Leading Cause of Varicose Veins and What To Do About It

Did you know that the leading cause of varicose veins is heredity?  It’s time to stop blaming your parents and take charge of your legs!!!  Outlined below are five areas of interest.

1. What can be treated? Any vein that bothers you cosmetically or has symptoms is treatable.  This includes the legs, face, and chest.

2. How are veins treated? There are a number of treatment options available, depending on the severity of your problem.

  • Sclerotherapy - Considered the “Gold Standard,” a solution is injected causing the vein to be absorbed by the body naturally.  This includes foam Sclerotherapy, ultrasound guided Sclerotherapy, and liquid Sclerotherapy.
  • Phlebectomy - An office-based minor surgical procedure to remove large varicose veins through pinhole punctures under local anesthesia.  It does not usually require sutures, minimizing any scarring, and patients resume normal activities right away.
  • EVLT - Utilizing laser technology to close the vein and be absorbed into the body.  Performed in-office with local anesthetic and patients can resume normal activities right away.

3. What if I do not treat my veins? It is recommended to treat varicose veins at an early age, even in teens, especially if there is a prominent family history.  Only a small percentage of patients have isolated varicose and spider veins not due to any other causes, whereas the majority will eventually notice a worsening of their condition.  The larger veins are at increased risk of clots and skin ulcerations.

4. What about insurance? As always, insurance coverage is not guaranteed.  Based on the medical necessity of your condition and  onsurance company, we can answer your questions regarding the financial obligation of treatment.

5. What if I am pregnant? Treatment before, between, and after pregnancy makes future pregnancies much more comfortable, improves self-image and slows the progression of new varicose veins.  Many complaints of tiredness, restlessness, and heaviness in the legs, muscle cramps during the night, swollen feet, and new onset or worsening varicose veins all impair the pregnant woman’s well-being.  Although during pregnancy women are not a candidate for treatment, compression stockings may help with symptoms.