Why Veins Become Varicose
The above-mentioned factors can cause damaged veins. Once they become damaged, gravity interferes with normal blood flow, which causes your blood to pool in the weakened or damaged area of your veins. The pooling of blood causes the veins to become larger. It can also cause them to twist and show beneath the surface of your skin.
What Do Varicose Veins Look Like?
Varicose veins are larger than spider veins. They are also located deeper in your leg than spider veins, which are closer to your skin. When you see red, purple, or blue veins on your skin, those are spider veins. Varicose veins are larger, may be red or purple, and look lumpy.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins and Treatment
Aside from the visible symptoms, varicose veins may also include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Aching
- Pain
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
- A heavy feeling
- Swollen ankles
- Itching
- Burning
- Leg cramps
- Throbbing
- Restless legs
Our doctors can treat varicose veins in several ways, including compression stockings and lifestyle changes. If this more conservative method doesn’t work, we can use ambulatory phlebectomy, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), and sclerotherapy.
Varicose Vein Treatment Recovery
After sclerotherapy or EVLT treatment, you’ll need to wear compression stockings to help the body absorb the unused veins and ensure the new vein stays closed. After the first night, you only need to wear them during the day for at least two weeks.
You’ll have to walk at least 30 minutes every day once you complete varicose vein treatment. You can return to your normal activities right away, but you won’t be able to stand still for long periods, and you have to avoid long-haul flights for three to four weeks. After two weeks, you’ll have a follow-up appointment so we can check the treated veins with an ultrasound.
Where to Find Varicose Vein Treatment in Waldorf, MD
Metropolitan Vascular Institute serves Waldorf and the surrounding areas in Maryland. To find out more about varicose vein treatment, speak with a doctor at Metropolitan Vascular Institute. To schedule a consultation, please call 301-374-8540.
