Is it better to have treatment for venous insufficiency sooner rather than later?

I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency last year. I am suffering from heavy, achy and burning legs. Compression stockings, walking, elevation and supplements all combined do help some, but I am still feeling the discomfort and it affects my quality of life. Should I have treatment done now or should I wait until I develop varicose veins and ulcers, then have it done? How fast is the disease progressing? Can early treatment prevent it from progressing? How much relief to expect for treatment?

Answers from doctors (4)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Aug 26, 2019

In your situation, I would definitely discuss further with your venous provider. If your pain scale is in the 1-2 range, I think observation is reasonable. If your situation is affecting your quality of life, where you limit activities or it affects work performance, then additional therapy may be warranted.

Not all venous patients will develop ulcers; this is only reflected by the severity of the disease. However, if skin damage is occurring, you will see hyperpigmented areas by the ankle, which can be a sign of advanced disease.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

In your situation, I would definitely discuss further with your venous provider. If your pain scale is in the 1-2 range, I think observation is reasonable. If your situation is affecting your quality of life, where you limit activities or it affects work performance, then additional therapy may be warranted.

Not all venous patients will develop ulcers; this is only reflected by the severity of the disease. However, if skin damage is occurring, you will see hyperpigmented areas by the ankle, which can be a sign of advanced disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 06, 2016

The risks of venous ablation treatment are very small and the potential benefit to you is significant, so I would recommend you proceed given the symptoms you are experiencing. Most people are quite pleased and their expectations are exceeded by the relief from the treatment of their venous insufficiency.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

The risks of venous ablation treatment are very small and the potential benefit to you is significant, so I would recommend you proceed given the symptoms you are experiencing. Most people are quite pleased and their expectations are exceeded by the relief from the treatment of their venous insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on May 27, 2016

Based on everything you have told me, you have tried all the conservative treatments. At this point, I think he should probably have it treated by endovenous ablation.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Based on everything you have told me, you have tried all the conservative treatments. At this point, I think he should probably have it treated by endovenous ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on May 25, 2016

Symptomatic venous insufficiency not improved by wearing compression is best treated by saphenous ablation sooner rather than later.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Symptomatic venous insufficiency not improved by wearing compression is best treated by saphenous ablation sooner rather than later.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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