Medically reviewed by Evan Harris, MD, DVIR, DABVLM, RPVI, on August 11, 2025
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they’re a sign that something deeper might be going on with your circulation. Whether you're dealing with leg pain, swelling, cramping, or bulging blue or purple veins, there’s good news: safe, effective, and minimally invasive vein treatment options are available.
In this complete guide, brought to you by Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), the nation’s largest physician-led vein center, we’ll cover what causes varicose veins, how to fix them, and what to expect from today’s advanced vein treatment options. You'll also learn how to classify your varicose veins like a pro, when to seek help from a vein expert, and how to prevent varicose veins from returning once treated.
To provide you with the most up-to-date, reliable information, we consulted a Center for Vein Restoration vein expert, Dr. Harris. He provided us with clinical insight and real-world experience to help you better understand your vein health and treatment options.
📅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harris in Glastonbury, Connecticut, 👉CLICK HERE
📅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harris in Middletown, Connecticut, 👉CLICK HERE
📅To schedule an appointment at any of CVR’s 120+ vein clinics nationwide, 👉CLICK HERE
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear on the legs. They develop when tiny valves inside your veins, responsible for keeping blood flowing toward the heart, start to weaken or fail. Known as venous insufficiency, this condition permits blood to pool in the legs instead of circulating properly.
Over time, this accumulation of blood and fluid can stretch the vein walls, leading to vein problems such as varicose veins and spider veins (smaller, web-like veins near the skin’s surface).
According to the Mayo Clinic, common risk factors include aging, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and genetics.
As you’ve learned, varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue, signaling a deeper problem with circulation. Venous insufficiency can cause symptoms such as:
If you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s time to speak with a board-certified Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist. They can determine if you have vein disease and learn what treatment options are available.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
Unfortunately, no. While exercise, compression, and weight loss can improve the appearance and feel of your legs, they won’t make varicose veins disappear. Further, as the Mayo Clinic points out, untreated varicose veins can lead to complications such as leg swelling, changes in skin color, ulcers, or even blood clots
The good news? Minimally invasive procedures are highly effective, with most patients experiencing relief in one or two office-based treatments with little to no discomfort.
The even better news? CVR accepts most insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
It’s important to understand that varicose veins are caused by a progressive condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Like many diseases, early-stage vein problems may improve with healthy lifestyle changes, but more advanced cases usually call for medical treatment by a vein specialist to prevent further progression. And while there’s no “cure,” these highly effective outpatient treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
There’s no single “best” treatment for varicose veins because each case is unique. Your Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist determines the best treatment for varicose veins through a combination of diagnostic tools, clinical expertise, and patient-specific factors. Here’s how the process typically works:
By combining medical imaging, standardized classification, and your unique needs, your Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist can create a tailored treatment plan to relieve symptoms and improve your vein health long-term.
Non-Invasive Options
These strategies can ease symptoms but won’t eliminate varicose veins. To permanently treat varicose veins, you’ll need one of the following minimally invasive procedures.
Modern varicose vein treatment options are quick, outpatient procedures with little to no downtime. All of these procedures are offered by experienced, board-certified vein doctors at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), the largest physician-led vein center in the U.S.
Options include:
Talk to your CVR vein expert about which option fits your needs. At CVR, we create a personalized treatment plan and walk you through every step, from diagnosis to insurance approval and recovery.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
While you can’t completely prevent varicose veins, you can reduce your risk and slow progression. Here’s how:
These steps can improve circulation and help you feel better, especially when combined with medical guidance from a vein expert.
At your first appointment at a CVR vein center, your vein specialist will perform a physical exam and a duplex ultrasound to assess blood flow. This helps diagnose venous insufficiency and determine the best course of treatment.
You may also hear about the CEAP classification system. The National Library of Medicine (NIH) points out that the American Venous Forum created a classification system in 1994 as a standardized tool that vein specialists use to assess the severity of chronic venous disease, including varicose veins. It assigns a clinical score from C0 (no visible signs) to C6 (active venous ulcer), helping guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
By understanding where you fall on the CEAP scale, your CVR vein doctor can recommend the most effective treatment plan for your specific condition. This chart gives you a clearer picture of what your symptoms might mean and what steps you can take next.
Choosing vein treatment is a big decision. At Center for Vein Restoration, we believe in full transparency. We’ll help you understand your diagnosis, costs, insurance coverage, and all of your treatment options
Here are some questions to ask your CVR vein specialist:
Center for Vein Restoration is the nation's leader in treating vein problems. With over 120 locations across the U.S., our board-certified vein specialists offer state-of-the-art care for patients suffering from varicose veins, spider veins, and venous insufficiency.
At every CVR location, we prioritize safety, precision, and compassion in every vein treatment we provide. Our physicians are board-certified, leaders in the field, and regularly publish in respected medical journals.
When you visit a CVR clinic, you can be confident you're receiving safe, effective, and evidence-based care from some of the most respected vein doctors in the country.
Don’t let leg pain or swelling keep you from living fully. If you're struggling with varicose veins, relief is just a call or click away.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
Vein disease won’t go away on its own, but with help from Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), you can get back to living without discomfort or embarrassment. Schedule a consultation with CVR today and take control of your vein health.
Physically active 36-year-old Shannon suffered from varicose veins on one leg and thrombophlebitis until she decided to do something about it. Finding Dr. Cornwell of Center for Vein Restoration was the first step in changing her life.
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