Vein Care of New York - The Vein Specialists

Varicose Veins

Varicose vein disease is a common condition affecting up to 40% of women and 25% of men.  They can suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, pain and swelling of lower limbs. Primary causes include hereditary factors, congenital connective tissue weakness, hormonal changes and long periods of standing and sitting. Impaired veins can be more than a cosmetic problem. Left untreated, varicose vein disease will usually worsen over time and can progress to skin changes, discoloration, inflammation, venous ulcers and eventually more serious medical problems including thrombophlebitis, blood clots, and severe infections.

As with most medical conditions, early intervention is important to prevent potentially irreversible complications related to this venous disease process.

What is reflux?

Veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body (as opposed to arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body). They have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing in the proper direction. If these valves stop functioning the way they are supposed to, blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein, causing it to stretch.  This backward flow of blood is called reflux and is demonstrated on ultrasound examination.  When reflux is present, the vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, raising the skin surface.

Fortunately, there are safe and highly effective treatments available to eliminate varicose veins.  Please see Laser Treatment for more details.

Call 1-800-691-VEIN (8346) to schedule an appointment.

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