Varicose Veins Treatment in NYC
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, raised veins that are mainly visible on your legs and feet. Varicose veins may appear to be blue, red, purple, or sometimes the same color as your skin. The color of your varicose veins may vary based on the oxygen levels in your veins. Veins with higher levels of oxygen may have a red hue to them, while veins with lower oxygen levels may have a blue hue to them.
What causes varicose veins?
Beneath the surface of your skin, your body is made up of various arteries, veins, and muscles. In order to help pump blood throughout your body, your veins contain what are known as valves. Valves act as gates that open up to let blood move through your veins and then close back up to prevent the blood from flowing back down. When the valves do not function properly, blood may leak back down and gather in the veins. The accumulation of blood causes your veins to enlarge, forming what are known as varicose veins.
Extreme stress on your legs as well as other factors may contribute to the development of varicose veins. Causes for varicose veins may include:
- Being pregnant
- Being overweight
- Standing for long periods of time
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Leading an inactive lifestyle
- Aging
- Genetics
- Previous leg injuries
- Having conditions that place pressure on the stomach, such as tumors or constipation
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Symptoms of varicose veins will typically affect the legs and surrounding areas. Symptoms of varicose veins may include:
- Enlarged veins on your legs or feet
- Cramps or throbbing in your legs
- Aching, weighted, or sore legs, sometimes paired with swollen ankles or feet
- Alterations in the color of the skin around the varicose vein
Contact your doctor if:
- Your symptoms are impairing your daily activities
- The skin above your varicose veins becomes scaly, infected, discolored, or bleeds easily
- The varicose veins are red, tender to the touch, or warm
- A varicose vein becomes damaged
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Diagnosing varicose veins typically involves a physical exam from your doctor. To perform a physical exam, your doctor will first ask that your stand upright. Your doctor will then do a quick evaluation and assessment of your legs for signs of swelling. Your doctor may also ask if you are experiencing any pain or other symptoms in your legs. In order to assess blood flow and to identify any indications of blood clotting, an ultrasound test may be performed.
How are varicose veins treated?
If your varicose veins do not impair or affect your daily activities, treatment is usually not needed. However, if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain in your legs, conservative treatment and various procedure options are available.
Varicose vein conservative treatment options include:
- Exercising
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Wearing loose clothing
- Avoiding long time periods of sitting or standing
- Compression stockings
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
Varicose vein procedure options include:
- Sclerotherapy
- Microsclerotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Endovenous laser ablation
- Endoscopic vein surgery
Procedures for the removal of the varicose veins are also available. Options for removal of varicose veins may include:
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy
- Vein stripping and ligation
Our heart and vein doctors at Heart Vein NYC have over 20 years of experience providing the New York City area with comprehensive,
