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What Causes Varicose Veins?

Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz offers the most thorough diagnosis and outpatient treatment of vein disease available in the Kansas City area.  While several factors can contribute to your likelihood of developing vein disease over the course of your life,  the  bulging varicose veins that are visible to the eye are a result of an underlying medical issue deep in your venous system. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of varicose veins and the importance of seeking treatment.

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Varicose Veins Overview

Varicose veins develop when the valves deep within the venous system aren’t functioning properly, allowing blood to pool in the veins, thus enlarging them. While many people seek varicose vein procedures for cosmetic purposes, the medical necessity to treat them is of utmost importance, as vein disease will not heal or go away itself, and the condition will only worsen with time when left untreated. Symptoms such as swelling, chronic leg pain, ulcers and bleeding may be signs of a serious health issue as a result of untreated vein disease.

Dr. Craig Schwartz at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz in Kansas City uses the latest technologies to evaluate and diagnose your condition to ensure you receive the best possible cosmetic and medical results. All varicose vein procedures are performed in-office, under minimally invasive conditions, with little downtime.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Affecting an estimated one-quarter of the US population, varicose veins appear as dark, branching, protruding veins along the legs. Once varicose veins develop, the affected veins no longer function as they should. Instead of carrying blood up and out of the leg, blood flows backward toward the feet.

Varicose veins don’t return to normal without treatment and can cause further medical issues, including:

  • Skin discoloration
  • Swelling
  • Skin thickening
  • Chronic leg pain
  • Eczema-like symptoms
  • Infections
  • Bleeding
  • Ulcerations 
  • Muscle cramping

Since 2003, Premier Vein and Body by Schwartz has helped patients eliminate their varicose veins, performing over 12,000 vein treatment procedures in the Kansas City area. Dr. Craig Schwartz holds triple board certifications in vascular surgery, general surgery and phlebology and provides all vein disease diagnosis and treatment procedures himself. 

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Many factors can predispose you to developing varicose veins, which are actually the visible symptoms that there are deficiencies deep within your venous system. The venous system is the network of veins in your body that deliver deoxygenated blood back to the heart. 

Conditions that can impact your venous system and cause varicose veins to develop include:

  • Your age – as veins age, the valves that channel blood up the leg become weak
  • Gender – women are at higher risk
  • Pregnancy – changes in hormones, increased blood volume and decreased blood flow all contribute to vein problems
  • Genetics – varicose veins are hereditary
  • Weight – varicose veins are more likely to develop in obese patients
  • Lifestyle – a lifestyle that requires either standing on your feet all day or sitting all day is bad for your venous health

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.

Treatment for Varicose Veins

Varicose vein treatment options have evolved considerably over the past 15 years, and Dr. Schwartz has been at the forefront of that change since 2003 when he first opened his dedicated vein treatment center in Kansas City. What used to require a painful vein stripping procedure and hospital stay can now be performed as a minimally invasive, in-office treatment with little downtime.  

The first steps to effective treatment are the proper evaluation and an accurate diagnosis of the problem. For this reason, Dr. Schwartz uses the Venous Duplex Ultrasound, an advanced diagnostic device that creates an image of your veins and blood circulation pathways. Then, Dr. Schwartz uses the information gathered from the ultrasound to determine the treatment plan that’s best for you.

Is There a Difference Between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

The terms spider veins and varicose veins are often used interchangeably, but they’re not one in the same. Although there are similarities, spider veins tend to be smaller and painless, most often forming in clusters.  And while varicose veins can pose a serious health threat when left untreated, spider veins do not.

Both conditions may be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, and age. Other factors, such as obesity and prolonged sitting or standing, may also cause spider veins to develop. 

Topical laser treatments and sclerotherapy injections will eliminate spider veins, but varicose veins require minimally invasive treatments, including endovenous laser ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy and endovenous chemical ablation, to avoid complications down the road.  

Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

When varicose vein symptoms reach the point where they compromise your health, the condition may be considered a medical necessity and covered by your insurance. 

Premier Vein & Body will work with your insurance provider to determine eligibility of benefits, allowing you to maximize your insurance coverage. We also offer free vein screening days from time to time,, so you’ll have all the information you need at the time of your screening to decide if varicose vein treatment is right for you.

Testimonials

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5/5

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

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about varicose vein treatment, call us at (913) 451-8346 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to meeting you and showing you how Kansas City’s premier vein treatment center can improve your condition.

Premier Vein & Body is located in Kansas City, MO and proudly also serves 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 provided in this blog and in any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

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