Varicose Veins

Varicose veins appear when you have vein damage that disrupts the normal flow of blood back to your heart. Though varicose veins aren’t always a serious health issue, Nchang Taka, MD, and the team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic in Columbus, Georgia, recommend scheduling an evaluation to make sure. Varicose veins are a sign of circulation problems. Call today or schedule your varicose vein evaluation online.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that affect the look and texture of your skin. Though they may occur anywhere, varicose veins most often develop on the legs.

Your veins are lined with valves that open and close, helping push blood back to the heart and lungs without letting it flow backward. Varicose veins develop when you have weak valves or damage to the walls of veins, allowing blood to flow backward and pool.

The pooling blood causes the blood vessel to expand and become visible. 

When should I seek help for varicose veins?

Varicose veins are common and not always a serious health concern. However, varicose veins are a symptom of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulation problem that affects blood flow in the legs. 

Because varicose veins affect circulation, the team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic recommends seeking help sooner rather than later. Taking action early may prevent your varicose veins from worsening.

They also recommend you come in for a visit if your varicose veins cause pain, itching, or make your legs feel heavy. Leg swelling and nonhealing leg wounds are also signs of circulation problems that need evaluation.

What happens during an evaluation for varicose veins?

The team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic conducts a thorough exam when you come in for a varicose vein evaluation. They review your symptoms and medical and family histories and perform a physical exam.

They also do a vascular ultrasound to evaluate your veins to look for circulation problems. 

What are the treatments for varicose veins?

The team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic individualizes your varicose vein treatment plan based on your symptoms. Initially, the team recommends lifestyle changes such as taking frequent breaks when standing or sitting for long periods, keeping the legs elevated at the end of the day, and wearing compression stockings.

If your varicose veins affect circulation, the team may recommend treatment to get rid of the visible veins, such as injection therapy (sclerotherapy) that irritates the vein and causes it to close or vein surgery at their cath lab to remove the vein. 

Varicose veins are a symptom of a circulation problem. To find out what’s causing your visible veins, call Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic or book an appointment online today.