Varicose Veins Specialist

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are large veins that protrude from your legs. The veins usually look twisted and cordlike and may appear singly or in multiples. 

Many people find varicose veins distressing because they detract from the appearance of their legs, but aesthetics are usually a minor concern compared to the physical discomfort varicose veins can cause. 

What causes varicose veins?

The primary cause of varicose veins is venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when your vein valves don’t work properly, leading to blood pooling in your legs. The blood accumulation stretches your veins until they’re varicose. An ultrasound can reveal whether you have venous insufficiency.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins can cause quite a few symptoms, such as:

• Leg aching
• Leg heaviness
• Leg itchiness
• Leg burning
• Sore or painful legs

In the later stages of untreated venous insufficiency, your symptoms can also include brown or rust-colored skin patches and painful skin ulcers that won’t heal. But, if you treat varicose veins as soon as they start causing discomfort, you have an excellent chance of avoiding those severe issues. 

What is the treatment for varicose veins?

Apex Cardiology Consultants offers all-around varicose vein care, from prevention to advanced minimally invasive treatments. 

Conservative treatments such as compression stockings, an increase in walking, avoiding extended standing, and losing weight if you struggle with extra pounds may relieve some of the symptoms of varicose veins. 

But, while these conservative measures may help to prevent new varicose veins from forming, they can't eliminate the ones you already have. 

There are several non-surgical treatments for varicose veins that can eliminate your unhealthy veins completely over time. Sclerotherapy is one popular option in which an injected chemical solution causes scarring and vein closure. 

Another option is endovenous thermal ablation. The vein treatment uses either radiofrequency or laser energy to heat the unhealthy vein from the inside. The heat causes the vein to close, and it withers over time. 

Although it’s rare to need surgery for varicose veins, a procedure like vein stripping can physically remove the veins instead of treating them from within. 

To learn more about all the varicose vein treatment options at Apex Cardiology Consultants, click on the online appointment scheduler or call the office.