Vein Care - How to Treat Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when the walls of a blood vessel weaken, allowing the vessel to stretch and swell. As the vein stretches, its valves weaken and stop working properly. Sluggish blood backs up and pools inside the vein, causing it to become twisted and bumpy (varicose). Over time, these veins can become painful or tender to touch.

Center for Advanced Vein Care offer the latest treatments for varicose and spider veins, as well as other vascular conditions. The condition affects women more than men, and it is more common as you get older. If left untreated, the veins can develop sores on the skin or blood clots. In severe cases, varicose veins can rupture or leak.

Treatment options for varicose and spider veins include self-care and minimally invasive procedures. Your physician will recommend treatments based on the size and location of your varicose or spider veins.

In most cases, varicose veins can be diagnosed during a physical examination. The doctor will feel your legs and check them while you are sitting or standing. The doctor may also order a painless ultrasound test, which uses sound waves to produce images of tissues within your body. This test allows the doctor to determine which veins are causing symptoms, examine the direction of blood flow in your varicose veins and assess how well your valves are functioning.

You can improve pain and appearance of your varicose veins with simple lifestyle changes. Take breaks throughout the day to elevate your feet above your ankles, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing around your waist or legs, especially girdles and high heels that restrict blood flow to your feet. Get regular exercise, such as brisk walking, to improve circulation and tone the muscles in your legs, which help move blood through the veins. Lose weight if you are overweight, and eat a healthy diet that limits salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Center for Advanced Vein Care procedures are performed in the office and don't require anesthesia. For radiofrequency ablation, your doctor inserts a catheter into the affected vein. This is done with the help of an ultrasound scan to guide the catheter. A probe at the end of the catheter emits heat, which causes the vein wall to heat up and collapse, closing the affected vein. During sclerotherapy, your doctor injects either a liquid or foam solution into the diseased vein to close it. You may experience a brief stinging or tingling at the injection site, but the discomfort usually subsides quickly.

These treatments cause the diseased vein to close and, over time, virtually disappear with significant reduction of symptoms and improved appearance. As your body heals, blood is re-routed through healthier veins.

Your doctor can explain how each of these procedures works and which is right for you. Some patients will need to use a combination of these treatments to fully treat their varicose or spider veins. If the treatment is deemed medically necessary, your insurance provider will cover most of the cost. Our insurance concierge will work on your behalf to optimize your coverage.