Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are veins in your leg that get enlarged. They are not always visible as people can experience symptoms without visible veins. If you have varicose veins you may notice:

• Aching leg pain
• Protruding, twisted veins
• Swelling
• Dark purple or blue veins
• Bulging, cord-like veins
• A heavy feeling in your legs
• Throbbing, burning, or itching
• Muscle cramping
• Skin discoloration
• Pain after standing or sitting

Spider veins are tiny versions of varicose veins. Not treating varicose veins can lead to worsening of symptoms. At the first sign of unusual-looking veins or leg pain, see Dr. Kasha and his team for an evaluation.

What are the risk factors for varicose veins?

While varicose veins can happen to anybody, certain risk factors may increase your chance of developing them. Examples include:

• Being a woman
• Older age
• Family history of varicose veins
• Pregnancy
• Standing or sitting for long periods
• Obesity

While rare, complications associated with varicose veins can include ulcers, open sores, blood clots, and bleeding. That’s why seeking treatment for such veins, even if their appearance doesn’t bother you, is important. 

How does my provider diagnose varicose veins?

To diagnose varicose veins, Dr. Kasha and his team review your medical history, ask about any symptoms, and complete a physical examination. He checks your legs for visible veins and swelling and asks you to describe any discomfort. Dr. Kasha might recommend an ultrasound to evaluate blood flow.

What are my varicose vein treatment options?

The team at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center might recommend one or more of the following varicose vein treatments to eliminate unwanted or diseased veins and reduce your risk of complications:

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can reduce unwanted veins and their risk of recurring. Examples include getting regular exercise, losing weight, elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, and not sitting or standing for long periods.

Radiofrequency ablation

With radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Kasha places a tiny catheter in a diseased vein and uses high-frequency radio waves to target and close off unhealthy veins, while minimizing the risk of bruising and bleeding. Blood reroutes to healthier nearby veins in your legs to reduce discomfort.

VenaSeal™

VenaSeal is a minimally invasive, revolutionary treatment Dr. Kasha uses to deliver tiny amounts of adhesive into veins to close them and allow blood to reroute to healthier veins.

Sclerotherapy

During sclerotherapy, Dr. Kasha and his team inject varicose veins with a special solution to make the veins fade away over time.

Don’t live with unwanted varicose veins when simple, minimally invasive procedures are within reach at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center. Book your next appointment by phone or online today.