VARICOSE VEINS
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged blue veins located beneath the skin’s surface that can be felt with a light touch. They may appear as twisted cords and can stand out when standing or with physical activity. While some people have varicose veins without experiencing any symptoms for years, many patients develop bothersome symptoms over time.
As walls of the veins get thinner, the size of the vein can increase causing the valves to not close properly. Blood can pool and reverse in flow leading to inflammation.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Pain and tenderness directly over the affected area
- Swelling in the affected leg, often indicating underlying venous insufficiency
- Feelings of heaviness and fatigue in the leg, rather than localized discomfort
Normal vs Abnormal Veins
- Irritation and inflammation of the skin covering the varicose veins
- Itching and rash development over the affected veins
- Bleeding in cases where the skin becomes thin over the veins, requiring immediate medical attention
- Clotting within the varicose vein leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling (superficial thrombophlebitis)
- Development of venous ulcers in advanced stages of venous disease, necessitating specialized wound and vascular care for healing
Related: Tips for Varicose Vein Pain Relief
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
While varicose veins may be visibly obvious, underlying venous insufficiency could contribute to their development. It’s important to identify any underlying issues before recommending treatment to ensure treatments are successful. Our vascular surgeons typically recommend a venous ultrasound evaluation for a comprehensive assessment.
Treating Varicose Veins
Compression stockings are often utilized to manage varicose veins, reducing swelling and alleviating discomfort. When varicose veins and underlying venous conditions are identified, our Fox Valley Surgical vascular surgeons may recommend one or more modern vein procedures tailored to the individual’s needs. Depending on your particular varicose veins, your vascular surgeon will recommend the best procedure for you.
Advanced treatment options include:
- Sclerotherapy
- Radiofrequency Endovenous Ablation
- Laser Endovenous Ablation
- VenaSeal
- VeinGogh
Your Experienced Vascular Team
Robert Ballard, MD
