How to Lower Your Risk for Bulging, Painful Veins
Veins are essential to the circulatory system, carrying blood back to the heart. However, certain factors can cause veins to become enlarged, bulging, and painful. Learn how to lower your risks.
Common Vein Complaints We Treat
Dr. Gary Nackman is a board-certified vascular surgeon at NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center in Oradell and Clifton, New Jersey. Dr. Nackman has over 25 years of experience delivering safe, effective treatments for varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and other problematic veins.
Read more from Dr. Nackman’s team regarding the most common vein complaints and treatments he offers.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are large, twisted veins that may bulge above the skin’s surface and are usually blue or dark purple.
Most commonly found on the legs, varicose veins occur when valves within the veins fail to function correctly, leading to the pooling of blood and cosmetic effects related to these damaged veins.
Physical symptoms of varicose veins include leg pain and swelling, skin discoloration, and thickened leathery skin.
Treatments Dr. Nackman offers for varicose veins include:
- Venefit® —minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation
- Varithena® —injectable foam
- Asclera® — injectable polidocanol
- Minimally invasive micro-phlebectomy
These in-office treatments eliminate the damaged vein, relieving cosmetic concerns and physical symptoms.
Spider veins
Spider veins are smaller, red or blue veins that spread out like a web and are usually found on the legs and face.
Factors such as heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and sun exposure can contribute to their development.
Treatment may include Sclerotherapy with Asclera®, laser vein treatments, intense pulsed light (IPL), or Veinwave™.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
CVI occurs when leg veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. It’s often a result of increased pressure in the veins caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), weakened vein walls, or damaged valves within the veins.
Symptoms of CVI include:
- Achy or tired legs
- Burning or tingling in the legs
- Leg cramps, especially at night
- Reddish-brown skin discoloration, usually around the ankles
- Edema (swelling) in the lower legs and ankles
- Open sores (venous ulcers), usually near the ankles
Treatment may include compression stockings, antibiotics to help clear skin infections, and varicose vein treatments to eliminate damaged veins. Lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and weight control can also help.
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein and is usually present in the legs. A DVT is of particular concern since the clot can break away and travel to the heart or lungs, becoming a life-threatening emergency.
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling in the affected leg
- Pain, cramping, or soreness that often starts in the calf
- Red or purple skin discoloration
- Warmth in the affected leg
Long periods of limited mobility (such as when traveling), certain medications, smoking, and some medical conditions can increase your risk of DVT.
Treatment may include blood thinners, clot-buster medication, or compression stockings. You may also benefit from special filters placed in a large abdominal vein (vena cava) to trap blood clots before they reach the heart or lungs.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Nackman at NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center today for help with problematic veins by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
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