The term Varicose Veins refers to abnormal and unwanted veins that vary in size from small spider veins up to larger bulging varicose veins. They are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They are dilated, thickened, elongated, and twisted vessels with incompetent venous valves, which are inefficient at preventing backflow of blood. They often look like cords and appear twisted and budging. Varicose veins are failed veins. Spider veins commonly occur on the legs, face and other areas.  Varicose veins occur on the legs.

 

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart makes the legs the primary location for Varicose and Spider Veins.

 

Common symptoms include aching, leg fatigue and heaviness, itching, throbbing, night cramps, restless legs and ankle swelling.

 

Do Varicose Veins Serve any Useful Purpose?

In the vast majority of cases, varicose veins do not serve any useful function. In fact, they are dysfunctional veins. Removal of these veins may actually improve circulation. In extremely rare cases, when the deep veins of legs are blocked, varicose veins of legs may carry useful circulation and should not be removed.

 

Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems, including, severe venous insufficiency, blood clots, phlebitis, sores or skin ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs. Spider veins usually do not need medical treatment.

 

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The causes of varicose veins are unclear. However, hereditary or family history of varicose veins is a strong factor. Other factors identified that may contribute to the development of varicose veins: female hormones (internally produced or taken by prescription), pregnancy, trauma, increasing age, obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting.

 

What can be done to Prevent Varicose Veins?

Since the causes are still undetermined, prevention of varicose veins is debatable. However, maintaining a normal weight, walking, limiting the use of external female hormones, and wearing compression stockings may help limit the disease's progression.

 

Conservative measures such as walking, compression hose and leg elevation typically temporarily improve these symptoms.

 

How are Varicose Veins Treated?

Various treatment methods are available to treat varicose veins and spider veins. The type of treatment is specific to the type of varicose veins that need to be treated. Treatment options include compression therapy, injection Sclerotherapy, ablation therapy, surgical removal, and choosing to do nothing.

 

How Many Varicose Vein Treatments are Necessary to Remove the Veins?

A thorough evaluation of the type, severity and extent of each case will determine which treatment plan and how many treatments will be required. Please consult with a varicose vein specialist from our group for a more thorough evaluation of your specific needs and to determine the best method of treatment for you.

 

Does Insurance Pay for the Treatment of Varicose Veins?

Most insurance companies consider treatment of varicose veins that are symptomatic medically necessary and will therefore pay for the treatment. Consult with your vein specialist to find out more regarding your specific case. Usually spider veins are considered cosmetic and typically not covered by insurance.

 

What can Happen to Varicose Veins if Left Untreated?

Varicose veins can be a serious disorder that restricts work and leisure activities for both men and women. Thrombosis (blood clots), spontaneous bleeding and skin ulcers are complications of varicose vein disease. Also, if varicose veins are left untreated, smaller veins may take on additional work which can be associated with worsening symptoms.

 

When is Varicose Vein Treatment not Advisable?

As with any medical procedure, there are those individuals who may not be fit to undergo certain vein treatments. Before deciding on any treatment options, make sure that you consult with your vein specialist in order to make sure that all potential issues have been raised. Patients should generally consider treatment when the veins are bothering them enough because of cosmetic concern, symptoms or complications due to the veins. There are contraindications to treatment. These include, but are not limited to inability to ambulate (walk), increased risk of developing blood clots, pregnancy, certain chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes), and significant medical illness. Check with your doctor before hand to make sure you are ready to undergo treatment.

 

What Happens after Varicose Vein Treatment?

Recovery periods may differ from treatment to treatment. The wearing Gradient Compression Support Stockings are a part of all our vein treatments. Our physicians and nurses will determine how long you should wear the compression stockings, which is generally based on the type of veins and treatment you had. Most physicians recommend that you walk a lot after treatment. Depending on your treatment, other instructions may be given.

 

Can the Varicose Veins Reoccur?

Varicose vein treatments are aimed at clearing the existing problem veins. As you age, it is common for other veins to develop varicosities. Most often these are new veins, although treated veins could re-open.

 

It is important to keep in mind that superficial venous disease and varicose veins is an inherited disorder that is chronic and progressive. Any treatment method is at best palliative, as venous insufficiency will generally develop in other veins as time passes. All of the current treatments have a certain degree of failure, but this may be minimized if the principles of performing a proper and thorough evaluation prior to treatment planning, determining the most effective treatment plan, and treating the reflux beginning with the proximal sources before the more distal are followed. The importance of minimizing sedentary behaviors, weight control, regular exercise, and the use of gradient compression therapy will also help to diminish the frequency and severity of recurrence.

Return to Top