Leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and visible varicose veins may be signs
of an underlying vein condition. At Touro, our heart and vascular specialists
provide evaluation and treatment for venous insufficiency, a condition
that occurs when the veins in your legs have difficulty returning blood
to your heart.
Our team offers personalized care and minimally invasive treatment options
to help manage symptoms, improve circulation and support your vascular health.
Signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency cause more than visible varicose veins. Symptoms may
develop gradually and can become more noticeable after long periods of
sitting or standing.
Common signs and symptoms include:
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Aching, cramping, or heaviness in the legs
Varicose veins or bulging veins
Itching or burning sensations in the legs
Skin darkening or discoloration, particularly around the ankles
Sores or ulcers on the lower legs that are slow to heal
If you're experiencing persistent leg discomfort or swelling, a vein evaluation
can help determine the underlying cause and whether treatment may be appropriate.
Varicose and spider veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twister veins that often appear on the legs.
They may cause aching, swelling, or discomfort and can sometimes be a
sign of underlying venous insufficiency. Spider veins are smaller, visible
veins near the skin's surface that are usually a cosmetic concern.
While note all varicose veins require treatment, persistent symptoms or
changes in the appearance of your veins may warrant an evaluation by a
heart and vascular specialist.
A minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy to treat
varicose veins. During treatment, heat is sent into the veins via a thin,
flexible tube which closes off blood flow and reroutes the blood to healthier veins.
Venaseal (chemical adhesive/glue) ablation
A minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses medical glue to treat
varicose veins and other vein diseases. The procedure involves using ultrasound
guidance to deliver a small amount of medical adhesive directly into the
affected vein using a small catheter.
Varithena (polidocanol foam) ablation
A minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses a foam-based medication
injected into the affected veins to close them off. The key component
of the Varithena is a sclerosing agent called polidocanol which irritates
the vein walls causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body.
Note: Vein ablations use ultrasound guidance during the procedure with
a 5-7 day post ablation follow-up ultrasound.
Sclerotherapy
Varicose and spider veins can be addressed cosmetically with Sclerotherapy
which involves an injection of a chemical solution into the varicose or
spider vein. The solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together,
and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood and results in the vein fading
within a few weeks. It is important to realize sclerotherapy does not
prevent the development of new spider or varicose veins. This procedure
is performed in the doctor’s office and takes approximately 20-25
minutes. Most patients require two to four treatment sessions.
