Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, visible, twisted, or cord-like veins close to your skin’s surface. They’re diseased veins that are often blue, purple, or red in color and most often affect vessels in your legs. While varicose veins are often a cosmetic concern, they can also indicate more serious vascular health issues. See a vein specialist to eliminate problematic veins. 

Which symptoms can varicose veins cause?

Varicose veins are often characterized by:

• Cord-like blood vessels, often on your legs
• Leg aching
• Heaviness in the legs
• Throbbing or burning
• Muscle cramping
• Lower leg swelling
• Blue, dark purple, red, or skin-colored visible veins
• Twisted or bulging veins
• Skin color changes
• Itching near your veins

The varicose vein pain you experience could worsen after standing or sitting for long periods. However, not everyone experiences discomfort.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are web-like smaller veins that often appear on the face or legs. 

What increases the risk of varicose veins?

Varicose vein risk factors include:

• Damaged or weak veins
• Family history of varicose or spider veins
• Carrying excess weight
• Older age
• Being female
• Hormone changes
• Birth control pills or other hormone treatments
• Pregnancy
• Sitting or standing for long periods

When left untreated, some varicose veins increase the risk of blood clots, bleeding, ulcers, and swelling. 

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Diagnosing varicose veins at The Upper East Side Vein Institute involves a discussion about your lifestyle, medications, medical history, and symptoms. Your specialist examines your skin and may suggest ultrasound imaging or other diagnostic tests to screen for blood clots and other potential concerns.

How are varicose veins treated?

The Upper East Side Vein Institute may suggest one or more of the following varicose vein treatments:

• Lifestyle adjustments
• Compression stockings
• Varithena™ (foam injection that eliminates diseased veins)
• VenaSeal™ (medical adhesive that closes diseased veins)
• Asclera (injections for spider and small varicose veins)
• ClosureFast™ (treatment using heat or radiofrequency energy to close diseased veins)
• Sclerotherapy 
• Laser treatments
• Surgical vein removal

You can do things at home, including getting regular exercise, elevating your legs when lying down or sitting, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining an ideal body weight. Wear comfortable shoes, avoid tight clothing, and don’t stand or sit for long periods.

Schedule a varicose vein evaluation at The Upper East Side Vein Institute by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.