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How are Leg Vein Problems Diagnosed?

The veins in your legs have a difficult job. The blood that travels into your legs through the arteries has the force of your heartbeat behind it. After it delivers its oxygen and supplies, that blood must return to your heart and lungs. Transporting blood through the long veins of the legs puts them under strain, leading to leg vein problems that can affect your health if not diagnosed and treated.

What Causes Leg Vein Problems?

Many factors contribute to the development of leg vein problems. The central issue is that your leg veins have one-way valves to keep blood moving up your legs. If those valves weaken, blood can pool in the veins, stretching and damaging them.

When you have stretched, malfunctioning leg veins, the condition is called venous insufficiency. This damage results in twisted, discolored varicose veins, but it also affects veins deep within the leg. You may develop varicose veins if:

You have a family history of the condition
You spend long periods of time standing or sitting
You have certain other health problems
You do not get much physical activity
You experience hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause

Before & After Photo Gallery

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Real Patients. Real Results. View before & after images of vein and cosmetic procedures in our photo gallery.

How are Leg Vein Problems Diagnosed?

While leg vein problems may have symptoms, these often appear when the condition has been present for a while. Dr. Craig Schwartz can diagnose problems within the deep veins of your legs, even before you have developed symptoms, using a noninvasive technique called venous Doppler ultrasound.

This diagnostic tool uses ultrasound energy that travels painlessly through your tissues, bouncing back energy that builds a picture of the blood as it flows through your veins. It allows Dr. Schwartz to visualize areas where blood does not flow well, letting him target problem veins so he can treat them. Unlike a still image, Doppler ultrasound lets him see the blood in motion so he can detect even minor dysfunction.

You should see a vein specialist if you experience symptoms like:

Bulging varicose veins
Large clusters of spider veins around your ankles or behind your knee
Spider veins that return after treatment
Aching or pain in your leg
A feeling of heaviness
Itching or burning
Swelling or fluid around the lower leg

Blood pooling in the large veins of your legs can become stagnant and begin to form clots. These clots can block the vein, a condition called deep vein thrombosis that requires immediate medical attention. Treating leg problems early keeps your leg circulation flowing smoothly.

How are Leg Vein Problems Treated?

Leg veins cannot return to their normal state after being damaged, However, your circulatory system can adapt, so if the affected veins are closed off, other veins will start carrying the blood flow without affecting their function.

The primary treatment for many leg vein problems is endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), which is also known as endovenous laser ablation. This treatment inserts a tiny fiber into the problem vein and then uses pulses of laser energy to damage the inside walls of the vein, resulting in scarring and collapse.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is often used to treat varicose veins by injecting them with a sclerosing agent that damages and closes them. Varicose veins on the surface are often treated with ambulatory phlebectomy, a technique that uses tiny hooks to remove the problem vein. However, varicose veins on the surface can keep occurring if the underlying dysfunction is not treated.

Consultations Available Now

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

What is Recovery Like After Leg Vein Treatment?

Most treatments for leg vein problems are minimally invasive and have little to no downtime. If you have EVLT, the most common treatment for underlying leg vein problems, you will wear a compression wrap for the first 36 hours, and Dr. Schwartz will instruct you to limit yourself to light household activities. You can return to work and other daily activities after 36 hours, although you may have some minor bruising.

Other treatments also have minimal downtime, and you will typically be encouraged to engage in light walking immediately to promote circulation. Dr. Schwartz and his team will provide you with other aftercare instructions, which may include wearing a compression garment or avoiding sun exposure to the treated area.

How Long Will It Take to See Results After Leg Vein Treatment?

If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms from your leg vein problems, you may start to feel relief almost immediately after treatment. After the problem vein is closed, the backup of blood into its feeder veins also stops, and healthy veins take over the job with no negative effects.

If you received a diagnosis and had your leg vein problems treated before they caused symptoms, you have taken an important step to protect your health, avoid unsightly varicose veins, and keep your leg circulation working smoothly. Venous Doppler ultrasound is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it easy to get checked and, if needed, receive treatment.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

Read from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Schwartz and his team at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz.

It was a good experience. Taylor walked me through exactly what would happen and how things would feel along the process. That help put me at ease about the whole process.

The staff is very attentive, friendly and caring. Dr. Schwartz is the best doctor in the Kansas State area. He is professional and knows what he is doing. I am very pleased with the results and will continue to see him for all my vein and body needs.

Very pleased with services and procedures I will definitely recommend your office to my friends who need and want their vein problems solved.

Very professional service, explained treatments very thoroughly and felt like I mattered as a patient. I will definitely go back and I will recommend to my friends and family. I was treated with courtesy and respect.

Take the Next Step

If you are interested in diagnosing and treating leg vein problems, please call us at (913) 451-8346 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Premier Vein & Body is located in Kansas City, MO, just past the State Line, and proudly serves Leawood, Overland Park, Johnson County, and the entire Kansas City metro area.

** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If anyone has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.