Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, most often in your legs, that develop when vein valves weaken and blood pools. This condition, called venous insufficiency, can cause aching, swelling, heaviness, and skin changes. At Signet Heart Group, we diagnose vein problems with ultrasound and offer treatments such as sclerotherapy to relieve symptoms and improve circulation.
What are Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency?
Blood circulates in the body through a system of blood vessels consisting of arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to different parts of the body. Veins are the vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from various tissues of the body back to the heart for purification (oxygenation). Varicose veins/venous insufficiency is a condition where veins in the body (most often in the legs) have difficulty sending blood from your legs back to your heart. This causes blood to accumulate in the veins of the legs and they become varicose (enlarged or dilated) over time.
Causes of Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency
Varicose veins/venous insufficiency is considered a long-term condition that is caused due to partial blocking of veins or leaking around the valves of veins. It can be caused due to age, family history, obesity, blood pressure inside the veins, history of deep vein thrombosis in legs, pregnancy, sitting or standing for long periods of time, lack of exercise, and smoking.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency
The commonly seen symptoms of varicose veins/venous insufficiency include swelling in legs (especially while standing for a long duration), itching or tingling of skin on legs, tiredness, pain in legs, venous stasis ulcers, heaviness and cramping in legs, change in skin color around the ankles (redness), varicose veins on surface (twisted, enlarged, and bluish-colored), and thickening of the skin.
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency
Varicose veins/venous insufficiency is diagnosed primarily by physical examination. Your doctor might recommend Doppler ultrasound imaging to detect improper vein functioning and any blockage of veins by blood clots. CT scan and MRI may be used to rule out any complications of swelling in the leg. Additionally, a venogram may be recommended to get a clear picture of the blood vessels.
Treatment for Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency
Treatment of varicose veins/venous insufficiency focuses on reducing the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend the following conservative treatments for mild cases:
- Moving legs often and keeping yourself active
- Wearing compression stockings to reduce swelling
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- Treat any infections and open wounds immediately
- Lose weight in case you are overweight
- Use of medications, such as diuretics, anticoagulants, and pentoxifylline
In case you have severe varicose veins/venous insufficiency then your doctor may suggest the following medical procedures:
- Endovenous thermal ablation – An image-guided procedure where radiofrequency or laser energy is used to heat and seal off an incompetent vein.
- Sclerotherapy – A minimally invasive procedure where saltwater or saline is injected directly into the vein that causes the vessel to shrink and ultimately disappear.
- Vein stripping – Small surgical incisions are made to remove the damaged vein in the leg.
- Valve repair - A small cut is made to repair the damaged vein valve in the leg.
- Angioplasty and stenting – This procedure uses a small balloon to broaden the blocked vein and increase the blood flow. A metal mesh is used to prevent the narrowing of the vein in the future.
- Bypass – A surgery that is used to reroute the flow of blood around the damaged or blocked vein.
Outlook
Varicose veins/venous insufficiency is likely to worsen over time if left untreated. Nonetheless, the condition can be managed if treatment is started in the early phases. By following self-care steps, such as regular exercise and lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce the discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening. It is likely that you will require medical procedures to treat the condition.
Why Choose Signet Heart Group for Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency
Vein problems are more than a cosmetic concern. Here is how our team helps:
- Vein care expertise: Varicose veins and venous insufficiency are listed specialties for Dr. Tariq Yousuf and Dr. Rumman Syed.
- Ultrasound in our office: We offer peripheral vascular ultrasound in our office to see how blood flows through your veins.
- Treatment that fits you: Depending on your needs, treatment may include compression, lifestyle changes, or procedures such as sclerotherapy, an injection treatment that closes problem veins.
- Vascular imaging certification: Dr. Yousuf is board certified in vascular imaging (RPVI), so your ultrasound results are reviewed by a vascular specialist.
Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency FAQs
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Most varicose veins are not dangerous, but they can cause pain, swelling, and skin changes. Severe venous insufficiency can lead to skin ulcers that need medical care.
Will compression stockings help?
Compression stockings can ease aching and swelling for many people. Your doctor may recommend them alone or along with other treatments.
How do I know if I have venous insufficiency?
Signs include leg heaviness, swelling that worsens through the day, itching, and visible bulging veins. A painless ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis.
Can varicose veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins usually do not return, but new varicose veins can develop over time. Staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and elevating your legs can help.
Schedule Your Visit
If your legs ache, swell, or feel heavy, call Signet Heart Group at or request an appointment online. You can visit us in Sherman, Anna, or Dallas, Texas, or Durant, Oklahoma.
