Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that appear just under the surface of your skin. They’re usually blue or purple, and they’re most commonly found on the legs and feet.
Varicose veins form when faulty valves in your veins allow blood to flow backwards and pool up. All that excess blood enlarges the veins, making them appear discolored, twisted, and unsightly. While varicose veins are often brushed off as a cosmetic concern, they’re a common cause of discomfort — and they could even be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
That means if you have varicose veins, it’s important to seek treatment. Kunal Patel, MD, is a vein specialist at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. He has experience diagnosing and treating varicose veins, and our team is here to help you get the care you need.
Varicose veins can be unsightly and embarrassing, but seeking treatment for varicose veins goes far beyond simply improving your appearance. Here are a few reasons why Dr. Patel and our team always recommend treating varicose veins:
Varicose veins are a sign of poor circulation, which means your legs and feet may not be getting all the blood they need. Poor circulation can make your legs and feet feel tired and achy, and treatment can help improve your circulation and your symptoms.
For many people, varicose veins cause uncomfortable symptoms like:
Treatment eliminates the varicose vein, which helps alleviate these symptoms and improves your quality of life.
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious vein problems. Your risk of blood clots, skin ulcers, and swelling may be higher if you have varicose veins. Fortunately, early treatment can help prevent these complications.
Last but not least, treatment addresses the appearance of your veins. Varicose veins can be unsightly, and they may impact your self-confidence. Treating varicose veins can eliminate or reduce their appearance and boost your self-esteem.
There are several treatment options available for varicose veins. When you come to NJ Cardiovascular Institute for care, Dr. Patel does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks questions about your symptoms.
Then, he develops a customized treatment plan for your varicose veins. He may recommend lifestyle changes first, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time. Compression stockings can also help by applying gentle pressure to your veins to enhance circulation.
In more advanced cases, Dr. Patel may recommend medical treatment. He specializes in radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which gently heats the damaged veins to seal them and stop blood from entering.
The best treatment option for you depends on the severity of your varicose veins and any underlying medical conditions you may have. Together, you work with Dr. Patel to address your symptoms and improve your vascular health.
If you have varicose veins, don’t wait to schedule your evaluation. Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send us a message online to get started.
