Frequently Asked Questions

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen veins that you can see through your skin. They often

look blue, bulging, and twisted. Left untreated, varicose veins may worsen over

time. High blood pressure inside your superficial leg veins causes varicose veins.

Factors that can increase risk include having a family history of varicose veins,

being overweight, not exercising enough, smoking, standing or sitting for long

periods of time or having DVT (deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots). Women are

more likely than men to develop varicose veins. Pregnant women have an

increased risk of developing varicose veins.

Can you do vein surgery on diabetics?

Yes, many of our patients are diabetic. As with any procedure as a diabetic it is

extremely important to continue to monitor and maintain your blood glucose. Also

to observe for signs and symptoms of infection.

Are spider veins purely cosmetic?

Spider veins are mild varicose veins. They look like a nest of red or blue lines just

under your skin. Spider veins are not a serious medical problem, but they can be a

cosmetic concern to some people, and they can cause symptoms of aching pain and

itching in others.

What is venous reflux disease, and what is venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency is a condition resulting from decreased blood flow from the

leg veins up to the heart. People who have venous insufficiency can have

symptoms even without visible varicose veins. The symptoms are caused by

pressure on the nerves by dilated veins. Normally, one-way valves in the veins

keep the blood flowing toward the heart against flow the force of gravity. Over

time however, these valve can weaken and not close properly which allows blood

to flow backward, a condition called venous reflux. An ultrasound is used to asses

the venous anatomy, vein valve function and venous blood flow changes which can

assist in diagnosing venous insufficiency.

What is the main difference between arteries and veins?

Arteries bring oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body and veins

return oxygen-poor blood back to your heart.

How are spider veins ordinarily treated?

Once positive findings are discovered on non-invasive ultrasound tests we perform

in the office, our providers may initially recommend conservative therapy, which

includes leg elevation, daily exercise, weight loss ( when applicable) and

compression stockings, which are elastic stockings that squeeze your veins and

stop excess blood from flowing backward.

Do varicose vein procedures require any anesthesia?

Most often the procedures can be performed in our office. Injections of a local

anesthesia (xylocaine) are used to numb the skin and surrounding tissue.

How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?

Typically symptoms should begin to improve one month after treatment.

Does pregnancy cause varicose veins?

Yes, during pregnancy, the growing uterus puts more pressure on the veins that

return blood from the legs. This increased pressure can result in dilated and

damaged valves in the leg veins.

How quickly can I resume normal activity after a varicose vein procedure?

Often patients may drive after 24 hours and resume their normal activities as

tolerated. No strenuous activity& for at least one week is usually recommended.