Vein Care How It Works

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue; they can also cause pain, swelling and a feeling that your legs are heavy. Center For Advanced Vein Care can help relieve your symptoms and prevent more serious problems down the road.

Varicose and spider veins occur when the walls of a vein weaken, causing the vein to stretch. Over time, this weakened wall causes blood to back up or pool in the vein, causing it to swell and twist. These damaged veins are visible under the skin and often appear blue or purple and can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Varicose veins are also a risk factor for more serious, life-threatening health issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or ulcers.

DVT is a blood clot that occurs in the larger, deeper veins in the leg or thigh. It is a very serious problem that can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, which happens when a small piece of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. DVT is more common in women and can be caused by pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or prolonged sitting or standing for long periods of time. DVT can be diagnosed with an ultrasound exam of the leg and thigh veins.

There are several non-surgical treatments for varicose and spider veins that can be performed by your physician, including the use of compression stockings. These compression stockings provide a light, comfortable fit that compresses the veins to reduce symptoms and improve circulation.

Another treatment is sclerotherapy. During this procedure, your doctor injects a special solution into the varicose or spider veins, which damages and scars the inside lining of the vein, closing it. Over time, the varicose or spider vein will fade and the underlying vein is closed.

In some cases, your physician may recommend an ultrasound exam of your leg veins to diagnose your condition and determine the most effective treatment for you. An ultrasound is a safe, painless exam that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of your body and blood vessels. An ultrasound can be used to show blood flow and identify the weakened or damaged walls of a varicose or spider vein.

Other procedures for varicose and spider veins include ligation and stripping, which is a surgical procedure that removes the affected vein. This procedure is used when simple self-care methods don't help. A vascular specialist can determine if this is the best option for you. Other less invasive options for varicose and spider veins are radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser treatment. During this procedure, your doctor makes a small incision near the affected vein, which is usually made just above or below the knee. They then insert a narrow tube, called a catheter, into the vein. The catheter is then attached to a device that emits radiofrequency energy, which heats the inside of the affected vein and causes it to close. In some cases, this procedure is done under local anesthetic.