Varicose Veins
Your overall health is determined by countless factors, many of which lie right beneath the skin. Your veins operate within the circulatory system to transport blood back to the heart. When veins and valves do not function properly, the blood stops and builds up in the lower legs. This condition can cause varicose veins, known for their enlarged size and purple color.
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What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern, they are caused by a medical condition called venous insufficiency. This can lead to discomfort, swelling, and even more serious complications if left untreated.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and bulging veins, most commonly appearing on the legs. They occur when vein valves weaken or fail, causing blood to pool instead of flowing properly up back to the heart. This leads to increased pressure, making veins swell and become more visible beneath the skin.
Millions of people suffer from varicose veins, often dismissing them as a normal part of aging. However, early treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What Do Varicose Veins Look Like?
- Dark purple or blue veins
- Bulging, rope-like veins on the legs
- Visible swelling around the affected veins
- Clusters of veins resembling a web or knot
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Beyond their appearance, varicose veins can cause painful and disruptive symptoms that affect daily life.
Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore:
- Aching muscles
- Burning or itching sensation
- Leg cramps
- Pain from sitting or standing
- Skin color or texture changes
Causes of Varicose Veins
The primary cause of varicose veins is damaged vein or valve function. What creates this improper vein function differs between patients. Varicose veins can be a symptom of other venous diseases, such as chronic venous insufficiency. At the same time, varicose veins are an issue by themselves.
Below are the most common causes of varicose veins:
Vein Treatment Options
Our providers offer safe, simple, and quick spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy. This procedure uses a small needle to inject an FDA approved sclerosing agent that closes the vein and redirects the blood.
Instead of using heat to seal the veins, VenaSeal injects a small amount of FDA-approved medical glue. This minimally invasive treatment collapses diseased veins, which signals the blood to reroute.
Also known as RFA, radiofrequency ablation uses a catheter to seal diseased veins. RFA uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy to heat the vein until it closes.
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the diseased veins are physically removed.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If your varicose veins are painful, swollen, or causing skin changes, it’s time to seek professional care. Even if you’re at risk, early intervention and lifestyle changes can help prevent worsening symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves in the veins that allow blood to pool instead of flowing naturally back to the heart.
Spider veins are often smaller, red or blue, and closer to the skin’s surface, while varicose veins are larger, raised, and sometimes painful to the touch.
Varicose veins are more common in people over 50, women (especially during pregnancy), and those who spend long hours standing or have a family history of vein problems.