Quick Summary About Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins caused by malfunctioning vein valves. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, heaviness, inflammation, itching, bleeding, clotting, and venous ulcers. Diagnosis involves physical examination and venous ultrasound. Treatment options include compression stockings, sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, VenaSeal, and microphlebectomy. Early diagnosis and treatment improve quality of life and potential complications.
What are varicose veins
Varicose veins are dilated veins underneath the skin that can be felt with light touch. They may appear as twisted cords and may bulge out with standing or activities. Some people may have varicose veins for many years and not have any symptoms. However, many patients do develop bothersome symptoms over time as their varicose veins become larger and more severe.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
- Pain and discomfort – varicose veins may have pain and tenderness right over the area
- Swelling – swelling of the affected leg is very common and may be sides of underlying venous insufficiency
- Heaviness and fatigue – Varicose veins may cause leg to have generalized discomfort such as heaviness and fatigue that is rather diffuse than pinpointed
- Inflammation – Skin over the varicose veins may develop irritation from the underlying veins and swelling
- Itching and rash – As skin develops irritation, some people also experience itching and rash over the veins
- Bleeding – Bleeding may occur if the skin becomes thin over the veins and the vein erodes. This may result in impressive amount of bleeding that warrants immediate medical attention
- Clotting – When varicose veins get irritated, clotting of the veins may result. This can be cause further inflammation, pain, and swelling, which is called superficial thrombophlebitis
- Venous ulcers – In late stages of venous disease, skin ulcers may develop and this will need specialized wound and vascular care to get the ulcers to heal
How to diagnose varicose veins?
While varicose veins can be visibly obvious, there may be underlying venous insufficiency that contributes to varicose vein development. It would be important to identify these issues before treatment can be recommended as inadequately diagnosed venous condition is a common reason for treatment failure. As such, our vascular surgeons typically recommend a venous ultrasound for evaluation.
How to treat varicose veins?
Varicose veins can typically be controlled with compression stockings to help reduce swelling and improve discomfort. When varicose veins and underlying venous condition are identified, our vascular surgeons may recommend one or more of our modern vein procedures.
What's next?
Take the next step by making an appointment with one of our vascular surgery providers today!