Chronic Venous Disease treatment in Los Angeles and Walnut CA

Chronic Venous Disease in Los Angeles & Walnut

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is an umbrella term that encompasses the full spectrum of long-standing conditions caused by abnormal venous function in the legs — from simple varicose veins to advanced skin changes and venous ulcers. At Vein Care Medical Center in Los Angeles & Walnut, Dr. Michael D. Landau specializes in diagnosing and treating all stages of chronic venous disease using the most advanced minimally invasive procedures available. Call (323) 934-9191 to schedule your evaluation.

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Understanding Chronic Venous Disease

The leg veins rely on a network of one-way valves to push blood upward against gravity toward the heart. When these valves become damaged, weakened, or destroyed — due to genetics, prior blood clots, age, obesity, or prolonged standing — blood flows backward and pools in the lower legs. This sustained venous hypertension (elevated pressure) progressively damages the vein walls, surrounding tissue, and skin over time. The result is chronic venous disease.

CVD is classified using the internationally recognized CEAP classification system, which ranges from C0 (no visible signs) through C6 (active venous ulcer). Most patients present somewhere along this spectrum, and the condition tends to progress if left untreated.

Stages of Chronic Venous Disease

  • C0 — No visible or palpable signs of venous disease, but symptoms such as heaviness or aching may be present
  • C1 — Spider veins or reticular veins visible on the skin surface
  • C2 — Varicose veins present
  • C3 — Leg edema (swelling) without skin changes
  • C4 — Skin changes including ankle discoloration, eczema, or lipodermatosclerosis
  • C5 — Healed venous ulcer
  • C6 — Active venous ulcer

Symptoms of Chronic Venous Disease

CVD presents with a wide range of symptoms that often worsen throughout the day and improve with leg elevation:

  • Leg heaviness, fatigue, or aching — especially after prolonged standing
  • Visible varicose or spider veins
  • Ankle and lower leg swelling
  • Skin discoloration or darkening around the ankle
  • Itching, burning, or a crawling sensation along the veins
  • Leg cramps, particularly at night
  • Skin thickening or hardening (lipodermatosclerosis)
  • Open sores near the ankle that are slow to heal (venous ulcers)

Diagnosing Chronic Venous Disease

Diagnosis begins with a clinical evaluation and is confirmed with duplex ultrasound — a non-invasive imaging study that maps venous anatomy, measures blood flow, and identifies refluxing veins in real time. Dr. Landau uses ultrasound to stage your CVD accurately and design a treatment plan targeted at the specific veins driving your condition.

Treatment at Vein Care Medical Center

The treatment approach depends on the stage and severity of your chronic venous disease. Dr. Landau offers the full spectrum of minimally invasive endovenous treatments:

Early treatment produces better outcomes and prevents progression to advanced skin changes and ulceration. Call (323) 934-9191 or request an appointment at our Los Angeles or Walnut office.

Chronic Venous Disease — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chronic venous disease and venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency refers specifically to the failure of the vein valves to maintain proper blood flow direction. Chronic venous disease is the broader term that encompasses all the conditions that result from long-standing venous dysfunction — including spider veins, varicose veins, leg swelling, skin changes, and ulcers. Venous insufficiency is the most common underlying cause of chronic venous disease.

How do I know what stage of chronic venous disease I have?

Dr. Landau evaluates your condition using the CEAP classification system, combining a physical examination with duplex ultrasound imaging. Based on your visible symptoms, ultrasound findings, and medical history, he will classify your CVD and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your stage and severity.

Is chronic venous disease treatable?

Yes — and the earlier it is treated, the better the outcomes. Minimally invasive endovenous procedures such as EVLA, RFA, VenaSeal™, and Varithena™ can permanently close the diseased veins driving CVD, relieving symptoms and halting disease progression. Patients with advanced skin changes or healed ulcers (C4–C5) also benefit significantly from treatment to prevent further deterioration.

Can chronic venous disease lead to venous ulcers?

Yes. Advanced, untreated chronic venous disease can progress to venous ulcers — open wounds near the ankle that are notoriously difficult to heal without first addressing the underlying venous hypertension. Treating the incompetent veins responsible for the pressure buildup dramatically improves ulcer healing rates and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Does insurance cover treatment for chronic venous disease?

Yes — treatment for symptomatic chronic venous disease is typically covered by insurance, including Medicare, when medical necessity is documented. Vein Care Medical Center participates in Medicare and works with many insurance carriers. Our team will help verify your benefits before treatment begins.

How long does treatment take to show results?

Most patients notice meaningful improvement in leg heaviness, swelling, and aching within the first few weeks following endovenous treatment. Skin changes and discoloration may take several months to improve as circulation normalizes and the treated veins are absorbed. Dr. Landau monitors your progress with follow-up visits and adjusts treatment as needed.

What happens if chronic venous disease is not treated?

Without treatment, chronic venous disease tends to progress over time. Patients with C2 varicose veins can develop C3 edema, then C4 skin changes, and eventually C5–C6 venous ulcers. Ulcers are painful, slow to heal, and prone to infection. Early intervention at any stage prevents these outcomes and preserves long-term quality of life.