What to do When You First Notice Varicose Vein Symptoms

Are you noticing the first signs of varicose veins? Don’t delay treatment!

Although varicose veins affect about 20 percent of adults during their lifetime, many consider them a cosmetic concern and may not seek treatment. But starting treatment is recommended when you first notice varicose vein symptoms. Doing so will help reduce your discomfort and prevent complications from developing.

Like other chronic health conditions, varicose veins will only worsen without medical intervention. Knowing what to do when you first notice varicose vein symptoms will help you get the therapy you need from a certified vein specialist.

What you need to know about varicose vein symptoms

Bulging blue and purple veins on the legs, feet, or ankles are the most common symptoms of varicose veins. But varicose veins can also cause pain, cramping, itching, and a general feeling of heaviness in the legs. You may also notice changes in skin texture and color around the varicose vein. A doctor specializing in vascular disorders should check any of these symptoms. Delaying diagnosis may only cause your pain and swelling to worsen.

“But what causes varicose veins to form?” you may wonder. It has to do with how your circulatory system works. After your arteries pump blood to your tissues and organs, your veins return the blood to the heart. Tiny valves inside your leg veins open and close tightly to move blood upward. However, certain factors, such as heredity, hormonal changes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, may cause the valves to weaken. As a result, blood pools inside the vein, stretching the vein walls outward and causing other varicose vein symptoms.

Your treatment options

Diagnosing varicose veins involves a physical exam and an ultrasound scan of your veins. The ultrasound gives the vein specialist a visual of how blood flows in the vein.

Treatments start with conservative, at-home therapies such as elevating your legs to drain blood back to the heart and compression stockings. You will also be encouraged to exercise. Walking and bike riding can help strengthen the calf muscles to circulate blood smoothly in the veins.

However, conservative treatments can only lessen the symptoms. To find relief fully, you must undergo a minimally invasive procedure to treat the diseased vein. These in-office procedures typically take only an hour and rely on heat or a sclerosant solution to destroy the affected vein. Once the vein can no longer carry blood, it’s absorbed into the body, and blood is diverted to healthy veins.

Leaving varicose veins untreated can lead to complications such as skin ulcers and dangerous blood clots, so treating your vein disease in its earliest stages is essential.

Get to know your vein specialists in the Atlanta area

When you first notice the symptoms of varicose veins, contact the vein specialists at Center of Vein Restoration (CVR) for diagnosis and treatment! There are three CVR offices in the Atlanta area, each led by a board-certified vein specialist who has successfully treated hundreds of patients suffering from varicose veins and other vascular disorders. Relief is just a phone call away!

Keith S. Moore, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in vein procedures.

Louis Prevosti, MD, FACS, is a board-certified physician in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

James Fonger, MD, FRCS, is a board-certified physician in general and cardiovascular surgery.

Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting our offices today to schedule an appointment or to speak with a representative.

Don't live near an Atlanta CVR vein clinic location? No problem! With over 100 vein clinic locations in 22 states and the District of Columbia, there's sure to be a CVR vein center near you.

Camp Creek Medical Center

3886 Princeton Lakes Way

Suite 140

Atlanta, GA 30331

Northside Center Pointe

1100 Johnson Ferry Road NE

Suite 165

Atlanta, GA 30342

Gwinnett Professional Center

601 Professional Drive

Suite 170

Lawrenceville, GA 30046