Visible varicose veins can cause many patients to feel insecure about their appearance and can be accompanied by symptoms, like cramping, swelling, or throbbing, that can be a source of discomfort. RejuVeination offers several treatments, including radiofrequency (RF) ablation and phlebectomy procedures, to reduce the appearance of varicose veins and treat the symptoms associated with them.

Are you interested in finding out how you can reduce or eliminate the appearance of varicose veins with the treatments offered at RejuVeination? Contact our office in Cincinnati today for more information or to schedule a consultation with a member of our elite team!

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are abnormally large superficial veins that are commonly found in the lower leg or thigh areas. They are often enlarged due to poor blood flow, which causes pooling of blood creating the visible, bulging veins.  These veins are often found deeper in the leg and may not always be visible on the skin, which can be the case when a patient is experiencing symptomatic discomfort but has no visible varicose veins. Varicose veins are usually found in elderly females and can also be a source of cosmetic concern. Varicose veins can be accompanied by symptoms like aching, fatigue, cramping, aching, and/or restlessness of the legs.

Varicose veins symptoms?

In some individuals, varicose veins do not cause pain or discomfort. However, this is not the case for most with varicose veins. One can determine signs of varicose veins along their legs by identifying veins that are dark blue or purple in color. Varicose veins can also be identified by twisting and bulging in veins. 

When individuals begin to notice signs such as pain and discomfort, they may notice other symptoms that include: 

• Heaviness or achiness in legs while standing 
• Throbbing, buring, cramping, and swelling of the leg area
• Increased pain in legs after prolonged sitting and standing
• Skin discoloration near the varicose vein area

If you begin to notice any signs or symptoms of varicose veins, contact RejuVeination to seek proper treatment. The symptoms associated with varicose veins can lead to an early development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). 

What causes varicose veins?

Family history is a leading factor in the development of varicose veins.  Pregnancy, obesity, and occupations that require long periods of standing or sitting are other common risk factors. These external factors can increase the pressure placed on veins with damaged or defective valves, which prevents the normal flow of blood and causes the veins to swell.  

Varicose veins risk factors

There are certain factors that can potentially increase the risk of developing varicose veins along the legs. These risk factors can often include:

• Sex: It is more common in women to develop varicose veins compared to men. Causes for a higher development in women include hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and premenstruation. These factors all contribute to the relaxation of vein walls, which can further damage incompetent vein valves. Varicose vein risk can further develop from hormone treatments such as birth control pills. 
• Age: It is normal for individuals to have higher risk for developing varicose veins as they naturally age. Natural wear and tear on vein valves occur, which weakens regular blood flow. Eventually, individuals may experience blood flow to pool within the leg veins instead of regular blood flow to the heart. 
• Family History: Those who have family members with varicose veins or other vein disorders are more likely to develop them as well.  
• Pregnancy: The volume of blood that an individual has during pregnancy is increased. This change occurs to support the growing fetus, but can also enlarge veins in the lower leg area. Hormonal changes may also relax vein walls, causing weak blood flow from the legs to the heart. 
• Obesity: The added pressure from body weight can lead to veins that struggle to direct healthy blood flow. As a result, varicose veins often develop in individuals who are overweight. 
• Physical Health: If individuals sit or stand for too long, blood cannot flow properly. It is important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing to avoid varicose vein complications. 

Varicose vein diagnosis

At RejuVeination, a consultation will take place in order to diagnose and determine the severity of your varicose veins. This includes a physical examination that looks at your legs for any swelling or bulging near the legs. Additionally, any pain or discomfort found in the legs should also be described to our medical experts. 

An ultrasound is usually completed following the physical examination. This is completed to see if the valves found in the varicose veins are functioning normally. Normal functioning valves allow blood to flow toward the heart then fully close preventing any reflux.  This test is completed by using a transducer against your skin over the varicose vein. The transducer then produces an image of the veins on your leg to a display, so a specialist can understand exactly what treatment options you may need. No need to worry, the ultrasound test is non-invasive and pain free. 

Treatment and minimally invasive surgery options are available to those who wish to eliminate varicose veins. Surgery is typically only required for more intense cases of chronic venous insufficiency. 

What is radiofrequency (RF) ablation?

