Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs, that develop when valves inside the veins stop working well and blood pools instead of flowing back to the heart. They can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, and skin changes. VidaVascular evaluates varicose veins with ultrasound and offers minimally invasive treatment, including endovenous ablation and sclerotherapy.
For some people, varicose veins are mainly a cosmetic concern. For others, they are a sign of an underlying circulation problem called chronic venous insufficiency, which can get worse over time. This page explains what causes varicose veins, which symptoms to watch for, and how they are diagnosed and treated.
What are varicose veins?
Leg veins have one-way valves that keep blood moving up toward the heart. When those valves weaken or fail, blood flows backward and collects in the vein. This is called venous reflux. The added pressure stretches the vein until it becomes enlarged, bulging, and twisted (1).
Varicose veins are part of a broader condition called chronic venous disease or chronic venous insufficiency. In more advanced cases, it can lead to lasting swelling, skin changes, and open sores (venous ulcers) near the ankle.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Some varicose veins cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms happen, they often get worse after long periods of standing or sitting and improve when the legs are raised. Common symptoms include:
- Visible, rope-like, bulging veins
- Aching, heaviness, or tiredness in the legs
- Swelling in the ankles or lower legs
- Night cramps or restless legs
- Itching, burning, or throbbing over the veins
- Darkening or hardening of the skin near the ankles
- Sores near the ankle that are slow to heal
What causes varicose veins, and who is at risk?
Varicose veins are linked to weakened vein walls and valves (1). Common risk factors include:
- Family history of varicose veins
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Older age
- Jobs or routines with long periods of standing or sitting
- Extra body weight
- A previous blood clot in the leg
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a review of your symptoms and a physical exam of your legs. The key test is a duplex ultrasound, a painless, noninvasive scan that shows how blood flows through your veins, where the valves are leaking, and whether there are signs of a past or current blood clot (2). The results help decide whether treatment is recommended and which approach fits best.
What are the treatment options for varicose veins?
Treatment depends on your symptoms and your ultrasound results (2). Options may include:
- Self-care, such as walking, leg elevation, and weight management
- Compression stockings to support circulation and ease symptoms
- Endovenous ablation, using radiofrequency or laser energy delivered through a thin catheter to close the leaking vein so blood reroutes to healthy veins
- Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, which uses an injected medicine to close problem veins
- Phlebectomy, which removes bulging surface veins through tiny skin openings
These procedures are usually done in an office setting, and most people walk soon afterward. Our team will explain which options fit your situation.
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following:
- Sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg, which can be a sign of a blood clot
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood
- A varicose vein that bleeds heavily and does not stop with firm pressure and leg elevation
Why see VidaVascular for varicose veins?
Heavy, aching, or swollen legs can make long workdays and daily activity harder. At VidaVascular, your evaluation is guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team. We use ultrasound to understand what is happening inside your veins, explain the results in plain language, and help you choose a treatment plan that fits your goals.
Care is available at our offices in Oxon Hill, MD, Springfield, VA, and White Plains, MD.
Your VidaVascular Care Team
Your evaluation and treatment are guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team.
Where to Get Care for Varicose Veins
Choose the office that is most convenient for you. All locations share one phone number for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Veins
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Many varicose veins are not dangerous. But they can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, which may lead to swelling, skin changes, and leg ulcers over time. A duplex ultrasound can show whether there is an underlying problem that should be treated.
What is the difference between varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are larger, raised, bulging veins, often caused by leaking valves. Spider veins are small, flat red, blue, or purple veins near the skin surface. Spider veins are usually a cosmetic concern, although they can occur alongside venous reflux.
Does insurance cover my visit?
VidaVascular accepts most major insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan and procedure, so please call us to confirm whether your specific plan is covered. Insurance information.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (866) 800-2346 or request an appointment online. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
References
- Eberhardt, R. T., & Raffetto, J. D. (2014). Chronic venous insufficiency. Circulation, 130(4), 333–346.
- Gloviczki, P., Lawrence, P. F., Wasan, S. M., et al. (2023). The 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part I. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 11(2), 231–261.
Ready to Talk About Your Leg Veins?
Schedule an evaluation with our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what fits your goals.