What to Do for Varicose Veins?

What Causes Varicose Veins? 

Varicose veins are caused by pressure that causes the vein walls to stretch, sometimes making the pigments visible through the skin. Many factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins, including

• Genetics
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Extensive sitting or standing
• Medical conditions

Varicose veins generally indicate a problem with the Great Saphenous Vein, the longest vein in the leg. This vein is prone to backflow and damaged valves, letting blood back up into the surrounding veins. Treatment of varicose veins often requires treating this large, dysfunctional vein to restore normal blood flow. After treating this vein, Dr. Schwartz will address the surrounding “feeder” veins that flow into it. 

What to Do for Varicose Veins

Dr. Schwartz will determine the best way to treat your varicose veins, often using a combination of methods. In many cases, one treatment addresses the damaged Great Saphenous Vein, while others treat the associated varicose veins to improve your comfort and aesthetic results. This combined method ensures lasting relief and restores healthy blood flow to treat symptoms like swelling, aching, and discomfort. 

Conservative Treatment

Some people will achieve relief with compression garments and lifestyle changes that improve blood flow through the legs. While these are temporary methods that do not correct the underlying problem, many insurance companies will require a trial of conservative management before covering more definitive treatments. 

Endovenous Laser Ablation

This treatment is the primary method for treating venous insufficiency caused by a damaged greater saphenous vein.  A thin fiber is inserted into the problem vein, where it uses pulses of laser energy to damage and collapse the vein walls. Your body can adjust and reroute the blood flow, then gradually absorb the treated vein over time. 

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins, especially those beneath the surface, may be treated with this injectable method. The sclerosing solution is injected into the problem veins, where it irritates the walls and causes the veins to collapse. This treatment effectively manages many of the “feeder” veins that flow into the primary problem vein. 

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

The visible bulging varicose veins can be removed with this treatment. It uses tiny hooks inserted through freckle-sized incisions to pull out the unwelcome vein physically. This treatment has the advantage of providing immediate visual improvements. It is often used in combination with other treatments.