What Are Varicose Veins?

Characterized by enlarged, twisted, and bulging veins that can be seen just beneath the skin's surface, varicose veins are usually blue or purple and often appear on the legs and feet. Leg veins have one-way valves that help blood flow back to your heart. When these valves become weak or damaged, your blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to become twisted and enlarged. This is what causes varicose veins.

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Varicose Vein Symptoms

  • Pain or aching in the affected area
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • A sense of heaviness or fatigue in the legs
  • Cramping or throbbing in the legs
  • Burning or itching in the affected area
  • Discoloration or darkening of the skin around the affected veins
  • Ulcers or sores on the skin near the affected veins

Who Gets Varicose Veins?

Some common factors that can increase a person’s chance of getting varicose veins include the following:

  • Aging: as we age, the veins lose their elasticity, making them stretch and weaken
  • Gender: women are more likely to develop them than men due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause
  • Family history: having a family member with varicose veins can increase your chance of developing them as well
  • Weight: having excess weight puts extra pressure on the veins, making them more prone to damage
  • Lifestyle: certain jobs requiring prolonged sitting or standing can increase a person's risk of developing varicose veins
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Treatment Options

Sclerotherapy

This treatment involves injecting a solution into the affected veins, which causes them to shrink and disappear.

Endovenous Ablation

This involves using heat or radiofrequency energy to close off the affected veins.

Compression Stockings

When worn on the legs, compression stockings apply pressure to the legs, helping improve blood flow and reducing swelling. 

Venaseal

Venaseal is another minimally invasive option to treat incompetent superficial veins using medical grade adhesive to close your incompetent and diseased vein. Venaseal procedures are safely performed in an office using only local anesthetic with fewer needle pokes than radiofrequency. After treatment, patients can go home and resume normal activities with minimal restrictions.

Lifestyle Changes Can Help

  • Exercise regularly to improve circulation
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Elevate your legs while lying down or sitting
  • Avoid long periods of sitting or standing
  • Wear comfortable shoes
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Are Varicose Veins Causing You Discomfort?

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, swelling, bleeding, or any other symptoms of varicose veins interfering with daily activities, it may be time to see a doctor. Dr. Spartz of the Spartz Vein Clinic at Skin Care Doctors is a board-certified expert in vein care. She is committed to providing exceptional venous disease treatment gently and compassionately to her patients. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment so that you can be free of the physical and cosmetic concerns of varicose veins.

Better skin health starts here. Schedule your appointment today.

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