Varicose veins are one of those things many women hope they can quietly ignore. They often appear slowly, changing from faint blue lines into large, twisted vessels that sit just beneath the skin, usually on the legs.
Most of the time, they are simply a cosmetic concern. However, they can sometimes cause trouble. Swelling, aching, itching and throbbing pain are all signs it may be time to speak with a specialist. The good news is that there are simple treatments available to help you, including sclerotherapy.
What Are Varicose Veins and What Causes Them?
Veins are typically unnoticeable, working silently to transport nutrient-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When the walls of these veins weaken or the valves inside them stop functioning properly, blood can pool, and pressure builds. The veins then stretch and become visible on the surface of your skin. Doctors refer to them as varicose veins, which are also known as varicosities. These veins often appear blue or purple, and they may feel lumpy or raised to the touch.
According to the Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center, a qualified and experienced vein specialist for sclerotherapy, any vein can become varicose. However, they are most commonly found on the lower half of the body, such as the legs, feet or ankles, because walking and standing can put pressure on the veins. Additionally, the veins in these areas work against gravity and cover the longest distance to return blood to the heart.
Varicose veins and spider veins are not the same, but they are closely related. Spider veins are much smaller, red or purple lines that sit close to the skin’s surface. They usually form delicate, web-like clusters and may appear around varicose veins.
Around 10% to 30% of people develop varicose veins at some point in their lives, including up to 40 million people in the United States. It affects women more often than men, but varicose veins can occur at any age. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing them, including:
- Genetics: If your parents or grandparents have visible veins, you are more likely to have them as well.
- Pregnancy: Your blood volume increases by 30% to 50% during pregnancy to support your baby’s health. The extra blood may cause your veins to swell. In addition, your growing uterus can put more pressure on your veins.
- Hormonal changes: Women’s bodies undergo various changes every month. The changes in hormones before a menstrual period or during menopause can sometimes cause varicose veins. The pill, intrauterine devices and other hormonal contraceptives, as well as menopausal hormone therapy, can put you at risk too.
- Age: As you get older, the valves in your veins naturally weaken, and the calf muscles that help squeeze the valve to pump blood back toward your heart may lose some strength. This makes it easier for blood to pool in the legs.
- Lifestyle factors: Sitting or standing for long hours, wearing heels frequently, or living a mostly sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of varicose veins. You are also more likely to develop these veins if you smoke or use tobacco products.
- Weight and circulation: Carrying excess weight places additional pressure on the veins, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently.
- Other health conditions: Certain health issues, such as a history of blood clots or vein scarring, can damage the valves and increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
In most cases, symptoms of varicose veins are mainly visual. This means veins that appear dark blue, purple or slightly darker than your natural skin tone. Depending on your skintone, these changes may be more or less noticeable. The veins may look twisted, enlarged or cord-like, and they often develop in small clusters.
The visible changes do not cause pain for most people. However, there are times when varicose veins cause discomfort and pain. You may experience achy or sore feelings in your legs, often accompanied by muscle cramps, particularly in the back of your knees. You may also experience a heavy, tired or sluggish sensation in the legs, itching around the affected area, and swelling or throbbing in the legs, ankles or feet.
Your symptoms can worsen after a prolonged period of sitting or standing, and improve with rest or elevation of your legs. Many women notice their symptoms feel more intense at specific points of their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.
Varicose veins rarely cause complications, but they can happen. Severe cases may lead to venous ulcers, inflammation, bleeding or significant skin discoloration. These veins can also be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins struggle to pump blood effectively back to the heart. Moreover, they can also contribute to the development of blood clots or clotting disorders.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience any adverse effects, such as pain, swelling, skin changes or other concerning symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Even if your primary concern is appearance, a specialist can help you understand your options and decide whether treatment is for you.
Your doctor will review your health history to determine whether you have risk factors for varicose veins. This helps guide the entire diagnostic process. During a physical examination, they will inspect areas with varicose veins for visible signs, such as swelling, skin discoloration or enlarged veins. Your doctor may ask you to stand, walk or change positions so they can evaluate your circulation and how your veins respond to movements.
Diagnostic imaging provides a more detailed look. The medical center may use duplex ultrasound, triplex ultrasound or magnetic resonance venography. These imaging tests enable doctors to visualize how blood flows through your veins and identify the underlying cause of your issue.
What Is the Best Treatment for Varicose Veins?
The “best” treatment depends on your condition. When your varicose veins begin to bother you — either because of how they look or how they feel — your doctor can recommend some treatment options.
Sclerotherapy can be an effective option. Below, Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center walks through the process.
Spider Vein Sclerotherapy at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center
Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center was founded in 2001 by vascular surgeon Dr. John D. Horowitz and offers varicose vein treatment in Orlando. With decades of collective experience, the center’s board-certified specialists are leaders in treating a wide range of venous conditions. They are dedicated to providing personalized care that helps patients achieve both cosmetic and health-related goals.
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins is one of the most widely used treatments. Aside from improving your appearance, it can help relieve pain, aching and burning sensations associated with varicose veins.
The procedure uses a sclerosing agent, such as polidocanol, sotradecola or a hypertonic saline solution. When injected into the vein, this agent irritates the vessel walls, which causes them to scar and collapse. The treated vein will then gradually fade over three to six weeks for smaller veins and up to four months for larger ones.
What to Expect During Your First Sclerotherapy Consultation
During your first sclerotherapy consultation, you will meet with a vascular surgeon or specialist who will assess your overall vein health. They will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and provide a detailed explanation of the procedure. You will also discuss expected results and the number of sessions that may be necessary, based on your specific condition.
Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center performs sclerotherapy in the office. You will lie either on your back or stomach, depending on the location of the vein. A highly trained, board-certified surgeon will then inject a sclerosing agent directly into the targeted vein. For deeper veins, they may use ultrasound guidance.
Most patients at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center report little to no discomfort during the procedure. You may feel a brief pinch from the needle, and some people experience mild cramping after treatment for larger veins.
After the procedure, you will need to wear compression stockings or wraps for three to seven days to support proper healing and maintain compression on the treated vessels. It is also essential to avoid hot baths and showers, saunas, sun exposure, lotion, and rigorous exercise for at least 48 hours.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work to Treat Varicose Veins?
Although there is no one best treatment for varicose veins, sclerotherapy is a popular option for various reasons. The primary benefit is that it yields excellent results for many individuals. It can help eliminate as many as 50% to 80% of injected veins in just one session. Plus, if your treatment is successful, your varicose veins will not reappear.
Another advantage of the procedure is its simplicity. Specialists at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center usually complete the procedure in 30 minutes to an hour. The procedure also does not require anesthesia. This means that you will be able to drive yourself home and return to most normal activities right away, including walking.
After sclerotherapy, you may experience mild itching for a day or two, along with raised, red areas at the injection site. These should fade within a few days. Sometimes, bruising can occur and may last several days or weeks. If you notice any severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
You Deserve the Best Treatment
Varicose veins can affect comfort, confidence and quality of life. Fortunately, treatments like sclerotherapy make it easier than ever to address them early and effectively. As long as you work with a reputable specialist, this minimally invasive option can help you feel healthier and more confident in your own skin.
