Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, visible, bulging veins that are close to your skin’s surface. They typically appear in the legs but can also develop on the face or other areas of your body. Varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern for many people, but other times, these veins are uncomfortable or a sign of a serious health problem. 

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins can cause or appear as:

• Blue, purple, or red visible veins
• Aching pain
• Leg discomfort
• Veins that bulge or twist
• Cord-like veins on your legs
• Aching, heavy feeling in your legs
• Throbbing, burning, itching, or swelling in the lower legs
• Muscle cramping 
• Changes in the color of the skin near a varicose vein
• Pain when sitting or standing for long periods

Smaller versions of varicose veins that are closer to the skin’s surface are called spider veins.

When left untreated, complications of varicose veins might include painful ulcers, bleeding, blood clots, and further leg swelling.

What may increase my risk developing of varicose veins?

While varicose veins are common and anyone may develop them, common risk factors include:

• Damaged or weak valves in your veins
• Family history of varicose or spider veins
• Carrying excess weight
• Being female
• Aging
• Fluctuating hormones
• Hormone treatments in women
• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Pregnancy 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a vascular disease, may also increase your risk of varicose veins. 

Adopting healthy habits, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and not standing or sitting for long periods, could reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. 

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

The Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, experts diagnose varicose veins after discussing your symptoms and medical history, examining any visible veins, and sometimes using a venous Doppler ultrasound to examine blood flow in your veins using sound waves. Doing so can help screen for blood clots. 

How are varicose veins treated?

Treating varicose veins may involve:

• Wearing compression stockings
• Exercising regularly
• Raising your legs when lying down or sitting
• Laser treatments
• Sclerotherapy (injections)
• Catheter-based treatments using laser or radiofrequency energy
• Vein removal procedures
• Healthy weight management

You may also make dietary changes as directed by your provider at Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC. They follow up to ensure an effective outcome.

Schedule a varicose vein evaluation at Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.