Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins visible underneath your skin, often on your legs. They are blue or purple in color and may protrude from the skin and feel hard to the touch. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins and produce smaller red, blue, or purple veins that are visible through the skin.

While they don’t generally cause medical issues, varicose veins may bleed or form ulcers where they protrude from the skin. They may also be a cosmetic issue for some people and can be corrected with treatment from the team at Coastal Heart Medical Group.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins become weak or damaged. This can be caused by chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, or a history of blood clots in the legs. Risk factors for developing varicose veins include:

• Family history
• Being over the age of 65
• Pregnancy
• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of movement, including standing for long periods of time
• Leg trauma

Varicose veins are more common in women due to hormonal fluctuations and changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Men can also experience varicose veins, though it’s less common.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Varicose veins are diagnosed based on a thorough medical history and physical exam. In many cases, the team can identify varicose veins by inspecting the affected area and checking for swelling, tenderness, and soreness around the involved veins.

Additional testing may be required to determine the extent of damage to the valves in your veins. These tests include duplex ultrasounds and angiograms. Varicose vein testing aims to assess the health of your veins, the function of the valves in your veins, and identify areas where blood is pooling or the veins have narrowed.

How are varicose veins treated?

Treatment options differ based on your symptoms, the severity of your condition, and any discomfort or cosmetic imperfections you want to improve. Treatments range from mild, non-invasive options to surgical repair. Common options include:

• Sclerotherapy
• Varithena® injection therapy
• Microsclerotherapy
• Laser ablation or endovenous laser vein treatment
• Endoscopic vein surgery
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Vein stripping and ligation

The physicians aim to provide the most effective treatment for your needs and takes special care to reduce your discomfort and speed up your recovery as much as possible.

To get treatment for varicose veins, call Coastal Heart Medical Group or schedule online.

We offer Laser Vein Treatment