Varicose Vein Treatment in New Jersey Vein Clinics

How Is a Varicose Vein Defined?

You might know what varicose veins look like, but do you know why they look that way? A varicose vein is a blood vessel that becomes enlarged or twisted when pressure builds within it. Different factors elevate intravenous pressure, especially a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. As the veins dilate and engorge, they become visible and palpable at the surface of your skin.

• Varicose veins are part of a spectrum of vein diseases that includes spider veins, but they are typically >3mm and palpable, whereas spider veins are usually <1mm and nonpalpable.
• Rope-like and swollen, varicose veins are bluish-purple or reddish-purple.
• With the exception of the pulmonary vein, all veins transport deoxygenated blood to the heart. Since leg veins bear our body weight and pump blood upward, they’re more susceptible to varicosities.
• Varicose veins form in nearly 30% of Americans, affecting twice as many women as men. If varicose veins run in your family, you’re likely to develop them. Gaining weight, aging, pregnancy, and sitting or standing still for long spans of time increase the risk of varicosities.
• Treatment for varicose veins is common, to improve both health and self-confidence. Solutions include lifestyle adjustments and minimally invasive vein clinic procedures with no downtime.

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Sometimes patients are asymptomatic, but those with venous insufficiency or symptomatic varicose veins visit our vein clinics in New Jersey with these issues:

• Dilated, tortuous veins
• Edema in the calves, ankles, and feet
• Heavy, achy legs at the end of the day
• Fibrotic skin changes
• Hyperpigmentation on the legs and feet
• Red patches of stasis dermatitis or venous eczema 
• Cramps and restlessness in the legs
• Pruritis or burning sensations
• Formation of spider veins nearby

What Usually Causes Varicose Veins?

Certain behaviors influence varicose vein formation. Obesity, inactivity, and smoking impact blood pressure. But there are other causes beyond your control. Hormones, congenital vein abnormalities, and phlebitis (inflammation) are occasionally to blame. Injuries and vein trauma (blood clots or weak vein walls) are also implemented in varicosities. But the primary cause is the condition called chronic venous insufficiency, wherein vein valves don’t close correctly, allowing blood to collect or flow backward, increasing pressure in your veins. If venous insufficiency is common in your family, you have a strong likelihood of developing it. Our vein clinics in New Jersey diagnose and treat this condition.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Varicose Veins?

If you’re female, you have a higher risk of varicosities, particularly if you’ve given birth or experienced hormone fluctuations (menopause, birth control usage, etc.). The risk increases for both men and women as they age, and also if they’re obese or sedentary. Genetic predisposition is the main determinant, so take preventative steps if your parents have varicose veins and consult our New Jersey vein clinics to minimize your risks