If you have varicose veins, spider veins or other symptoms of venous insufficiency, you’re not alone. This vein disease affects about 20 percent of the adult population, making it one of the most common reasons for medical referral.
Venous insufficiency causes blood to pool in the lower extremities instead of returning to the heart properly. The disease’s effect on circulation leads to a number of unpleasant symptoms, from cosmetically annoying spider veins to serious health concerns like ulcers and blood clots. Common symptoms of venous insufficiency include heaviness, itchiness, varicose veins and muscle cramps in the legs.