Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are large, bumpy visible veins that appear under the skin. Varicose veins most often affect the legs, but they can occur in any vein in the body.

The bulging, gnarled veins form when there’s an increase in pressure in the vein. Common conditions that may increase pressure include pregnancy, obesity, or spending long periods of time sitting or standing. 

Your veins circulate blood back to your heart and lungs for reoxygenation. The veins contain one-way valves that open to allow the blood to move forward and close to prevent backflow.

If the valves in your veins are weak or damaged, blood flows backward and pools, creating the enlarged, visible vein. 

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Though varicose vein symptoms vary, the most obvious symptom is the appearance of enlarged, twisted, and bumpy veins under your skin. However, your varicose veins symptoms may go beyond aesthetic displeasure.

Other varicose vein symptoms include:

• Leg pain
• Leg cramping
• Change in leg skin color
• Development of leg sores
• Burning, itching, or aching sensation in your legs

If your varicose veins are severe, you may also experience swelling in your lower extremities or develop non-healing leg ulcers. 

No matter the severity of your symptoms, you should have your varicose veins evaluated to rule out a more serious circulation problem, such as chronic venous insufficiency. 

How are varicose veins treated?

When you visit Lone Star Heart and Vascular Center with concerns about varicose veins, your provider develops a personalized treatment plan to improve circulation and appearance.

Treatment options include:

Injections

For spider veins (small web-like visible veins) and surface varicose veins, your provider at Lone Star Heart and Vascular Center may recommend injection treatment. 

During this procedure, your provider injects a special medication directly into the damaged vein, which causes the vein to collapse and disappear over time. 

Radiofrequency ablation

To treat varicose veins and complicated vein problems, such as leg ulcers, your provider may recommend radiofrequency ablation.

During the procedure, your provider inserts a catheter into the enlarged vein then delivers radiofrequency energy to close the vein. 

Endovenous chemical ablation

During an endovenous chemical ablation, your provider uses ultrasound-guided techniques to inject a special chemical into your varicose vein, which causes the vein to collapse and close.

After the closure of your varicose veins, your body reroutes the blood to healthier veins to maintain normal circulation. 

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern. To schedule a consultation to learn more about the procedures available at Lone Star Heart and Vascular Center to help you get rid of varicose veins, call the office or book online today.