Signs It's Time to Get Treatment for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are most common in the legs. Their bulging, twisted, or discolored appearance can spoil your joy when switching to leg-baring, warm weather fashions as the seasons change.
Unfortunately, for many people, these damaged veins also cause leg pain and other physical symptoms that are hard to ignore. Whether your concerns are cosmetic or medical, either is a good reason for treating varicose veins.
The good news? Advanced technology means most varicose veins respond well to incisionless in-office treatments that are quick and painless.
Gary Nackman, MD, FACS, is a board-certified vascular surgeon and founder of NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center in Clifton and Oradell, New Jersey. Dr. Nackman has over 25 years of experience treating vascular conditions like varicose veins.
Read what this top New Jersey vein specialist says about when it’s time to treat your varicose veins.
Varicose vein basics
Veins are the vessels that return blood to your heart. Small one-way valves in the veins open and close regularly to keep blood moving in the right direction. Various conditions can cause the flap-like valves and vein walls to weaken, allowing blood to flow backward.
Pooling blood in the veins causes bulging, twisting, and discoloration common with varicose veins. You can develop varicose veins anywhere, but they’re most common in the legs, where blood flows upward against gravity.
Leg veins include:
Superficial veins
These veins are near the surface, where changes in the blood vessels are often visible as varicose veins. The great saphenous vein (GSV), the longest in the body, is a superficial vein that runs from the ankle to the thigh in each leg.
Perforating veins
Sometimes called connecting veins, perforating veins carry blood from superficial veins to deep veins.
Deep veins
Generally larger in diameter than superficial veins, the deep veins run through muscles and alongside bones. Sluggish blood flow in the deep leg veins can lead to a blood clot (deep venous thrombosis or DVT).
When should I consider treatment for varicose veins?
Dr. Nackman recommends treating varicose veins whenever you’re bothered by their appearance.
Also, treating varicose veins can help prevent or relieve medical symptoms such as:
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Skin changes, including discoloration or leathery appearance
- Aching discomfort or a sensation of heaviness in your legs
- Slow to heal skin ulcers (open sores)
- Burning, throbbing, or cramping pain in the legs
- Pain in the legs that worsens from prolonged standing or sitting
- Itchy skin near the affected vein
Fortunately, treatments available at NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center offer stellar results that address both the cosmetic concerns and physical effects of varicose veins.
How do you treat varicose veins?
During your initial consultation at NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center, Dr. Nackman takes the time to perform a thorough evaluation before developing a treatment strategy for varicose veins.
You can expect a painless diagnostic study (in-office ultrasound) during your visit that provides a comprehensive look at your leg veins and valve function.
Based on the results, Dr. Nackman develops a customized plan that may include compression stockings, increased exercise, and other conservative therapies to reduce physical symptoms.
For a permanent fix, he may recommend incisionless treatments such as Venefit® (minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation) or Varithena® (injectable foam) to seal the damaged vein.
Without blood flow, the vein dies, and your body removes the tissue debris while redirecting blood flow to a nearby healthy vein. This action clears both the cosmetic effects and medical complications of varicose veins.
Schedule an appointment today for a consultation at NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center by calling our Clifton or Oradell, New Jersey office or using our online booking feature.