Varicose veins can be more than a cosmetic concern. For many, these enlarged, twisted veins—most commonly occurring in the legs—indicate underlying venous insufficiency (vein disease). This chronic condition affects the way blood flows back to the heart. If you're dealing with varicose veins, spider veins, or related vein problems, knowing when to consult a vein specialist can make a world of difference to your overall health and comfort.
This guide will review the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for varicose veins and help you determine when it’s time to seek expert care.
According to Penn Medicine, varicose veins develop when tiny valves in leg veins fail to work correctly, causing blood to pool and the veins to swell. While often a minor issue, they can lead to pain, swelling, skin changes, and even blood clots if they worsen. This condition is common, particularly in older adults and women. Healthy vein function helps blood flow back to the heart, but when these valves weaken, blood begins to pool in the veins, causing them to stretch, twist, and enlarge.
Common factors contributing to varicose veins include:
Spider veins, a milder form of vein disease, often accompany varicose veins. These smaller, web-like veins usually form near the surface of the skin.
Do you have any of these risk factors? Take a vein health assessment and see if your symptoms may be related to vein disease.
While varicose veins may not always cause discomfort, they often come with symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life. Signs that it’s time to consult a vein expert include:
Don’t ignore your symptoms! If you have symptoms of venous insufficiency, consult a board-certified vein expert at the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). Your CVR vein specialist will examine you, perform a venous duplex ultrasound to ensure an accurate diagnosis, review your results in detail, and offer a custom treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
REMEMBER: Early intervention can prevent further complications, improve your comfort, and restore confidence in how you feel about your legs.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
In some cases, varicose veins can lead to complications that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Leg Ulcers
Open sores near varicose veins that do not heal are a sign of advanced vein disease. Seek help from a vein specialist promptly.
Bleeding Varicose Veins
Enlarged veins close to the skin’s surface are more prone to bleeding, which can be difficult to stop without medical intervention and may constitute a medical emergency.
Although you can’t eliminate your risk, these lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow the progression of varicose veins:
If the lifestyle changes listed above aren’t enough to bring relief, a Center for Vein Restoration vein doctor is ready to provide advanced minimally-invasive vein treatments tailored to your needs and performed as an outpatient. Options include:
At CVR, these treatments often take an hour or less, and patients can return to their regular routine immediately.
Center for Vein Restoration is America’s largest physician-led vein clinic, offering expert care for vein disease. With state-of-the-art technology and compassionate professionals, CVR has helped thousands of patients regain their confidence and improve their quality of life.
Don’t wait until vein problems disrupt your daily life—schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward healthier veins!