What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are large, bulging veins that are visible to the naked eye. They can develop anywhere on the body, but are especially common in the lower extremities, including the thighs, calves, and feet.
Varicose veins occur due to venous insufficiency. The veins in your legs pump blood back to your heart. However, if your vein valves don’t close completely, blood can flow backward and pool. Over time, this pooling causes your veins to swell and become varicose.
Generally, varicose veins are only a cosmetic problem. In some cases, though, they can point to a more serious health problem like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Common symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Large veins that are purple, blue, or green
- Twisted, bulging, or inflamed veins
- Aching or heavy feelings in your legs
- Burning, throbbing, or muscle cramping
- Itching
- Skin discoloration
You might also notice that your varicose veins cause pain following long periods of sitting or standing.
Who is at risk of developing varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a common problem in both men and women, but several factors may increase your risk. For example, you’re more likely to experience varicose veins as you age. This is because getting older causes wear-and-tear on your vein valves.
Other factors that increase your risk of varicose veins include pregnancy, being overweight, and having a family history of varicose veins.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
To diagnose varicose veins, New York Specialty Clinics reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. Your provider examines your legs, looking for visible veins, skin discoloration, and swelling.
Your provider may order a diagnostic ultrasound. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to provide images of your veins and vein valves and detects blood clots or other abnormalities.
How are varicose veins treated?
Treatment for varicose veins depends on your symptoms and their effect on your mobility and quality of life. If you have a mild case, you might benefit from healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight, eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, or wearing compression stockings.
If your varicose veins cause pain and itching, or they put you at risk of deep vein thrombosis, New York Specialty Clinics might recommend a minimally invasive outpatient procedure like:
- Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
- Foam sclerotherapy
- Endovenous laser ablation
- Ambulatory phlebectomy
- High ligation and vein stripping
- Endoscopic vein surgery
These treatments safely treat your varicose veins, allowing blood to reroute to healthier pathways throughout your body.
Don’t wait to seek treatment for varicose veins; schedule an appointment at New York Specialty Clinics by calling the nearest office, or booking online today.
Do you experience leg fatigue, cramping, and pain? You might have Peripheral Vascular Disease. Ask us how we can help today.