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a minimally-invasive vascular treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and damage the interior walls of the targeted veins, causing the veins to close and turn into scar tissue. The body absorbs this tissue and the body naturally reroutes the blood through the vascular system. This procedure can be performed under a local anesthetic and has minimal downtime associated with it. Most patients walk out of the clinic and are back to work the next day.  You can expect this procedure to take between 30 and 45 minutes. We recommend patients wear compression stocking for at least one week following an RF ablation treatment to aid in the healing process.    

What is a phlebectomy?

This minimally-invasive vascular treatment removes small portions of superficial varicose veins through small incisions in the skin. A phlebectomy can be performed in combination with other vascular treatments, like sclerotherapy, in order to enhance the results of both procedures. Phlebectomy procedures are typically performed under a local anesthetic and can last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of veins being treated and the designated treatment area. 

How common are varicose veins?

The twisted, enlarged veins known as varicose veins are commonly affected in the lower leg area. Any vein is able to become varicose as the body naturally ages. Additionally, standing or sitting for long periods of time can increase pressure on the veins located in the lower parts of the body. 

Varicose veins are common for many people. They can be found on individuals who are pregnant, overweight, and those with subpar physical health. However, varicose veins can also be found on anyone simply through natural aging. Those who experience pain or discomfort may show early signs of vein disease. Individuals may need to treat their varicose veins to avoid long-term complications. 

Varicose vein prevention

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely avoid the development of varicose veins. Preventative measures can be made to mitigate vein disease complications. However, varicose veins that show no sign of pain or discomfort are not typically associated with vein disease. Improving blood circulation may reduce the possibility of developing varicose veins. There are also preventative measures that may reduce the risk of varicose veins including:

• Daily exercise
• Healthy dieting
• Keeping legs elevated
• Avoiding prolonged sitting and standing
• Wearing compression stockings to improve circulation

People also ask:

What does asymptomatic varicose veins mean?

Symptoms such as pain or discomfort are not always found in every individual who has varicose veins. Every person may be affected by varicose veins in a different way. Therefore, the absence of certain symptoms that imply varicose veins can result in possible long term complications. 

Asymptomatic varicose veins are simply the varicose veins that an individual has that do not show any of regular symptoms found for other individuals. In fact, it is often common for many who have varicose veins to not experience any symptoms associated with them. Those who have symptomatic varicose veins experience accompanied symptoms such as pain or discomfort. 

When should I be concerned about varicose veins?

It is important to be concerned about varicose veins upon recognizing their development along your lower leg area. Although many want varicose veins removed due to cosmetic purposes, they can lead to future complications if not properly cared for. 

It is important to consider any symptoms or concerns that may put you at risk for vein reflux. Contact our RejuVeination office in Cincinnati today for a consultation with our expert team. More information can be found through a search of our site. Proper treatment options can be discussed to treat varicose veins. 

Are varicose veins a sign of PVD?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is associated with poor blood flow. Vessels in the veins may weaken and worsen over time, which leads to poor blood flow to the brain. The legs and feet are mostly affected by PVD. Varicose veins can often develop as a result of PVD. However, having varicose veins does not confirm that a patient has PVD. 

Peripheral vascular disease is often found in individuals whose venous arteries struggle to supply proper blood flow to the heart. This is because of atherosclerosis, which is an artery disease that affects the rest of the body. This disease is created by buildup of plaque on artery walls. This plaque consists of cholesterol, cell waste, fat, and other buildup materials. This results in stiff and narrow arteries. Consult your medical healthcare provider for more peripheral vascular disease information.

How do you relieve pain from varicose veins?

People with varicose veins may experience pain or discomfort. Fortunately, relief strategies can be implemented to remedy any discomfort. Individuals can start with elevating the legs above the heart. Elevating the legs for roughly 15 minutes at a time can help reduce any immediate pain from varicose veins. 

Another pain relief option includes daily exercise and stretching for the legs. Short stretches of the calf muscles a few times a day is beneficial for creating better blood flow. It is important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing, as proper venous blood circulation is necessary to avoid vein disease complications. Additionally, hydration and physical movement help healthy blood flood. 

Compression stockings may also provide temporary relief from the symptoms.
Do you want to find out if you are a candidate for the varicose vein treatments offered at RejuVeination? Contact our office in Cincinnati today for further information or to schedule a consultation with a member of our expert team. Prior to your consultation, we recommend you complete our free, Three-minute online vein screening. We look forward to assisting you!