Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly appear on the legs and feet. They result from weakened or damaged valves within the veins, leading to improper blood flow. While often a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can cause discomfort and may lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

• Individuals with varicose veins may experience:
• Visible, bulging veins
• Aching or heavy sensation in the legs
• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in the lower legs
• Worsened pain after prolonged sitting or standing
• Itching around the veins
• Skin discoloration near the affected veins

Patients may develop advanced venous insufficiency and notice color skin changes in the lower leg and even ulcers. Varicose veins are often genetic, but patients can develop them if they stand or sit for too long. If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to serious pain and skin changes.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, also known as varicoses, can occur when veins aren’t functioning properly. Veins have one-way valves to ensure blood only travels in only one direction. When these valves fail, blood begins to collect in the veins causing the veins to enlarge. Often varicose veins affect the legs. Since the veins in the legs are farthest from your heart, gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow upward.

Some potential causes for varicose veins include:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Standing for long periods of time
• Age over 50
• Family history of varicose veins

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Most vein treatment is nonsurgical, resulting in minimal discomfort and a faster recovery. Our goal is to get you back to your regular activities as quickly as possible.

• Compression Stockings: These help improve circulation and alleviate symptoms.
• Sclerotherapy: A procedure where a solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and fade.
• Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): A minimally invasive procedure using laser energy to seal off the affected vein.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat and close varicose veins.
• Microphlebectomy: Surgically removes varicose veins through tiny skin incisions.

Why get treatment for Varicose Veins?

Varicose vein therapy may be recommended for the following:

• Leg pain, often described as heavy or tired
• Ulcers or sores that are caused by poor blood flow in the veins
• Improving the appearance of the leg
• Lipodermatosclerosis - fatty tissue under that skin that hardens over time from high blood pressure in a vein 

EVLT® is a non-surgical endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. A thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein and seals the faulty vein.

• Treatment takes less than an hour
• Minimal Pain
• Performed in the office with local anesthesia
• Return to work the next day
• No scars
• Symptoms alleviated by procedure
• Usually covered by insurance if veins are symptomatic

Noninvasive diagnostic tests give you results the same day to let you know if you are a candidate for vein treatment.

Request an appointment with a Vein Specialist