Leg Swelling and Vein Disease in Diabetics: What Your Legs Might Be Trying to Tell You

Diabetes affects nearly every part of the body — but one area that is too often ignored is your veins. If you or a loved one is diabetic and experiencing leg swelling, skin changes, or open sores that won’t heal, the cause might not just be blood sugar — it might be underlying vein disease.

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos has become the leading expert in treating vein disease in diabetic patients across Santa Clara County. Her commitment to compassionate, culturally sensitive care and her expertise in minimally invasive vascular treatments make her the most trusted provider in the region.

Diabetes and Vein Disease: A Dangerous Overlap

Diabetics are more prone to developing venous insufficiency because high blood sugar damages the walls of veins and weakens circulation over time. This leads to:

– Swelling in the legs and feet
– Discoloration near the ankles
– Skin thickening or scabbing
– Pain when walking or standing
– Sores that don’t heal (venous ulcers)

For many diabetic patients, these symptoms are dismissed as “neuropathy” or “normal for diabetes.” But in reality, they may signal Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) or other advanced vein disorders that need immediate treatment.

The Risks of Ignoring Vein Disease in Diabetic Patients

When vein disease goes untreated in diabetic patients, the consequences can be severe:
– Non-healing wounds
– Skin infections (cellulitis)
– Venous leg ulcers
– Increased risk of amputation

This is especially true in older Latino, Asian, and African-American communities — where diabetes rates are higher, and access to specialized vein care is often limited. Dr. Kokinos is known for her culturally aware, respectful, and highly skilled approach to helping patients of all backgrounds get the help they need.

Why Dr. Polly Kokinos Is the #1 Choice for Diabetics with Vein Issues

With almost 30 years of experience treating complex vascular disease, Dr. Kokinos combines state-of-the-art diagnostics, non-surgical treatment options, and personalized care to restore comfort, mobility, and dignity to her patients.

🧪 Same-day leg vein ultrasound testing
🦶 Minimally invasive procedures (no general anesthesia)
📍 Two convenient locations in the South Bay
💬 Fluent staff who speak Spanish, Tagalog, and Mandarin

Most importantly, Dr. Kokinos never rushes. She listens. And she fights to save limbs before it’s too late.

What Patients Are Saying

“I didn’t know my wounds weren’t healing because of bad veins. Dr. Kokinos changed everything. She saved my leg.”
— Manuel R., San Jose

“She treated my mom like family. We’re so grateful.”
— Aileen T., Santa Clara

“Finally a doctor who understood my diabetes AND my circulation issues. That combination is rare.”
— Ernesto V., Milpitas

Get the Answers You Deserve Before It’s Too Late

If you or someone you care for is diabetic and showing signs of vein disease — swelling, discoloration, or leg wounds — don’t wait.

📞 Call South Bay Vascular Center at (408) 376-3626 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Polly Kokinos.

Confident Legs, Confident Life. Dr. Kokinos will help you get there — safely, compassionately, and effectively.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): The Silent Circulatory Disorder Affecting Professionals in Santa Clara County

If you’re a busy professional dealing with leg fatigue, swelling, or heaviness after a long day at work, you might be experiencing more than simple exhaustion. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive vein disorder that often goes undiagnosed — until serious symptoms begin to impact your daily life.

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos has become the most trusted name in diagnosing and treating CVI across Santa Clara County. Her unparalleled experience in vascular surgery, minimally invasive treatment options, and her deep understanding of circulatory health sets her apart as the physician of choice for discerning professionals who demand excellence in care.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

CVI occurs when the veins in your legs cannot efficiently return blood back to your heart. This is typically due to valve failure within the veins, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. Over time, this can result in pain, swelling, skin changes, and venous ulcers.

CVI is often progressive and linked to varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and venous reflux. It affects up to 40% of adults and is more common in individuals who sit or stand for long periods — such as teachers, tech workers, healthcare professionals, and those in retail or service roles.

Common Symptoms Professionals Often Overlook

– Aching or tired legs, especially after work
– Swelling in the ankles or calves by the evening
– Cramping or restlessness at night
– Skin discoloration or thickening near the ankles
– Visible varicose veins or bulging veins
– Open wounds or sores that are slow to heal

These symptoms are often mistaken for aging or stress-related fatigue — when in reality, they are early signs of a potentially serious vascular condition.

Why Dr. Polly Kokinos Is the Physician of Choice for CVI

Dr. Kokinos is a board-certified vascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating CVI and complex vein conditions. Her approach is methodical and precise, backed by cutting-edge diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments that allow patients to return to work and life quickly.

