Varicose veins are surface-level veins that have become dilated, bulging or twisted. Varicose veins develop when there is increased pressure in or stretching of the veins, which keeps the valves in the veins from functioning well. While they certainly look unattractive, they are much more than just a cosmetic concern. They are often symptomatic, causing heaviness, fatigue, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping and swelling. Vein disorders are not always visible from the surface, so a careful evaluation by a skilled vein specialist is needed to determine the extent of the problem.
Symptoms of varicose veins include ankle or leg swelling, pain, aching, fatigue, heaviness, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, restlessness, or even ulcerations. Causes include heredity factors or family history, pregnancy, trauma, prolonged standing or sitting, age and obesity. Varicose veins are usually progressive, meaning that in most cases, they get worse over time. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office immediately to schedule a vein consultation with Dr. Schwartz.
Because varicose veins are caused by a more significant underlying venous problem, which can lead to long-term complications, treatment is considered medically necessary, and most insurance plans will cover treatment for varicose veins – our staff will work with your insurance company to maximize your coverage and help get you the treatment you need.
You should see a vein specialist if:
Not all varicose veins and spider veins can be prevented, but there are some steps you can take to decrease your risk.
Spider veins and varicose veins are similar in that they’re both annoying, unsightly blemishes that prevent your legs from looking their best. However, spider veins are generally just a cosmetic vein problem, even though they may be symptomatic, whereas varicose veins, one of the most common vein problems, usually signify a more significant underlying medical issue known as venous reflux disease, or venous insufficiency. Varicose veins should always be evaluated by a vein doctor, especially if they are tender to the touch, swollen, or if you have heavy, tired, achy legs at the end of the day.
Spider veins look like fine red, blue, or purplish lines on the skin surface, often times resembling a bruise when they occur in clusters. Varicose veins are bluer in color and tend to appear larger, protruding or dilated above the level of the skin, often looking like bluish rope underneath the skin. They are usually soft and spongy unless they have clotted off, at which point they may become hard, ropy, and tender to the touch.
Dr. Schwartz can treat both spider veins and varicose veins easily in our beautiful Kansas City office using a variety of techniques. The options include superficial or topical laser, injection sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation/closure, or microphlebectomy, depending on the type of vein and where the source of the problem lies. After an initial consultation with Dr. Schwartz to obtain the correct diagnosis, treatment can be performed as an outpatient at our state-of-the-art vein treatment center in Kansas City, MO. Most treatments can be conducted in less than an hour and involve little to no downtime from moderate activities. Depending on your condition, Dr. Schwartz may prescribe multiple treatments to ensure that your underlying vein condition is treated properly and your unsightly veins are improved. Patients often wonder why they waited so long to treat their veins when the process is so easy and the results are so good!
Spider veins appear as red, blue, or purple fine lines or sunbursts on the skin surface, but most typically occur on the face, legs, ankles, or feet.
Generally just a cosmetic concern, spider veins are not a health risk alone because they won’t lead to long-term problems. However, they can be symptomatic and commonly cause itching, burning, throbbing, or aching, and can be found alone or in combination with varicose veins. In fact, it’s estimated that more than half of the adult female population suffers from this common problem.
Spider veins are most often caused by hereditary factors, pregnancy, prolonged periods of standing on your feet, prior trauma and hormonal changes.
Spider veins form from high pressure in the venous system. This in turn forces the thin-walled veins to expand. These engorged capillaries then expand to several times their normal size, causing spider veins.
*Individual Results May Vary
Read from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Schwartz and his team at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz.
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*Comments from all success stories and reviews are the expressed opinions of those patients and their experience and do not represent guaranteed results. All before and after photo results vary and are not guaranteed.
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