More Than Just Cosmetic: Why You Shouldn't Ignore Varicose Veins

Varicose veins don’t always cause symptoms beyond a bulging appearance. Still, the swollen or twisted veins that commonly appear in the legs and feet may need treatment. 

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, offer effective varicose vein treatment to ease cosmetic, comfort-related, and medical concerns. Below, we explore why you shouldn’t ignore varicose veins, plus ways to find relief.

How varicose veins form

Varicose veins form when the valves that allow blood to flow to your heart and then close to prevent it from pooling become weak or damaged. The more blood that gathers, the more the affected vein will bulge, stretch, and twist. 

Anyone can develop varicose veins, but factors that raise your risk include:

• Family history of varicose veins
• Obesity
• Older age
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Tobacco use
• A sedentary lifestyle

Because certain hormones relax vein walls, you also have a heightened risk for varicose veins if you menstruate or use hormonal birth control pills.

Varicose vein symptoms 

Some varicose veins would go unnoticed if you never saw them. For up to 70% of people, however, the abnormal veins cause bothersome symptoms. 

In addition to the dark blue or purple color and twisty or distended appearance, varicose veins can cause:

• Achy, heavy sensations in your legs
• Burning, throbbing, or pressure in your lower legs
• Itchiness
• Leg muscle cramping
• Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for a while
• Restless legs, especially at night (which can disrupt sleep)

Your symptoms may stay fairly constant or worsen during certain activities, such as weightlifting or running. Premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, and pregnancy can also exacerbate varicose vein swelling and pain.

When varicose veins are a medical problem

Your physical discomfort alone makes varicose veins worthy of medical care. The same goes for symptoms that interfere with your daily life.

In some cases, varicose veins indicate underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that sometimes requires a minimally invasive procedure or surgery. You may also need varicose vein treatment if you develop an ulcer or slow-healing wound near your ankle.

Varicose vein treatment

Dr. Elyaderani can determine your ideal varicose vein treatment through an exam and consultation, during which you’ll discuss your symptoms and medical history. Your customized treatment plan may include:

• Compression stockings
• Elevating the limbs 
• Injection therapy (sclerotherapy) to close the faulty veins off and reroute blood through healthier ones
• Laser therapy, which also seals off veins and reroutes blood
• Surgery to close or remove varicose veins

He can also recommend lifestyle practices to prevent additional varicose veins, such as quitting smoking, avoiding overly snug clothing, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

To end your varicose vein symptoms or learn more about our treatments, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.