Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment
Many people suffer from varicose veins. For some, varicose veins are more than just unsightly. They can be painful. We can help. At RAYUS we combine the latest technology with our team of highly trained, caring specialists to offer a number of effective treatment options. Because every patient’s needs are different, we’ll take time to discuss your unique condition so we can develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Varicose and spider vein treatment is offered at RAYUS Vascular Care in St. Louis Park, MN and RAYUS – DeSoto in DeSoto, TX. Request a free vein screening today.
What You Need To Know
Certain factors may put you at a higher risk of developing varicose veins:
- Age 50+
- Family history
- Female
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Prior leg injury
Varicose veins occur when the valves inside the veins that help direct blood flow are not working properly. This can cause blood to pool in the vessels of the leg, leading to enlarged veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins, include:
- Aching or swelling of the area
- Skin discoloration
- Sores
Sclerotherapy
During sclerotherapy, medication is injected into the vein to help the vein shrink and, over time, reduce or disappear altogether. The procedure is quick and effective, and it can be performed in our clinic with little to no recovery time.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
EVLA treats problematic veins with laser therapy using a laser catheter. The procedure is quick and can be performed in our clinic with little to no recovery time. Some patients experience minimal bruising, and compression socks are often recommended post-procedure.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
If the problem vein cannot be treated using sclerotherapy or EVLA, ambulatory phlebectomy is another option. During this procedure, several small incisions are made over a bulging vein and the vein is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Varicose and Spider Veins
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What are typical symptoms of venous disease?
Typical symptoms of venous disease include leg pain, aching, throbbing, burning, itching, heaviness, tiredness, restless legs and/or muscle cramping. Some people also experience swelling, skin discoloration and may develop sores that do not heal.
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How do varicose veins form?
Varicose veins form when the valves inside the veins that help direct blood flow are not working properly. This can cause blood to pool in the vessels of the leg resulting in enlarged veins.
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What causes varicose and/or spider veins?
Varicose veins are caused when the valves inside the veins that help direct blood flow are not working properly. This can cause blood to pool in the vessels of the leg resulting in enlarged veins.
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What is the difference between varicose and spider veins?
Varicose veins have an unmistakable bulging, ropelike appearance in the leg anywhere from the ankle to the groin. They are different from spider veins which usually appear as thin, flat, reddish or purple veins close to the skins surface.
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What factors put me at higher risk of developing varicose veins?
Risk factors include being over 50 years of age, having a family history of vein disease, an occupation that involves prolonged periods of standing, female gender, pregnancy, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and prior leg injury.
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Are varicose veins dangerous?
Left untreated, varicose veins may cause inflammation, superficial blood clots, skin ulcers, rash, sores and even bleeding in some patients.
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How do I know if I need vein treatment?
If you have leg swelling (particularly in the ankle region), sensations of pain, heaviness, burning, itching or tenderness in your legs then treatment may benefit you. Left untreated, varicose veins may cause inflammation, superficial blood clots, skin ulcers, rash, sores and even bleeding in some patients.
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How do you test for vein disease?
Following your initial consultation, ultrasound imaging and/or diagnostic testing is typically recommended. These exams are usually completed on the same day as your consultation and are used to see how your blood is flowing in your veins.
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Who should perform my vein procedure?
Vein treatment can be performed by many types of doctors, including interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons. You will want a doctor that is board certified and has extensive experience in treating vascular disease. The interventional radiologists at RAYUS Vascular Care offer this experience.
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Do I have to take time off work for my treatment?
Treatment is performed in our outpatient center and you will go home the same day as the treatment. You can continue normal daily activates after the procedure and return to work the next day if your job doesn’t require heavy lifting.
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When can I resume normal activities?
You may continue your daily activities after your procedure. Strenuous workouts need to be avoided for two days and reduced in intensity for approximately one week.
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When will my symptoms improve after the procedure?
This will vary by patient. Many patients will experience immediate relief with the majority of patients experiencing complete relief in 2-6 weeks.
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What treatments can I do at home to prevent vein disease?
There are no home treatments for vein disease but the following activities may help reduce the chance of developing varicose veins: controlling your weight, elevating your legs when possible, exercising regularly, and avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time.
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Can varicose veins burst?
Varicose veins will not burst on their own. However, trauma to the veins can result in bleeding that can be difficult to control.
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Can vein disease be cured by compression stockings?
Prescription compression stockings may help manage the symptoms of venous disease but will not cure the condition.
Free Vein Screening
Our free vein screening will help determine if you might benefit from further evaluation for your varicose veins. Some varicose veins are simply cosmetic, while others are the result of an underlying vein issue. During the screening, one of our specially trained staff will visually evaluate your veins and give you a recommendation about your treatment options.
Varicose vein treatment at RAYUS Vascular Care