Vein Care - Symptoms and Treatment of Varicose Veins

The most common symptom of varicose veins is pain, usually described as a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Some people also report a burning or throbbing sensation in the legs. The pain of varicose veins tends to get worse on warm days because the blood vessels dilate more in hot weather and it's harder for the valves in the veins to function correctly. Many patients find that their symptoms are relieved by wearing compression stockings, which help to improve the blood flow in the leg veins and reduce the pressure on the veins. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, Vein Care Center may help to relieve the discomfort.

Other serious, but less common, symptoms of varicose veins include ulcers or open sores in the skin, and a blood clot that forms in one of the deeper varicose veins. A clot in the deep vein of the leg can break off and travel to the lungs, where it's more likely to cause a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism can be fatal, and if it's severe enough to cause a pulmonary embolism, early diagnosis and treatment of the varicose veins is very important.

In addition to reducing the discomfort of varicose and spider veins, regular exercise can encourage better blood circulation in the legs. Walking helps to strengthen the calf muscles, which can help move the blood through the veins and ease the pain and discomfort of varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings can also help to reduce the appearance of varicose and spider veins and may reduce their recurrence.

During your vein care appointment, our vein specialist will complete a thorough exam, including ultrasound diagnostic testing, and curate a personalized vein treatment plan just for you. Depending on your medical history and treatment options, some minimally-invasive vein treatments may be covered by insurance. Our insurance concierge will work on your behalf to understand the details of your coverage and help you maximize your benefits.

Some patients choose to treat their varicose and spider veins with a procedure called phlebectomy, which involves the removal of the diseased vein. An enhanced version of this procedure known as transilluminated powered phlebectomy makes it easier for the doctor to see the veins under the skin and results in fewer cuts and less pain, bleeding and scarring. Another new treatment is cyanoacrylate glue occlusion, which involves injecting a special type of glue into affected veins to seal them shut. This procedure can be done with local anaesthetic and is very effective for relieving the pain of varicose and spider veins.

Despite the pain and discomfort of varicose and spider veins, most patients who receive treatment are very pleased with their decision. They often say the quality of their life has improved significantly once their vein problems are treated, and they're happy to no longer be bothered by the appearance of their legs. Getting treatment early may also help to prevent more severe and painful complications down the road, such as venous ulcers and pulmonary embolism.