Varicose Vein Treatment Specialist

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that develop due to dysfunctional valves. These damaged veins typically form in your legs because blood has to work harder against the forces of gravity to flow back to your heart.

In a healthy vein, valves keep blood flowing in one direction. When valves aren’t functioning correctly, blood can slip backward instead of continuing to move forward. Blood then builds up in the vein, causing it to become enlarged.

What are my risk factors for varicose veins?

While anyone can develop varicose veins, the condition is common in women during pregnancy and in people who sit or stand for long periods of time.

If you’re overweight or obese, you might be prone to developing varicose veins in your legs. Enlarged veins can also occur in your rectum (hemorrhoids), in the testicles (varicoceles), and your stomach, liver, and esophagus.

You should seek treatment for varicose veins if you’re experiencing symptoms that you can’t treat at home, such as:

• Itching
• Cramping
• Heaviness
• Skin discoloration

If the enlarged veins interfere with how you feel about your appearance, the Humble Vascular Surgical Center providers can treat them.

How are varicose veins treated?

Before treating varicose veins, your physician at Humble Vascular Surgical Center performs a physical exam and reviews your family and personal medical histories. They might also request an ultrasound or other diagnostic imaging test to get a closer look at your veins.

Treatment options for varicose veins include:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injections of a chemical agent into the vein to irritate it and cause its collapse. As the vein seals closed, your blood reroutes to nearby, healthy veins, and over time, your body absorbs the collapsed vein.

Endovenous ablation

Endovenous ablation uses radiofrequency energy to heat the inside of your vein and seal it closed. Your blood moves into nearby veins, similar to sclerotherapy.

Surgery

If you have severe varicose veins or enlarged veins set deep into your legs, you might need surgery to remove them. The Humble Vascular Surgical Center providers use minimally invasive techniques to remove the affected vein through small incisions.

You will also need to make lifestyle changes to prevent new varicose veins from forming. This includes incorporating more exercise into your day, wearing compression socks to improve blood circulation, and quitting smoking.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for painful varicose veins, call Humble Vascular Surgical Center or book an appointment online today.