Back of persons legs with some prominent veins outdoors people walking in distance.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins happen when the blood vessels that manage flow through the veins don’t work properly. Blood collects in the veins, causing them to become swollen and twisted. Varicose veins appear large and bulge if left untreated along the surface of the skin. They can be painful and lead to venous insufficiency. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause swelling, increased pain, skin discoloration, and ulcerations of the lower legs that may turn into slow healing wounds. 

Spider veins, a mild form of varicose veins, are a network of red or blue veins on the skin’s surface and can appear on the legs or face. They usually do not indicate a more serious problem but can be a cosmetic concern.

 

Risk factors for varicose veins include:
  • Prolonged periods of standing
  • Family history
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Previous blood clots or vein surgery
Our team of highly-trained physicians, technicians, and support staff can assess the best treatment options for you. Screenings and treatments are offered at our convenient, state-of-the-art practice, CMC Vein & Vascular Specialists.
 
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 Vein Disease Education: Why It Matters and How It's Treated (Medtronic)

what are

spider veins?

Vascular Nurse Practitioner, Diane Desmarais, explains what spider veins are.

how to

treat spider veins

Vascular Nurse Practitioner, Diane Desmarais, explains how spider veins are treated in the outpatient setting. 

How to

treat varicose veins

Vascular Nurse Practitioner, Diane Desmarais, explains what varicose veins are, the symptoms associated with varicose veins, and the minimally-invasive treatment options available.

diagnosis, treatment and technologies

screening

A visual exam of your legs is the most common way to diagnose varicose veins.  An ultrasound can also help determine how well the valves in your leg are working.  Our team of highly-trained physicians, technicians, and support staff can assess the best treatment options for you. 

lifestyle adjustments and medications

There are many non- and minimally invasive ways to treat varicose veins. Lifestyle adjustments like more moving more frequently, regularly elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings can help alleviate swelling. 

spider vein treatment

Spider veins can be cosmetically treated in various ways including sclerotherapy, where the physician injects the vein with a solution that causes the vein to collapse and seal itself off.

 

varicose vein interventional & surgical treatment

The expert team at CMC also provides a number of surgical procedures to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins.  At CMC, we usually use a combination of treatments including laser and injection therapy. These include radiofrequency or laser ablation, which seals off the vein using heat; sclerotherapy, which uses a chemical injected into the vein to collapse it so blood no longer flows through; phlebotomy, a surgical procedure to remove the diseased vein.  In all cases, blood in the leg finds another way to the heart through other, healthy veins. 

 

Success Story

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins left Pamela's legs achy, numb and tingly by the end of the day. A 15-minute appointment at the Vein & Vascular Specialists determined the treatment and relief she needed.

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Dr Patricia Furey

Treating painful and unsightly varicose veins

Varicose Veins

left untreated

Vascular Nurse Practitioner, Diane Desmarais, explains what happens if varicose veins are left untreated.

varicose vein

prevention

Vascular Nurse Practitioner, Diane Desmarais, provides tips on what you can do to help prevent varicose veins if you know you have a family history or if you are having mild symptoms. 

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Vascular team

Our vascular physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and support staff bring extensive expertise and skill to each procedure, and take a personal interest in your well-being.

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