Vein Treatments

What are varicose veins?

Veins carry blood to the heart through a one-way valve system. When there is a weakness in the vein wall or a faulty valve, the valve stretches and no longer closes properly. The veins become filled with blood that does not flow normally, causing pain, swelling, discoloration, sores that won’t heal, blood clots and other problems.

Veins channel blood to and from the heart by virtue of one-way valves. If these valves don’t function well, the blood does not flow efficiently. The veins then become enlarged because they are congested with blood. These enlarged veins are commonly called spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins are small red, blue or purple veins on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are larger distended veins that are located somewhat deeper than spider veins.

What causes varicose and spider veins?

There are many factors that contribute to the development of these unsightly veins including pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged standing, and genetics.

Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and telangietasias, commonly referred to as spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from these abnormal leg veins. Up to 50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone affect the disease. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, these abnormal veins are more likely to remain.

What are the symptoms?

Varicose and spider veins frequently cause pain in the affected area. Symptoms include fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, and restlessness of the legs. Leg swelling can occur. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammations or even ulcerations of the lower leg.

Vein disorders are not always visible; therefore diagnostic techniques are important tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. In addition to a physical examinations, noninvasive ultrasound tests are often used.

What to expect?

You will come in for a complimentary consultation with one of the doctors who will proceed to do an evaluation of your veins to determine what treatment is best for you, depending on the severity of your vein problem.

A careful history and physical exam will be performed by the doctor. Some diagnostic testing may be necessary to complete diagnosis

The Vein and Laser Clinic offers state or the art diagnostic and therapeutic solutions in comfortable and aesthetic surroundings. Our medical staff evaluates and treats patients with vein problems, including:

spider veins

varicose veins

pregnancy related vein problems

leg pain, aching, itching, burning

Treatment

Based on your diagnosis, the doctor will determine the type of treatment necessary.

Treatments offered at The Vein and Laser Clinic include,

Sclerotherapy

Laser therapy

EndoVenous laser treatment