What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can be seen under the skin, usually in the legs. They can appear blue or red and can be itchy, burn, ache, feel heavy, painful, or cause muscle cramps during the night.
What causes Varicose Veins?
Weak or damaged valves in the veins, which allow blood to back up and pool, are the usual cause of Varicose Veins. This is a condition known as Venous Insufficiency and can affect different veins in the legs (not just the ones you can see on the surface).
How do I get rid of my Varicose Veins?
While exercise, weight loss, elevating your legs, wearing compression, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting may help improve symptoms, a procedure is usually necessary to make a problematic varicose vein go away. Your provider may recommend treatment of the underlying condition with EVLT or microfoam ablation to the problematic veins and/or an Ambulatory Phlebectomy to remove the Varicose Vein.
Varicose veins can worsen over time and can cause pain, swelling, skin problems and blood clots. You should consult with a provider who specializes in Varicose Veins if you have them.
