Varicose Veins Q & A

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that bulge beneath the skin of your legs. Vein enlargement occurs when there’s dysfunction in the valves that keep blood flowing in one direction. Faulty valves allow blood to flow backward and pool inside your vein.

You can also experience spider veins when there’s valve dysfunction in the smaller veins near the surface of your skin.

Third Coast Vascular offers comprehensive care for varicose veins in adults. The physicians provide resources to improve blood circulation throughout your body to prevent additional varicose veins and spider veins.

When should I seek medical care for varicose veins?

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Third Coast Vascular if you have varicose veins that cause symptoms in your legs, such as:

• Swelling
• Aching
• Burning
• Itching
• Heaviness
• Cramping
• Skin discoloration

You may also schedule a consultation if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your legs because of large, bulging, discolored veins.

The physicians assess the severity of your varicose veins during your evaluation. They also review your diet, lifestyle, and family history to determine what factors contribute to vein enlargement.

How are varicose veins treated?

Third Coast Vascular offers several treatment strategies for varicose veins. Initially, the physicians may recommend lifestyle and diet changes to help you achieve a healthy weight and improve your overall blood circulation.

If these changes aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, they may perform image-guided procedures like:

Endovenous ablation

Endovenous ablation uses laser energy to close off a damaged vein. The team uses ultrasound guidance to target damaged veins close to the surface of your skin or the veins deep within your legs.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure involving liquid or foam agent injections to seal off damaged veins. Treated veins gradually shrink, and your body absorbs them as waste.

Vein removal surgery

Large or deeply set veins may require minimally invasive surgery to remove them.

After any of these varicose vein procedures, blood from the damaged vein reroutes to nearby healthy veins without further medical intervention.

The physicians provide complete after-care services following your procedure. They also offer preventive resources to lower your risk for additional varicose veins.

Call the Third Coast Vascular office near you to schedule a varicose vein consultation, or book an appointment online today.