Venous Disease vs. Arterial Disease: Key Differences Explained
Venous disease affects the veins that carry blood back to the heart, causing symptoms like leg heaviness, swelling, and varicose veins that often improve with elevation. Arterial disease affects the arteries delivering oxygen-rich blood to the legs, causing cramping pain during walking that eases with rest. Because these conditions can look similar, proper testing is the only way to tell them apart and for residents of Encino dealing with leg discomfort, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relief. What Is Venous Disease? Chronic venous disease develops when the one-way valves inside leg veins weaken, allowing blood to flow backward and pool instead of returning efficiently to the heart. Over time, this raised pressure can progress into chronic venous insufficiency , a more advanced stage marked by persistent swelling, skin discoloration, and, in severe cases, ulcers near the ankle. Common signs include: Aching or heaviness that builds through the day Swelling that worsens wi...