Venous Disease Treatment in Macon & Central Georgia

Venous Disease

What Is Venous Disease?

Venous disease refers to a group of conditions caused by problems with the veins in your legs. Normally, tiny one-way valves in your veins keep blood flowing upward toward your heart. When those valves become weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins, leading to pressure, swelling, and visible changes.

Venous disease is common — especially in adults over 40 — and while it’s rarely life-threatening, untreated venous problems can lead to painful ulcers, infections, and mobility issues.

Symptoms of Venous Disease

Venous disease can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

  • Leg swelling, especially after long periods of standing or sitting
  • Aching, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs
  • Visible varicose or spider veins
  • Restless legs, itching, or burning sensations
  • Skin discoloration or thickening around the ankles
  • Slow-healing wounds or ulcers
  • Pain that improves with leg elevation

Some patients have no symptoms until the disease has progressed, which is why early evaluation is so important.

Causes & Risk Factors

Several factors increase your risk of developing venous disease:

  • Family history of varicose veins or vein problems
  • Pregnancy (hormonal changes and added pressure)
  • Prolonged sitting or standing at work
  • Obesity
  • Age (risk increases over 40)
  • Prior blood clots or DVT
  • Female gender (women are more commonly affected)
  • Lack of physical activity

Venous disease can affect anyone, but lifestyle and genetics play a large role.

Treatment Options for Venous Disease

Conservative Care

For many patients, early treatment starts with lifestyle adjustments:

  • Compression stockings to improve circulation
  • Leg elevation when resting
  • Regular walking and exercise
  • Weight management and diet improvements

These measures can reduce symptoms but don’t correct underlying valve damage.

Today’s venous treatments are highly effective and done in-office with little to no downtime:

  • Endovenous Ablation (Radiofrequency or Laser): Heat energy seals off damaged veins so blood reroutes through healthy ones.
  • Sclerotherapy: A medical solution is injected into spider or small varicose veins, causing them to close and fade.
  • Varithena® (Foam Therapy): An FDA-approved foam that collapses problematic veins.
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Tiny incisions are used to remove larger varicose veins close to the surface.

In rare or complex cases, surgery may be required:

  • Vein Ligation & Stripping: Older technique, now less common, for severe varicose veins.
  • Advanced venous reconstruction: For patients with extensive disease or complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Swollen ankles at the end of the day. Bulging, twisted veins on your legs. An achy, heavy feeling that makes standing or walking uncomfortable. While these symptoms may seem like everyday inconveniences, they often point to chronic venous disease (CVD) — a condition that occurs when the veins in your legs don’t circulate blood back to the heart as they should.

At Premier Vascular, we specialize in diagnosing and treating venous disease, from common varicose veins to more complex conditions like venous ulcers or chronic venous insufficiency. Our board-certified vascular surgeons provide personalized care for patients across Macon and Central Georgia, helping restore healthy circulation and improve quality of life.

  • Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins visible on the legs; often painful or heavy.
  • Spider Veins: Small, web-like red or purple veins close to the skin’s surface; mainly cosmetic.
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): When valves in leg veins fail, leading to swelling, skin changes, or ulcers.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A dangerous blood clot in a deep vein, requiring urgent treatment.
  • Venous Ulcers: Open, slow-healing sores near the ankles caused by poor circulation.

Each of these conditions has its own risks and treatments, but they all share the same root problem: impaired blood return from the legs to the heart.

At Premier Vascular, diagnosis begins with a consultation and physical exam, followed by non-invasive testing when needed. Tools may include:

  • Duplex Ultrasound: Gold standard test for evaluating vein function and detecting reflux (backward blood flow) or clots.
  • Venography or Advanced Imaging: In certain complex cases, imaging may be used to map out the veins in greater detail.

Our testing is quick, painless, and performed in-office, allowing you to get answers without delay.

Left untreated, venous disease isn’t just about appearance — it can progress to:

  • Severe swelling and skin thickening
  • Venous ulcers that are painful and slow to heal
  • Infections and cellulitis
  • Reduced mobility and quality of life
  • Increased risk of blood clots

Early treatment improves comfort, prevents complications, and restores confidence in your appearance.

Most cases aren’t life-threatening, but untreated disease can lead to ulcers, infections, or even blood clots.

No. While they are visible, varicose veins can also cause pain, swelling, and indicate deeper circulation issues.

Minimally invasive procedures are well tolerated, often done with local anesthesia. Most patients resume normal activity within a day.

Yes, when venous disease is causing pain, swelling, ulcers, or other medical issues, insurance (including Medicare) typically covers treatment. Cosmetic-only treatments (like spider veins) may not be covered.

While treated veins are closed permanently, new problem veins can develop over time. Ongoing follow-up ensures lasting results.

Schedule a consultation with our team. A quick ultrasound can tell us if your veins are working properly.

Why Choose Premier Vascular?

At Premier Vascular, we provide comprehensive venous care under one roof:

  • Board-certified vascular surgeons with decades of expertise
  • Full range of treatment options, from conservative care to advanced procedures
  • In-office, minimally invasive treatments with fast recovery
  • A commitment to limb preservation and long-term circulation health
  • Local, trusted care serving Macon and Central Georgia

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs

Tired, swollen, or painful legs shouldn’t be your “normal.” At Premier Vascular, we’re here to help you find relief and restore healthy circulation.

Call Us Today

Call 478-250-9785 today to schedule your venous evaluation.

Our Location

Serving patients across Macon and Central Georgia.