Your Varicose Veins May Be More Than a Cosmetic Concern

Do you have varicose veins? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. More than 23% of adults have varicose veins. 

These large, raised veins form under the surface of your skin when the valves inside stop functioning as they should. They can develop anywhere, but they’re most common in the legs and feet. 

Valves control blood flow in veins, and when they get weak or damaged, blood collects and the vein swells and twists. Some factors that increase your risk for varicose veins are:

• Aging
• Being female
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• A family history of varicose veins

Having varicose veins or spider veins (smaller damaged veins) can be embarrassing and make you want to cover up your legs, but insufficient veins can be more than a cosmetic concern. If you experience aching, cramping, or heavy legs, varicose veins might be causing your discomfort.

Our medical team at Cardio Metabolic Institute offers comprehensive varicose vein treatments. To learn more about varicose veins and the treatment that’s right for you, make your first appointment by phone or online.

Varicose veins are not just skin deep

The most obvious symptom of varicose veins is their appearance. Varicose veins are usually enlarged and visible below the surface of your skin. They appear twisted or bulging, and are often blue or purple in color. 

Beyond appearance, varicose veins and their blood flow disruptions can lead to other symptoms, such as: 

• Swollen ankles
• Achy legs
• Feeling of heaviness in the legs
• Leg cramps
• Skin discoloration near the affected vein
• Itchy or red skin near the affected vein

Varicose veins can make it painful to sit or stand for long periods of time. Having varicose veins can also increase your risk of restless leg syndrome, a condition that makes you feel like you have to move your legs.

Improve your skin and symptoms with varicose vein treatment

There are a variety of minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins and spider veins. Our team works with every patient to understand how varicose veins are affecting their quality of life and recommends a treatment plan.

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for varicose veins that doesn’t require surgery. In sclerotherapy, we inject a special medication directly into the varicose vein to shrink it, and then the vein fades from view. 

Endovenous thermal ablation is another procedure to treat bothersome varicose veins. Laser energy or high-frequency radio waves generate heat in the varicose vein to close it off. Once the vein is closed, blood can’t flow into it and get trapped.

Minimally invasive varicose vein treatments like sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation typically come with very little downtime, which means you’ll get back to your normal daily activities quickly. For severe varicose veins, surgery can be an option.

Don’t let your varicose veins keep you from enjoying your life. Call us today or request an appointment online to learn more about varicose vein treatment.