Tired, aching legs. Swelling that gets worse as the day goes on. Maybe a few veins starting to bulge. If you’re wondering whether it’s just normal aging or something more serious, you’re not alone. The truth is, these could be signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency—a common condition that often goes undiagnosed for far too long.

At Beltline Health, we’re not here to scare you. We’re here to help you understand what’s going on, what to look out for, and what you can do about it. Because when it comes to your health, ignoring the signs won’t make them go away. But facing them? That’s where healing starts.

What Is Venous Insufficiency?

Before we talk symptoms, let’s break down what venous insufficiency actually is.

Your veins carry blood back to your heart. In your legs, that blood has to move uphill, against gravity. Your body handles this with one-way valves inside the veins. When those valves weaken or get damaged, blood starts to pool in your legs instead of flowing up like it should. That’s venous insufficiency.

It’s more common than you think—especially in people over 50, those who sit or stand for long periods, and anyone with a family history of vein issues. According to Cleveland Clinic, up to 40% of people in the U.S. may have it to some degree.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

Let’s get into the real talk. What are the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency you should be watching for?

1. Leg Swelling (Especially Toward the End of the Day)

One of the first things people notice. Your legs or ankles may feel tight or heavy. Shoes start fitting differently. The swelling usually goes down overnight, but it keeps coming back.

2. Aching, Tired, or Throbbing Legs

We’re not talking about a hard workout soreness. This is more of a dull, nagging discomfort that creeps in after standing or sitting too long. Some describe it as a pressure or fullness.

3. Varicose or Spider Veins

These visible veins aren’t just cosmetic. They’re a red flag. Bulging, twisted veins (varicose) or thin, web-like veins (spider) are signs your vein valves might not be working properly.

4. Skin Changes

Brownish discoloration, dry or itchy skin, or even rashes around the ankles. These are signs your skin isn’t getting the circulation it needs. Left untreated, this can lead to ulcers.

5. Restless Legs or Cramping at Night

This one surprises people. But that twitchy, uncomfortable feeling that keeps you up at night? It can be linked to poor blood flow. So can sudden cramps in the calves.

6. Leg Ulcers or Sores That Won’t Heal

This is a later-stage symptom and a sign that your condition needs urgent attention. These ulcers often form around the ankles and can become infected if not treated properly.

If you have more than one of these signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, it’s time to talk to someone. These aren’t just “getting older” problems. They’re your body waving a red flag.

What Causes Venous Insufficiency?

There isn’t one single cause, but several risk factors:

• Family history of varicose veins or circulation problems
• Prolonged sitting or standing (think nurses, teachers, office workers)
• Pregnancy (extra pressure on your veins)
• Obesity or excess weight
• Previous leg injuries or blood clots

Knowing the cause helps us treat the condition more effectively. At Beltline, we don’t just treat your symptoms—we get to the why behind them.

How Beltline Health Diagnoses Venous Insufficiency

We start with a conversation. No judgment. Just listening.

Then we use ultrasound imaging to look at how the blood is moving in your legs. It’s painless and gives us real-time insight into where the problem is and how severe it is.

From there, we build a treatment plan that fits your life—not the other way around. We’ll walk you through your options and help you take the next step without pressure.

What You Can Do About It: Next Steps That Actually Help When You Notice Signs and Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

So what happens if you do have signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency? Here’s what works:

1. Compression Therapy

Wearing compression socks or stockings can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. They’re a solid first step for many patients.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Small tweaks can make a big difference:

• Elevate your legs when resting
• Take movement breaks if you sit or stand a lot
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly (walking is great)

3. In-Office Treatments

When lifestyle changes and compression aren’t enough, we offer minimally invasive procedures right in our clinics:

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses heat to close off damaged veins
• Sclerotherapy: A solution injected into small veins to seal them shut
• Microphlebectomy: Removal of varicose veins through tiny incisions

These aren’t scary. They’re quick, effective, and often covered by insurance.

Why Early Treatment Matters: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

Here’s the deal: the earlier we treat vein problems, the better the outcome. Waiting won’t make the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency disappear. It usually makes things worse.

We’ve seen patients go from daily pain and swelling to walking comfortably again. We’ve helped people sleep better, move more, and feel confident showing their legs.

But it starts with action.

Why Patients Trust Beltline Health

We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Our clinics in Atlanta, Newnan, and Stockbridge are built around real people with real lives. Our team—including Dr. Charles Procter—listens first, treats second.

We’re local. We know our community. And we stay with you, from your first consultation to your last follow-up.

If you’re noticing signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, we’re here. No gimmicks. No shame. Just expert care and honest answers.

Let’s talk.