Ask the doctor: What is venous insufficiency?

Q. I have been diagnosed with venous insufficiency. What does that mean?

A. Venous insufficiency means that some of your veins aren't working properly. This condition often develops after veins are damaged by an injury, surgery, or blood clot. Veins drain blood and fluid back to the heart, so people with venous insufficiency usually have symptoms caused by the buildup of fluid. Venous insufficiency most commonly occurs in the legs (varicose veins are one type of this condition), where its symptoms include