Painful Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can be painful and unsightly. They are a common condition that affects many people, particularly women. If left untreated, they can cause discomfort, swelling, and even skin ulcers. At Maryland Vein Treatment, we offer minimally invasive varicose vein treatments to help relieve pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins. We discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for painful varicose veins.

Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction of the valves within the veins. These valves are responsible for ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction, towards the heart. When the valves become weakened or damaged, blood can flow backwards and pool in the veins. This causes the veins to become swollen and twisted, resulting in varicose veins.

Several factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins, including:

• Age: As we age, our veins can weaken, leading to the development of varicose veins.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause.
• Family history: If a close family member has varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them as well.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the veins, leading to the development of varicose veins.
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time: Jobs that require prolonged periods of standing or sitting can increase the risk of developing varicose veins.

Varicose veins can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain or discomfort in the affected area
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Itching or burning sensation in the affected area
• Muscle cramping or throbbing in the legs
• Skin discoloration around the affected area
• Skin ulcers (in severe cases)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Untreated varicose veins can lead to more serious complications, such as blood clots or skin ulcers.

• Radiofrequency ablation: This treatment uses heat generated by radio waves to close the affected vein. Radiofrequency ablation is also typically used to treat large varicose veins.
• VenaSeal: This treatment involves using a medical adhesive to close the affected vein. VenaSeal is a newer treatment option that is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness and minimal downtime.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy: This treatment involves making small incisions in the skin to remove the affected vein. Ambulatory phlebectomy is typically used to treat larger varicose veins that cannot be treated with other minimally invasive options.
• Compression stockings: Wearing compression stockings can also help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins. These stockings apply pressure to the surface of the skin to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

If you are experiencing painful varicose veins, it is important to seek medical attention. At Maryland Vein Treatment, we offer free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage and make informed decisions about your treatment. Before we begin any treatment, we always diagnose the root cause of your varicose veins via duplex ultrasound. This allows us to curate a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.

While there is no surefire way to prevent varicose veins, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing them. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the veins, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.
• Getting regular exercise: Exercise can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins.
• Elevating your legs: Elevating your legs for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting: If your job requires prolonged periods of standing or sitting, be sure to take frequent breaks to move around and stretch your legs.
• Wearing compression stockings: If you are at a high risk of developing varicose veins, wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins.

Untreated varicose veins can lead to a range of complications, some of which can be serious. One of the most common complications of varicose veins is skin ulcers. These are open sores that develop on the skin around the affected vein. Skin ulcers can be painful and difficult to heal, and they can increase the risk of developing a serious infection.

Another potential complication of untreated varicose veins is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg. DVT can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to the lungs), which can be life-threatening.

Varicose veins can be a painful and unsightly condition, but there are several minimally invasive treatment options available to help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you are located in the Maryland area and are experiencing painful varicose veins, Maryland Vein Treatment is here to help. Our medical centers are led by board-certified vein doctors who specialize in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins. We offer free insurance verification and a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Don’t let varicose veins hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation at our Bethesda location today to get started on the path to a healthier and more comfortable life.