As a cardiovascular and vascular provider at Well&You, I often see patients who have been living with leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, or restless legs for years without realizing these symptoms may be caused by venous disease.
Venous disease occurs when veins struggle to properly return blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to discomfort, skin changes, and circulation problems. One of the most important parts of my job is helping patients understand what’s happening in their bodies and creating treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
One patient came to see me after years of being bothered by both the appearance and discomfort of their legs. They often wore long pants, even during the summer months, and avoided public pools because they felt self-conscious about how their legs looked. Beyond the cosmetic concerns, they were experiencing leg pain that affected their daily life.
With a class reunion approaching this summer, they were especially worried about how they would feel reconnecting with old friends. After a thorough evaluation, we developed a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for their vein disease. Their treatment included Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Varithena® foam therapy, and sclerotherapy to address both the underlying venous insufficiency and the visible veins.
At Well&You, I perform advanced venous treatments including RFA, Varithena, Venaseal, and IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound). These minimally invasive procedures are designed to close damaged veins, redirect circulation into healthier veins, and identify deeper vein issues when necessary. Most treatments require little downtime, allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly.
Today, that patient is pain-free, confident, and excited to attend their reunion. They look forward to wearing clothes they enjoy, spending time outdoors, and reconnecting with friends without worrying about their legs. Stories like theirs are why I love what I do. Treating venous disease isn’t just about improving appearance—it’s about restoring comfort, confidence, mobility, and quality of life.
I always remind patients that healing is a process. While some symptoms improve quickly, lasting results take time and require consistency with follow-up care and treatment recommendations. My goal is not only to treat symptoms but to help patients enjoy healthier, more active lives.
If leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or visible veins are keeping you from doing the things you love, there may be treatment options that can help. Ready to schedule an appointment? Call Well&You today at (904) 895-5400.
About Christina Erford, DNP, APRN, NP-C
Christina Erford is a cardiovascular and vascular Nurse Practitioner at Well&You specializing in venous disease management, preventative care, and minimally invasive vascular treatments. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cruising, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandbabies.
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