Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear on the legs and feet. They are caused by weakened or damaged valves that are unable to push blood back up to the heart, resulting in a buildup of blood in the veins. Varicose veins can be a cosmetic concern for some, but they can also cause discomfort and other health issues. In this article, we will discuss when you should be worried about varicose veins and what you can do to prevent and treat them.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase your chances of developing varicose veins, including age, gender, family history, obesity, pregnancy, and a sedentary lifestyle. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, and they often appear during pregnancy due to increased pressure in the veins. If you have a family history of varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them yourself. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase your risk, as they both put additional pressure on your blood vessels.

Sitting or Standing for Long Periods of Time

Sitting or standing for long periods of time can also increase your risk of developing varicose veins. When you sit or stand for an extended period, your blood does not circulate as efficiently, causing blood to pool in your veins. This can put additional pressure on your blood vessels, leading to the development of varicose veins. If you have a job that requires long periods of sitting or standing, be sure to take frequent breaks to move around and stretch your legs.

Pressure in the Veins

When the valves in your veins become weakened or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in your veins, causing them to become swollen and twisted. This can result in uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, swelling, and fatigue in the legs. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical attention from a board-certified vein doctor like us at Maryland Vein Center. We will diagnose the root cause of your varicose veins using duplex ultrasound and curate a personalized treatment plan for you.

Pain and Swelling

Varicose veins can cause pain and swelling in the legs, which can be a sign of a more serious condition. If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your legs, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. We offer minimally invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, ClariVein, and ambulatory phlebectomy to treat varicose veins without the need for surgery or a hospital stay.

Leg Ulcers

Varicose veins can also lead to the development of leg ulcers, which are open sores that form on the skin. These ulcers are often painful and can take a long time to heal. If you have a leg ulcer, you should seek medical attention immediately. We offer advanced treatments to heal leg ulcers, including endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation.

Wearing Compression Stockings

If you have varicose veins, wearing compression stockings can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the development of new veins. Compression stockings apply pressure to the legs, which helps to improve blood flow and prevent blood from pooling in the veins. We recommend wearing compression stockings during the day and removing them at night.

Preventing Varicose Veins

While some risk factors for varicose veins, such as age and genetics, are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to prevent varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, and wearing compression stockings can all help prevent varicose veins from developing. If you are already experiencing varicose veins, seeking prompt treatment can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

Treatment Options

At Maryland Vein Center, we offer a range of minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins. These treatments are designed to target the root cause of varicose veins, while minimizing discomfort and downtime. Our board-certified vein doctors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and goals.

• Sclerotherapy: This treatment involves injecting a special solution into the affected vein, which causes it to collapse and eventually disappear. Sclerotherapy is a quick and effective treatment for small to medium-sized varicose veins.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): This treatment uses laser energy to heat and collapse the affected vein. EVLA is a safe and effective treatment for larger varicose veins.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat and collapse the affected vein. RFA is a quick and effective treatment for larger varicose veins.
• VenaSeal: This treatment uses a medical adhesive to seal the affected vein shut, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins. VenaSeal is a minimally invasive treatment that requires no anesthesia or downtime.
• ClariVein: This treatment uses a combination of mechanical and chemical methods to close the affected vein. ClariVein is a safe and effective treatment for larger varicose veins.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This treatment involves removing the affected vein through small incisions in the skin. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a safe and effective treatment for larger varicose veins.

Free Insurance Verification

At Maryland Vein Center, we offer free insurance verification even before your first appointment. We understand that dealing with insurance can be stressful, which is why we take the time to verify your coverage and explain your options. We work with most insurance plans, including Medicare, to ensure that our treatments are accessible and affordable for all.

Varicose veins are a common condition that can cause discomfort and other health issues. If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or leg ulcers, you should seek medical attention from a board-certified vein doctor like us at Maryland Vein Center. We offer a range of minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins. We always diagnose the root cause of varicose veins before curating a personalized treatment plan. Additionally, we offer free insurance verification to ensure that our treatments are accessible and affordable for all.

If you’re worried about varicose veins, don’t hesitate to seek help from the experts at Maryland Vein Center. Our board-certified vein doctors offer state-of-the-art treatments at our vein center in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. Contact us to schedule a consultation.