How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

Millions of people suffer from varicose veins that can cause pain, itchiness and discomfort, or feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their leg veins. Luckily, there are several treatment options available to remove varicose veins once and for all. Our non-surgical laser treatments allow for fast treatments in our clinic and require minimal recovery time.

Ways to Treat Varicose Veins

There are several ways to treat varicose veins. The best method will depend on your individual anatomy and the severity of the symptoms. Invasive vein surgery, which was common in the past, is no longer performed due to risks of complications like infection, bleeding, and blood clots.

Some of the most modern, minimally-invasive methods for removing varicose veins include:

Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the vein, which causes it to collapse and fade away.
Endovenous Laser surgery: A laser is used to collapse and seal the vein using heat.
Microphlectomy: Veins are extracted through very small incisions after the skin is numbed.

These procedures are very safe and have greater than a 95% success rate in treating varicose veins, and are performed in our outpatient clinic under local anesthetics.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins with abnormal blood flow and most commonly occur in the legs and ankles. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins that normally keep blood flowing in one direction begin to leak, causing blood to accumulate and cause the vein to be inflamed. Over time, this causes aching, itching, and the feeling of leg tiredness.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Some of the most common causes of varicose veins include:

Hereditary factors: If you have a family history of varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them yourself.
Age: As you age, your skin becomes thinner and less elastic. This can cause your veins to become more visible and susceptible to damage.
Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts added pressure on your veins and can lead to their enlargement.
Pregnancy: The increased weight and pressure from a growing baby can cause varicose veins. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can also weaken vein walls and valves.
Standing or sitting for long periods of time: This can put added pressure on the veins in your legs and can cause them to become enlarged.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

There are a few different symptoms that are associated with varicose veins. The most common symptom is a feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs. This is often worse at the end of the day or after standing for long periods of time. Other symptoms can include cramping, restless legs, itching, and burning. In some cases, varicose veins can also lead to skin changes such as ulcers or darkening of the skin.

If left untreated, varicose veins can also lead to more serious health problems like blood clots and ulcers.

Diagnosing Varicose Veins

There are a few different ways that we diagnose varicose veins. The most common method is to do a physical examination. During the physical exam, the doctor will look for bulging veins on the legs. They may also ask about any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as pain, cramping, or swelling.

The doctor may also order an ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of your veins. It can help the doctor see if your varicose veins are causing any blood flow problems.

Next Step: Consult with Vanishing Veins Northwest

At Vanishing Veins Northwest in Renton, we specialize in patients with leg swelling and can diagnose chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. We will help you understand the symptoms of varicose veins and which treatments are right for you! Join the more than 4,000 satisfied patients we have treated over the past 14 years!

Find out what you can do to keep those legs healthy!