Medically reviewed by Mark A. Edelman, MD, DABVLM, on October 11, 2025
If you’ve ever searched online for answers about vein problems, you’ve probably seen plenty of conflicting information that can leave you with more questions than answers.
Some websites treat varicose veins, venous insufficiency, or chronic venous insufficiency as if they’re the same thing, while others offer vague explanations that raise more questions than they answer. That’s where Center for Vein Restoration can help. As America’s largest physician-led vein center, we provide vein education and resources you can trust.
The truth is that varicose veins and venous insufficiency are related but not identical. Understanding the difference is crucial because it helps you recognize what’s happening in your legs, what symptoms to watch for, and when it’s time to see a vein specialist for personalized answers and effective treatment.
We consulted board-certified vein specialist Dr. Mark Edelman for this article. He is the lead vein physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinics in Norwalk, Connecticut, and Stamford, Connecticut.
✅To book a consultation with Dr. Edelman in Norwalk, CT, CLICK HERE.
✅To book a consultation with Dr. Edelman in Stamford, CT, CLICK HERE.
✅To book a consultation at any of CVR’s other 120+ vein clinic locations nationwide, CLICK HERE.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear blue or purple. They most commonly show up on the legs and feet, where gravity works against the flow of blood back to the heart. In healthy veins, tiny valves open and close to direct blood flow in the correct direction toward the heart. If those valves are weakened or become damaged, it allows blood to pool and the veins to stretch, resulting in varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins can include:
Varicose veins are extremely common. In fact, up to 23 percent of adults in the U.S. have them, according to the American Heart Association Journal Circulation.
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) has over 500,000 patient encounters every year with a 98 percent patient satisfaction rating, making them the nation’s most trusted choice for diagnosing and treating vein disease. 👉 Book your consultation with a CVR vein specialist today and discover how simple relief can be.
Having venous insufficiency means the veins aren’t working as they should, while chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) refers to a more advanced, long-term form of the condition that causes ongoing symptoms and complications. It happens when the valves in your leg veins fail so badly that blood can no longer flow efficiently back to the heart. Instead, blood collects in the lower legs, which raises venous pressure and causes progressive damage.
Symptoms of venous insufficiency often overlap with varicose veins, but can be more severe:
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, untreated venous insufficiency can lead to complications like skin infections (cellulitis), venous ulcers, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Think of varicose veins as the visible “tip of the iceberg” and venous insufficiency as the underlying disease process. Not everyone with varicose veins has venous insufficiency, but varicose veins are often one of the first signs of this condition. Spider veins, those smaller, web-like red or blue veins, can also be an early cosmetic indicator of vein problems. Left untreated, what starts as varicose veins can progress into chronic venous insufficiency.
The National Library of Medicine (NIH) notes that chronic venous disease is a progressive condition. Early recognition and treatment are key to preventing complications.
Several factors increase the risk of valve failure in the veins:
Without treatment, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) usually progresses. Complications can include venous ulcers, recurrent skin infections, blood clots, and long-term skin damage such as thickening or scarring (lipodermatosclerosis).
The good news is that CVI can be managed. Treatment may begin with conservative measures such as compression stockings, leg elevation, exercise, and weight management. If symptoms are more severe, vein specialists may recommend minimally invasive vein treatments to close diseased veins.
Early treatment not only relieves symptoms like swelling and leg pain but also helps prevent serious complications later.
While you can’t control age or genetics, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of vein problems:
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent progression.
Mild varicose veins may not always need medical treatment, but if you have leg pain, swelling, skin changes, or sores that won’t heal, it’s time to consult a vein doctor. A vein expert can perform an ultrasound to assess the function of your valves and recommend the most suitable vein treatment.
Today’s vein treatments are simple, minimally invasive procedures performed on an outpatient basis at Center for Vein Restoration clinics nationwide. Options include:
These treatments improve circulation, relieve symptoms, and restore confidence in the appearance of your legs.
Varicose veins and venous insufficiency may be closely related, but they’re not the same—and both require expert evaluation. Varicose veins are often the first visible sign of vein disease, while venous insufficiency is the underlying valve failure that can progress to serious complications if left untreated.
The board-certified vein specialists at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) use advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments to address the root cause of your vein problems. Whether you’re struggling with leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, CVR is here to help you find answers, prevent complications, and restore your confidence and comfort.
Don’t let vein disease hold you back. Trust the experts at CVR to assess and treat your veins with compassionate, effective care.
1. Are varicose veins and venous insufficiency the same thing?
No. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins visible under the skin, while venous insufficiency is a deeper circulatory problem where the valves inside the veins don’t work properly. Varicose veins can be an early sign of venous insufficiency.
2. Can varicose veins or venous insufficiency get worse if I don’t treat them?
Yes. Both conditions are progressive and can lead to more serious problems over time, including swelling, skin changes, ulcers, and even blood clots if left untreated.
3. How are these conditions treated?
Vein specialists use minimally invasive, outpatient procedures like sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, microphlebectomy, or VenaSeal to close diseased veins and restore healthy blood flow—with little to no downtime.
4. What can I do to prevent vein problems?
Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, elevate your legs when possible, wear compression stockings, and take breaks from sitting or standing for long periods. These steps support circulation and help keep veins healthy.
About Vein Disease
Spider Veins
Varicose Veins
Vein Disease Treatments
Treating Spider Veins
Treating Varicose Veins
About Us
Patient Resources
Physician Resources