back up to your heart, so it pools in your legs. It’s more common than you think, and it doesn’t just affect older adults.

The good news? There are real, effective ways to feel better. The management of venous insufficiency isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming either. At Beltline Health, we help patients across Georgia take control of their vein health with simple, personalized treatment plans.

This guide will walk you through what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for. No fluff. Just facts.

What Is Venous Insufficiency, Really?

Let’s start with what’s actually going on in your body. Your veins have tiny valves that help push blood upward, against gravity. When those valves weaken or get damaged, blood starts to flow the wrong way—or just sits there. That’s chronic venous insufficiency.

Common signs include:

• Swelling in your lower legs or ankles
• Achy, cramping, or tired legs
• Skin discoloration around your ankles
• Varicose or spider veins
• Itching or burning sensations
• Leg ulcers in more severe cases

Some people ignore these signs. They think it’s just aging or standing too long. But untreated, venous insufficiency can lead to more serious problems.

What this means for you: the sooner you start the management of venous insufficiency, the better your outcome.

First Line of Defense: Conservative Treatment

We always start with the least invasive options first. For many patients, conservative care works well, especially in the early stages.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Compression stockings: These improve circulation and reduce swelling. Yes, they take some getting used to—but they work.
• Leg elevation: Elevate your legs above your heart several times a day to reduce pressure and help blood flow.
• Movement: Sitting or standing too long makes things worse. Take short walks throughout the day.
• Weight loss: Extra weight puts more pressure on your veins. Even a small weight loss can help a lot.
• Skin care: Keeping your skin moisturized and clean helps prevent ulcers.

At Beltline, we help you build a plan that fits your lifestyle. If you’re on your feet all day or sitting at a desk, we tailor advice that works with your real life—not against it.

Medical Treatments That Go Beyond Compression

When conservative methods aren’t enough, or if your symptoms are more advanced, we move to targeted, minimally invasive treatments.

Advanced options for the management of venous insufficiency include:

• Sclerotherapy: A medication is injected into the vein, causing it to close and eventually disappear. Best for spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
• Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA): These procedures use heat to seal off bad veins. They’re quick, outpatient procedures with little downtime.
• Microphlebectomy: For larger varicose veins. Tiny incisions are made to remove the vein. No stitches needed.

What sets Beltline Health apart? We don’t just treat what’s visible. We get to the root of the issue using tools like duplex ultrasound. This helps us understand exactly which veins are malfunctioning.

We treat patients, not symptoms.

Long-Term Management of Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is a chronic condition. That means even after treatment, maintenance is key.

Here’s what long-term management looks like:

• Follow-up appointments to monitor vein health
• Ongoing use of compression stockings when needed
• Regular physical activity to promote circulation
• Avoiding triggers like prolonged sitting or extreme heat
• Weight management

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. We work with you to build habits that make sense for your life—not someone else’s idea of “ideal.”

Why Early Intervention Matters

The longer venous insufficiency goes untreated, the more damage it can do. We’ve seen patients come in after years of discomfort, only to discover skin breakdown, ulcers, or deep vein problems.

Early management of venous insufficiency doesn’t just ease symptoms. It can prevent major complications.

If something feels off—listen to your body. Those heavy, aching legs are trying to tell you something.

What Makes Beltline Health Different

We’re not a one-size-fits-all clinic. At Beltline Health, we’ve helped hundreds of Georgia patients manage their vein health with compassion and real expertise.

What you get with us:

• Personalized care plans
• Access to minimally invasive, advanced treatments
• A team that listens to your concerns
• Follow-up support, not just a quick fix

Whether you visit us in Atlanta, Newnan, or Stockbridge, you’ll meet people who genuinely care about helping you feel better. That’s our promise.

Take the Next Step

Venous insufficiency isn’t something you have to live with. And you’re not overreacting by wanting relief. You deserve answers—and options that make sense for your life.

If you’re dealing with leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, let’s talk. The right time to start the management of venous insufficiency is now.

Learn more from the American Venous Forum

Explore treatment options at the Society for Vascular Surgery