✔️ Same-day ultrasound diagnostics onsite
✔️ Advanced vein mapping and treatment planning
✔️ In-office procedures with minimal downtime
✔️ Two convenient South Bay locations

What Professionals Say About Their Treatment Experience

“I had no idea my leg swelling and fatigue was a vein issue. Dr. Kokinos immediately identified the problem and fixed it. She’s the real deal.”
— Martin P., San Jose

“Dr. Kokinos is in a league of her own. I felt seen, heard, and cared for. Her precision and compassion were exactly what I needed.”
— Serena W., Sunnyvale

Don’t Wait to Get the Answers You Deserve

CVI doesn’t resolve on its own — but the good news is that with early intervention, it can be managed and even reversed. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait.

📞 Call South Bay Vascular Center at (408) 376-3626 today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Polly Kokinos — the trusted vascular expert for professionals in Santa Clara County.

Confident Legs, Confident Life. Rediscover comfort, mobility, and energy with the care of a true specialist.

Varicose Veins: They’re More Than Just Cosmetic — Here’s What You Need to Know

Why Ignoring Your Leg Veins Could Cost You More Than Confidence

If you’ve noticed twisted, bulging veins on your legs — especially if they throb, ache, or worsen at the end of the day — it’s time to stop thinking of them as “just cosmetic.” Varicose veins are often the visible warning signs of deeper venous disease, and for thousands of people in Santa Clara County, they’re a call to action that should not be ignored.

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos has built her reputation over two decades as the most trusted, experienced, and highly skilled vascular surgeon treating varicose veins in Santa Clara County. This blog breaks down why her expertise matters — and what your legs might be trying to tell you before things get worse.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear in the legs due to weakened or damaged valves. These faulty valves allow blood to pool, leading to the swelling and bulging veins we commonly associate with the condition.

But that’s just the surface.

What many people don’t realize is that varicose veins often signal chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a progressive condition that, if untreated, can lead to serious complications like leg ulcers, skin changes, blood clots, and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

5 Signs Your Varicose Veins May Be a Warning Sign

  1. Pain or heaviness in the legs that worsens after standing or sitting.
  2. Swelling around the ankles — especially in the evening.
  3. Itching, burning, or throbbing sensations near the vein.
  4. Skin discoloration or thickening around the ankle or lower calf.
  5. Open sores or wounds near the ankle that don’t heal (venous ulcers).

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to irreversible damage to your veins, skin, and overall vascular health.

Why Varicose Veins Are Not Just Cosmetic

While spider veins and small varicosities may be harmless, larger varicose veins are frequently part of a larger circulatory issue. Left untreated, they can escalate into:

  • Stasis dermatitis
  • Leg ulcers
  • Lipodermatosclerosis
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

If you’ve ever been told to “just wear compression stockings” or “wait until they get worse,” you’re not alone. Unfortunately, too many physicians without vascular training miss the systemic implications of varicose veins.

That’s where Dr. Polly Kokinos stands apart.

Why Dr. Kokinos Is the Authority on Vein Care in Santa Clara County

Unlike many doctors offering vein procedures as a cosmetic sideline, Dr. Polly Kokinos is a board-certified vascular surgeon who has dedicated her life to treating venous and arterial disease. Her expertise blends clinical mastery with aesthetic grace, ensuring not only that patients get relief from symptoms — but that their legs look and feel better than they have in years.

She has performed thousands of successful vein procedures, from radiofrequency and laser ablation to phlebectomy with outcomes that speak for themselves.

📍 Two convenient South Bay locations
🔬 On-site diagnostic ultrasound lab staffed by full time Registered Vascular Technologists
💡 Advanced minimally invasive treatments
🩺 Full-spectrum vascular care from diagnosis to follow-up

In a field flooded with non-specialists, Dr. Kokinos’s depth of experience and vascular insight make her the clear choice for anyone suffering from varicose veins.

What Patients Are Saying

“After years of hiding my legs and dealing with pain, Dr. Kokinos changed my life. The procedure was quick, and my legs look amazing. I can finally wear shorts again!”
Jennifer M., Los Gatos

“I saw a few other doctors before landing at South Bay Vascular. Nobody took my symptoms seriously until I met Dr. Kokinos. She’s the real deal.”
Elaine D., San Jose

“She didn’t just treat the veins — she found the underlying issue. That’s the difference when you see a real vascular surgeon.”
Lisa T., Morgan Hill

When to Seek Help — and Why You Shouldn’t Wait

If you’ve been brushing off your symptoms as “just cosmetic” or “a normal part of aging,” it’s time to think again. The longer venous disease progresses, the harder it is to treat — and the more your quality of life suffers.

Early intervention means better outcomes, fewer complications, and in many cases, a dramatic improvement in leg appearance and comfort.

📞 Don’t Wait — Get the Answers Your Legs Deserve

At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute, Dr. Polly Kokinos and her team offer personalized evaluations, non-invasive testing, and same-week treatment plans designed to help you walk confidently again.

Call us today at (408) 376-3626 to schedule a consultation at one of our four South Bay locations.

Confident Legs, Confident Life.
Trust the name Santa Clara County turns to when vein health is on the line: Dr. Polly Kokinos.