Venous Insufficiency Pictures
Venous insufficiency comes in many different forms, so seeing venous insufficiency pictures to get a better understanding on if you have it is important. Spider veins and varicose veins are easy enough to recognize, but even these common symptoms can present in different colors, shapes, and locations depending on the stage, severity, and extent of venous insufficiency. Our vein specialists review the venous insufficiency pictures and provide an extensive gallery of visual features of vein disease from the earliest visual manifestations to the most severe end stages.
Vein Specialist
Dr. Michael Lalezarian
Dr. Michael Lalezarian is a double-board certified Vascular Interventional Radiologist specializing in minimally invasive vein treatments. He is a committed partner in the battle against the devastating consequences of venous insufficiency.
John L, March 2022
Venous Insufficiency Pictures
Vein Screening in Los Angeles
Venous Insufficiency Visual Features
Spider and Reticular Veins
Though they’re distinct, we sometimes talk about spider veins and reticular veins interchangeably. To clarify the difference, spider veins (also called “telangiectasia”) are actually widened venules, whereas reticular veins are small rope-like veins. Both spider veins and reticular veins are visible on the surface of the skin, as demonstrated in the venous insufficiency pictures above.
Spider veins are the very first stage chronic venous insufficiency. Spider veins can occur independently of other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, and they often accompany varicose veins or other skin changes related to vein disease. In rare cases, spider veins may be the only outward sign of more advanced vein problems [1,2].
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are bulging veins that course along the surface of the leg. The underlying cause of most vein problems is a phenomenon known as “venous reflux.” Venous reflux refers to the condition in which blood in a vein or a group of veins flows backwards (away from the heart), causing blood to pool in the veins. This pooling is responsible for the visual bulging and discoloration that is characteristic of varicose veins [3].
Varicose veins are commonly thought of as just a cosmetic issue, and while this is true in some cases, many individuals with varicose veins also deal with medically significant swelling and pain. When flow stagnates and blood pools in the veins, it can have systemic effects on the tissues of the leg, affecting skin and muscle health. Patients often report cramping, aching, throbbing, and heaviness in their leg, among other sensations. As vein disease progresses, the skin can become dry and itchy, hardened, or discolored, as demonstrated in the venous insufficiency pictures above.
Varicose veins are treated with minimally invasive medical devices that close down or eliminate the diseased vein, allowing blood to flow through nearby healthy veins. See the pictures of blood pooling in legs above.
Skin Changes
Corona phlebectatica is another visible skin change caused by venous insufficiency. This symptom is characterized by visible dark spots (“stasis spots”) and spider veins around the ankle, and abnormally dilated veins in the same region. Together, these features make the inside of the foot appear colorful and spotted with red, blue, and purple vessels [4].
Venous Leg Ulcers
The goal of venous leg ulcer treatment is to restore healthy blood flow throughout the veins. While less severe vein disease can usually be addressed with varicose vein treatments, venous ulcers often have deep vein issues that must be addressed as well to allow the leg to heal.
Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment
Stages of Venous Insufficiency
Vascular Specialist in Los Angeles
Learn more about Los Angeles Vascular Specialist Dr. Michael Lalezarian.
[1] Michael H. Criqui, Maritess Jamosmos, Arnost Fronek, Julie O. Denenberg, R., & D. Langer, John Bergan, and B. A. G. (2003). Chronic Venous Disease in an Ethnically Diverse Population The San Diego Population Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 76(October 2009), 211–220.
[2] Chiesa, R., Marone, E. M., Limoni, C., Volonté, M., Schaefer, E., & Petrini, O. (2005). Chronic venous insufficiency in Italy: The 24-cities Cohort study. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 30(4), 422–429.
[3] Raffetto JD. Pathophysiology of Chronic Venous Disease and Venous Ulcers. Surg Clin North Am. 2018;98(2):337-347.
[4] Lurie F. Passman M. Meisner M, Dalsing M, Masuda E, Welch H, Bush RL, et al. The 2020 Update of the CEAP classification system and reporting standards. J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2020;8:342-52.
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