Varicose Veins


Vein Specialists of the Carolinas

We Treat Hundreds of Patients With Varicose Veins a Year

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose Veins are those big twisty veins that make the overlying skin bulge up.

  • They are also described as “ropey” or “snakey”.
  • Increasing pressure in the vein makes them enlarge. The veins get longer and bigger  becoming twisty like a small river.
  • When sitting or standing gravity pulls the blood down causing leg pain.

 

Problems Associated With Varicose Veins

  • For some people they just look bad.
  • For many people the entire leg can hurt but may not be described as “pain”.
  • Signs and Symptoms
    • Aching, heavy, tired, throbbing, cramping, restlessness, stinging, burning or numbness.
    • The pain usually gets worse as the day goes on.
    • Sitting and standing are usually worse than walking or lying down.
    • Swelling can occur and also gets worse as the day progresses. Elevating the legs usually helps tremendously. It is usually much better after sleeping over night when the legs have been even with the heart for a long time.
    • Phlebitis (Flea- bite- us). This is when varicose veins actually clot. These clots are not dangerous and do not move. The clotted varicose vein will become painful, red, and hard. (See Phlebitis Section).

Causes Of Varicose Veins

Venous Reflux

  • This is the most common cause.
  • One way valves in the leg veins become defective and let blood flow backward.
  • Reflux can occur in the deep or superficial veins in the legs, or in the pelvic veins (Pelvic Congestion Syndrome).

Venous Blockage

  • Blood can clot inside the veins (DVT). This is like damming up a river. This can occur in the legs or pelvis.
  • Pressure, from outside the vein, can squeeze or pinch the vein restricting flow. This occurs in the pelvis and abdomen (May-Thurner Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome).

 

Diagnosis Of Varicose Veins

  • Standing Leg Ultrasound.
  • Leg ultrasound done lying down can only identify blood clots but not reflux.
  • Reflux can only be found on ultrasound done in standing position.
  • The vast majority of Ultrasounds performed outside of a vein practice are done lying down and only look for clots in the deep veins. This is not thorough enough.
  • Pelvic ultrasound may be required to look for problems higher up in the blood’s return pathway to the heart.

Varicose Vein Treatments (See Procedures Section)

  • Varicose vein treatment is covered by nearly all insurance companies.
  • Criteria specific to each individual insurance policy must be met first.
  • Most require a conservative treatment trial consisting of leg elevation, over the counter analgesics and medical grade compression garment for a period of up to 3 months.
Varicose Veins, Vein Specialists of the Carolinas

Before and After Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose Veins, Vein Specialists of the Carolinas

Before and After Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose Veins, Vein Specialists of the Carolinas

Before and After Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose Veins, Vein Specialists of the Carolinas

Before and After Varicose Veins Treatment

From The Blog

Understanding Varicose Veins: Symptoms and Potential Confusions

Understanding Varicose Veins: Symptoms and Potential Confusions

Varicose veins are a common vascular condition that affects millions of individuals, often causing discomfort and aesthetic concerns. As a Vein Specialist of the Carolinas, it is crucial to shed light on the symptoms of varicose veins and the potential confusion they...

read more
Love Your Legs this Valentine’s Day with Vein Specialists of the Carolinas! 

Love Your Legs this Valentine’s Day with Vein Specialists of the Carolinas! 

This Valentine's Day, give your legs the love and care they deserve by choosing Vein Specialists of the Carolinas! Cherish the Beauty of Healthy Legs: Just like a blossoming bouquet, your legs deserve to look and feel their best. Our team at Vein Specialists is here...

read more
8 Reasons Our Vein Care Goes Beyond Surface-Level Concerns

8 Reasons Our Vein Care Goes Beyond Surface-Level Concerns

Vein care encompasses a thorough and diverse approach to vein health, taking into account the entire vascular system and providing patients with comprehensive and personalized care for optimal long-term well-being. At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we pride...

read more

CHARLOTTE, NC

Phone

Hours

Mon.-Thurs.: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am-12:30pm

Address

15825 Ballantyne Medical Place,
Ste. 240
Charlotte, North Carolina 28277

Vein Specialists of the Carolinas Rated Best of Charlotte Vein Specialists

GASTONIA, NC

Phone

Hours

Mon.-Thurs.: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am-12:30pm

Address

860 Summit Crossing Place,
Ste. 120
Gastonia, North Carolina 28054

Vein Specialists of the Carolinas Gastonia Location

[DISPLAY_ACURAX_ICONS]

© Copyright 2021 Vein Specialists of the Carolinas | Developed By Website and Social Media Solutions  

Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Sitemap

Translate »
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!