Vein Care What Your Doctor May Recommend For Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, bulging rope-like veins that appear just under the surface of your skin on your legs and ankles. They can look blue or purple and often develop in clusters. Your doctor may recommend a procedure to treat them or the symptoms they cause, such as:

Varicose and spider veins are caused by faulty valves in your blood vessels. When these veins fail to pump blood properly, they get enlarged and protrude out of your skin. Varicose veins are also more common in people who are overweight, because being overweight puts pressure on the blood vessels.

Some types of varicose veins are more serious than others, and can lead to blood clots or skin ulcers. To prevent these complications, your doctor may recommend one of several medical procedures to improve the appearance or relieve pain from varicose veins. Center For Advanced Vein Care procedures are usually minimally invasive and can be performed in your doctor's office with local anesthesia. Some patients may need to be admitted to a hospital for this type of treatment.

Your doctor will do a physical exam of your legs, including looking at them while you're standing and asking about any pain or swelling. They might order a Doppler ultrasound of your leg, which uses sound waves to check for blood flow problems and blood clots. You may also need other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to help determine the severity of your condition and whether you need surgery.

If you need treatment for varicose veins, your doctor will probably advise you to wear compression stockings and elevate your legs several times during the day. They may also prescribe medications that can reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Some patients find relief from symptoms by wearing compression stockings alone, while others require a more invasive procedure such as sclerotherapy (injection of a chemical that closes the vein) or radiofrequency vein ablation.

Most of the time, these minimally invasive treatments are covered by insurance if they are deemed "medically necessary." Our vein care specialists can work directly with your health insurance provider to ensure that you get the most from your coverage. We'll explain your options, so you can choose the treatment that's best for you. Our experienced team has handled hundreds of cases, and is well-versed in the ins and outs of your health insurance plan. Contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about your options for treating Center For Advanced Vein Care.