By: Article by Alex Walsh, Delaware Advanced Vein Center
Call (302) 690-0933 or visit delawareadvancedveincenter.com
Many military veterans spend years on their feet—standing watch, carrying heavy gear, marching long distances, or sitting for extended periods during transport and deployment. These demands can take a toll on the circulatory system, particularly the veins in the legs. One often overlooked condition is chronic venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart. Normally, one-way valves keep blood moving upward against gravity. When those valves weaken or become damaged, blood pools in the lower legs, increasing pressure and causing symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Common signs include leg swelling (especially around the ankles), aching or heaviness, throbbing, cramping, itching, skin discoloration, and visible varicose veins. Symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting. In advanced cases, skin breakdown or slow-healing venous ulcers may develop near the ankles.
While vein disease is often hereditary, risk factors especially relevant to veterans include prolonged standing or sitting, prior leg injuries, surgeries, blast trauma, obesity, smoking, blood clots, and aging.
The good news: venous insufficiency is treatable—especially when caught early. Conservative care may include walking regularly, elevating the legs, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding long periods of immobility. If symptoms persist, minimally invasive outpatient procedures can close or repair damaged veins with little downtime and significant improvement in comfort and mobility.
Delaware Advanced Vein Center, an IAC-accredited clinic, treats patients from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. They offer free phone screenings to determine whether treatment may be right for you.
Veterans should not dismiss leg symptoms as “just aging” or “part of the job.” Venous insufficiency is a legitimate medical condition and is typically covered by insurance. If you’re experiencing symptoms, Dr. Anthony Alfieri and the team at Delaware Advanced Vein Center can help.
DELAWARE ADVANCED VEIN CENTER
A Division of Alfieri Cardiology, P.A.
Explore more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/
