Varicose veins develop when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing back to the heart. When these valves fail to function correctly, blood pools in the veins, causing them to stretch and swell.

A common condition that may affect the veins in your legs and feet, varicose veins appear as enlarged, twisted and bulging veins that can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. Severe cases can even lead to more serious circulation issues.

Causes and symptoms of varicose veins

Factors contributing to the development of varicose veins include heredity, age, gender, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and a lack of physical activity. Varicose veins symptoms include:

• Visible, twisted and bulging veins
• Aching or heaviness in the legs
• Swelling
• Itching and burning
• Leg cramps
• Skin changes

Treatments

Varicose veins treatment relieves symptoms, prevents complications and improves the appearance of the affected veins. Depending on the severity of your condition, a vascular specialist may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes
• Compression stockings
• Endovenous laser ablation, a surgical procedure using laser energy to close off the affected vein
• Microphlebectomy, a surgical procedure to remove smaller varicose veins through tiny incisions
• Ligation and stripping, an invasive surgical procedure involving the removal of the damaged vein, is usually performed only in severe cases
• Sclerotherapy is a surgical procedure that injects a solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade over time
• VenaSeal, a surgical procedure that injects a glue into the affected veins, causing them to seal, eventually collapse and disappear over time

Call 770-812-VEIN (8346) to schedule a consultation to begin your transformation now.

Varicose Veins Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce the appearance of my varicose veins?
To reduce varicose veins, consider regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when resting and wearing compression stockings. These lifestyle changes are effective parts of varicose veins treatment.

Can varicose veins be a symptom of something else? 
Yes, varicose veins symptoms can sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as chronic venous insufficiency or, in rare cases, deep vein thrombosis.

What not to do with varicose veins? 
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without movement and refrain from wearing tight clothing that restricts blood flow.

What age do you get varicose veins? 
Although they can occur at any age, varicose veins are more common in older adults, with prevalence increasing with age.

What happens if varicose veins go untreated? 
If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to complications such as skin ulcers, bleeding, and chronic inflammation. Seeking treatment for varicose veins is advisable to prevent these issues.