Vasculitis is a rare condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it affects fewer than 50 out of every million Americans. This inflammation can thicken or weaken blood vessel walls, reducing blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. Left untreated, vasculitis can cause long-term damage, including organ failure, aneurysms, or blood clots.
While vasculitis isn’t a form of vein disease like varicose veins or venous insufficiency, it can affect veins and cause symptoms that mimic more common vein problems like leg pain and swelling. That’s why it’s essential to understand this rare disease—and why seeing a board-certified vein expert is critical when symptoms arise.
Whether you have vasculitis or a more common vein condition like vein disease, Center for Vein Restoration, America’s largest physician-led vein center, is here to help. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward understanding your condition and finding relief.
In this article, we’ll break down what vasculitis is, what causes it, and how it’s treated. We’ll also explain how it differs from common vein conditions and how Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) can help you get answers when your symptoms, such as leg pain and inflammation, don’t add up.
Questions about your leg discomfort? Don’t guess! Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Vasculitis isn’t just one disease—it’s a group of disorders with various causes. According to the Mayo Clinic, vasculitis may result from:
Sometimes, there is no known cause. That’s why it’s considered an “idiopathic” condition in many cases. Idiopathic means a condition or disease that arises spontaneously or has no known cause. In other words, doctors don’t yet know what triggered it.
Vasculitis can affect anyone, but it is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged adults. Some forms of vasculitis, like Kawasaki disease or Henoch-Schönlein purpura (now called IgA vasculitis), can affect children.
Vasculitis symptoms depend on which blood vessels and organs are affected. Because inflammation disrupts blood flow, it can damage tissues and organs, especially if left untreated.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, common symptoms include:
When vasculitis affects veins in the legs, patients might notice swelling, skin discoloration, or visible changes like thick, protruding veins similar in appearance to varicose veins. Because the symptoms can be similar, this can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis, especially in people who also have venous insufficiency or other vein disease.
That’s why it’s important to see a vein expert if your leg symptoms don’t improve or are getting worse.
While it might not be vasculitis if you’re experiencing leg swelling, pain, skin changes, or bulging veins, you mustn’t ignore these signs. Remember: chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive condition that can worsen without vein treatment.
A proper evaluation from a Center for Vein Restoration vein doctor can help you get answers—and relief—fast.
Diagnosing vasculitis isn’t always straightforward. Because it mimics other illnesses, your healthcare provider may need several tests to confirm it. According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), diagnosis may include:
If vasculitis is suspected in the veins of your legs or other parts of your body, a duplex ultrasound—a noninvasive test commonly used in vein centers—can help visualize the affected blood vessels.
While vasculitis and vein disease affect your blood vessels, they are very different.
Vasculitis requires different treatment from chronic vein conditions. But because some symptoms overlap, it's vital to consult a vein specialist who can properly evaluate your legs and rule out more serious issues.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
If you're dealing with unexplained leg pain, swelling, or visible vein changes, don’t wait. Whether it’s a simple case of varicose veins or something more complex like vasculitis, the team at Center for Vein Restoration is here to help.
Our board-certified vein specialists use advanced diagnostic tools, including ultrasound imaging and lab work, to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. And with over 100 clinics nationwide, we make expert care convenient and accessible.
👉 Schedule a consultation today at Center for Vein Restoration and take the first step toward healthier legs.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of vasculitis. The goal is to reduce inflammation, prevent complications, and preserve organ function.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatments may include:
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Some people go into long-term remission, while others may need ongoing medication to keep symptoms under control.
Treatment for Venous Insufficiency
Treatment depends on how advanced the venous insufficiency is and the patient’s overall health. The goal is to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications like skin damage or ulcers.
Vein treatment options may include:
Early treatment helps prevent the progression of vein disease. With proper care, patients experience symptom relief and improved quality of life.
At Center for Vein Restoration, we believe no one should live with unexplained vein problems. Whether you’re concerned about varicose veins, venous insufficiency, or rare conditions like vasculitis, our experienced team is ready to listen, diagnose, and treat.
With compassionate care, minimally invasive options, and a commitment to excellence, CVR is the trusted leader in vein treatment across the U.S.
👉 Your legs—and your peace of mind—deserve expert care. Find a location near you and book an appointment HERE.
1. What exactly is vasculitis?
Vasculitis is a rare condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. This inflammation can make it harder for blood to flow, which, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications like organ damage, blood clots, or aneurysms.
2. How is vasculitis different from varicose veins or venous insufficiency?
Vasculitis is caused by inflammation, often triggered by autoimmune conditions or infections, while varicose veins and venous insufficiency are caused by weak or damaged valves in the leg veins. Both can lead to leg pain and swelling, so it’s important to get evaluated by a CVR vein specialist to know what’s going on.
3. Can vasculitis affect my legs?
Yes. If vasculitis affects the veins in your legs, it can cause swelling, skin discoloration, or bulging veins that resemble varicose veins. These symptoms can be confusing and are sometimes misdiagnosed, especially in people who also have vein disease.
4. How do doctors diagnose vasculitis?
Diagnosing vasculitis usually requires a mix of tests. Your provider may order blood work, imaging like MRIs or CT scans, a tissue biopsy, or a urine test to check for organ involvement. In cases involving leg symptoms, a duplex ultrasound—a common tool in vein centers—may be used to visualize blood flow and look for abnormalities.
5. When should I see a vein specialist?
If you’re dealing with ongoing leg pain, swelling, or visible vein changes, don’t wait. These could be signs of venous insufficiency or vasculitis. A board-certified vein doctor at Center for Vein Restoration can perform a thorough evaluation and help you find the right treatment.
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