Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear close to the skin’s surface, most commonly in the legs and feet. They develop when vein valves that normally keep blood flowing toward the heart become weakened or damaged, allowing blood to pool in the veins. This pooling causes veins to stretch and bulge, creating the characteristic appearance of varicose veins.

While many people consider varicose veins primarily a cosmetic concern, they can cause significant discomfort and lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Common symptoms include aching, heavy, or tired-feeling legs, burning or throbbing in the legs, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs, worsening pain after sitting or standing for long periods, and itching around affected veins. Some people also develop skin discoloration, thickening, or ulcers near varicose veins.

Risk factors for developing varicose veins include family history, age (vein walls and valves weaken over time), sex (women are more likely due to hormonal changes), pregnancy (increased blood volume and hormonal changes), obesity (extra weight puts additional pressure on veins), prolonged standing or sitting, and a history of blood clots. While varicose veins cannot always be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, elevating legs when resting, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting can help reduce risk and symptoms.

Treatment Options

At Western Surgical Group, our vascular surgeons offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for varicose veins. We use advanced diagnostic techniques including venous ultrasound to assess the underlying venous insufficiency and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific situation.

Treatment options range from conservative management to minimally invasive procedures:

  • Conservative Management: Compression stockings, lifestyle modifications, and elevation for mild cases or when more invasive treatment isn’t appropriate
  • Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution that causes the vein to scar and close, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins; particularly effective for smaller varicose veins and spider veins
  • Endovenous Ablation: Minimally invasive treatment using radiofrequency or laser energy to heat and close affected veins from the inside
  • VenaSeal: Medical adhesive injected to seal the diseased vein closed
  • Phlebectomy: Surgical removal of larger varicose veins through tiny incisions, often performed in combination with other treatments

Most modern varicose vein treatments are performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia and minimal downtime. Our vascular surgeons will recommend the treatment approach that best addresses your symptoms, lifestyle needs, and overall health goals.

Divisions Involved in Your Care

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Frequently Asked Questions

While often not immediately dangerous, varicose veins can lead to complications if left untreated. These include chronic venous insufficiency, skin changes and ulcers, bleeding from surface veins, superficial thrombophlebitis (inflammation and clotting in surface veins), and rarely, deep vein thrombosis. Seeking evaluation from a vascular surgeon helps prevent these complications and determines if treatment is medically necessary beyond cosmetic concerns.

Varicose veins are larger, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn, usually appearing on legs and feet. Spider veins are smaller, closer to the skin's surface, and appear as thin red or blue lines that resemble tree branches or spider webs. While both result from vein valve problems, varicose veins more commonly cause symptoms like pain and swelling. Spider veins are typically a cosmetic concern but may indicate underlying venous insufficiency.

Recovery depends on the treatment type. Most minimally invasive procedures like endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy allow you to walk immediately after treatment and return to normal activities within a day or two. You may need to wear compression stockings for 1-2 weeks. Phlebectomy may require slightly longer recovery. Compared to traditional vein stripping surgery, modern treatments offer dramatically shorter recovery times with less pain and bruising.

Treated veins will not return, but you may develop new varicose veins over time if you have underlying venous insufficiency or risk factors. Treatment success rates are excellent, with most procedures showing 90-95% closure rates. Following post-treatment instructions, wearing compression stockings as recommended, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and managing other risk factors can help prevent new varicose veins from forming.

Insurance often covers varicose vein treatment when the condition causes symptoms or complications, making it medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. Documentation of symptoms, failed conservative treatment (such as compression stockings), and ultrasound evidence of venous insufficiency typically support medical necessity. Treatments for purely cosmetic concerns are usually not covered. Our office can help verify your coverage and navigate insurance requirements.

While pregnancy significantly increases varicose vein risk due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume, several measures can help minimize development. These include wearing compression stockings, elevating legs frequently throughout the day, avoiding prolonged standing, sleeping on your left side to reduce pressure on the large vein that returns blood from the legs, exercising regularly with activities like walking or swimming, and maintaining appropriate weight gain. Many pregnancy-related varicose veins improve within months after delivery.