Varicose Veins Specialist

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are large dilated leg veins that stand out from your skin. Most varicose veins are at least a quarter-inch wide with a twisted and ropy appearance.

Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves inside your veins fail. Normally, the vein valves continually push blood upward, toward your heart. 

With a diseased vein, the valves move both ways, so blood collects within the vein. Eventually, this pooled blood pressures the vein, forcing it to dilate and protrude. 

Varicose veins commonly develop in older people but may appear at any time. Other common risk factors include being female, family history of vein disease, weight issues, and pregnancy. 

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins don't always cause symptoms apart from their appearance. But, in many cases, varicose veins cause issues, including:

• Leg fatigue
• Heavy feeling legs
• Aching legs
• Itchy legs
• Leg cramps
• Leg numbness

Varicose vein symptoms can worsen after standing for a while. You may have many symptoms at once.

How are spider veins different from varicose veins?

Spider veins are far smaller, with a more delicate appearance similar to a spider web or thread. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins don’t protrude from your skin. 

If you have spider veins along with varicose veins, or if you have spider veins with symptoms like leg tiredness and cramping, it’s a possible sign of vein disease and may require treatment. 

How are varicose veins treated? 

In years past, vein stripping — an invasive method of physically removing varicose veins from your legs — was the only option for treatment. Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group offers newer and better alternatives, all of which are in-office treatments. 

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment that closes varicose veins using a thin heated catheter. The heat causes inflammation and damage inside your vein, leading to shrinkage and closure. The blood travels to nearby healthy veins.

VenaSeal™

VenaSeal is a treatment that closes your varicose veins using a medical adhesive. The permanent adhesive keeps your vein closed and forces the blood into healthy veins. 

Varithena

Varithena is a treatment in which an injected foam pushes blood out of your varicose veins and then damages vein walls to force the vein closure. The treatment is the most advanced version of sclerotherapy available today. 

Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group can discuss your varicose veins and any accompanying issues, such as chronic venous insufficiency, to help you find the right treatment option.

Book your appointment by calling the office or clicking the online scheduler.