Varicose and Spider Veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins, most commonly found in the legs. They are caused by valves that do not work correctly in the superficial veins, allowing reflux of blood down the leg. Varicose veins are very common; most patients experience no symptoms. However, they can progress and cause pain and swelling in the legs.

Risk Factors

• Women are more commonly affected
• Aging: varicose veins become more common as we age
  
• Pregnancy
  
• Family history
  
• Obesity
  
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
  

Symptoms

• Aching pain
• Leg swelling
• Leg heaviness or tiredness
• Skin discoloration
• Bleeding
• Ulcers and wounds in severe disease
  

Diagnosis

• Venous Reflux Ultrasound: an ultrasound that visualizes the veins in the legs and determines if there is any insufficiency or reflux

Treatment

• Conservative Management
  • Patients with varicose veins benefit from elevating their legs when they are not walking, weight reduction, and the use of compression stockings. For many patients, this is the only intervention needed to relieve their symptoms
• Radiofrequency Ablation
  • Patients who experience symptoms even with the use of compression stockings can undergo radiofrequency ablation. The surgeon uses local anesthesia and gains access to the vein. A catheter is then inserted that closes the vein
• Sclerotherapy
  • Patients who have small spider veins can undergo sclerotherapy. The surgeon will inject a chemical that clots the vein, closing it off and relieving symptoms
• Stab Phlebectomy
  • For Veins that are torturous they can be surgically removed by our Surgeons
    

Learn more

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Varicose and Spider Veins
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease
Carotid Artery Disease
Dialysis Access
Wound Care
Vascular Lab
Giant Cell Arteritis
Lymphedema
Mesenteric Ischemia