Approximately 40 million Americans are affected by varicose veins, making this one of the most prevalent yet often misunderstood circulatory conditions. These enlarged veins present in two distinct ways: some are highly visible as bulging, rope-like structures on the legs, while others remain hidden beneath the skin, producing symptoms that patients frequently overlook until the condition progresses. At Medical Vein Clinic, we specialize in identifying, diagnosing, and treating varicose veins to help patients reclaim their comfort, mobility, and confidence.
How Do Varicose Veins Develop?
Your heart continuously pumps fresh, oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. To return blood from the legs back to the heart, your veins rely on a system of one-way valves. As you move-walking, flexing, and using your calf muscles-these valves open to allow blood to flow upward, then close to prevent it from flowing backward.
When these valves weaken or fail, blood can pool in the lower legs, especially by the end of the day when gravity has done its work. This backward flow, or reflux, leads to venous insufficiency. Over time, the increased pressure and pooling cause veins to enlarge, twist, and become varicose.
A Progressive Condition
Venous insufficiency is a progressive disease. While many patients initially attribute symptoms to aging or minor cosmetic issues, untreated vein disease often worsens over time:
In the early stages, patients may notice spider veins or minor swelling in their legs. As the condition progresses, larger bulging varicose veins become apparent. In advanced stages, patients develop skin discoloration around the ankles, noticeable skin changes, and in severe cases, venous ulcers.
It’s important to understand that the speed of progression varies from person to person, but without intervention, the disease rarely resolves on its own. Left untreated, vein disease can lead to impaired mobility, which opens the door to other chronic and serious medical conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clots, and strokes. The importance of maintaining mobility cannot be overstated. Research demonstrates that individuals who engage in two to four times the recommended amount of moderate activity (300-599 minutes per week) experience a 26-31% lower all-cause mortality and 28-38% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
While anyone can develop varicose veins, certain risk factors increase your likelihood:
- Heredity: A family history of vein problems is one of the strongest indicators.
- Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting or standing can impair circulation and lead to pooling of blood.
- Pregnancy: The increase in blood volume and hormonal changes can enlarge veins and damage valves, particularly in later stages of pregnancy.
Conservative Treatment First: Compression Therapy
At Medical Vein Clinic™, we begin with conservative treatment whenever possible. Medical-grade compression stockings are a frontline option. These are not ordinary support hose; they are carefully measured and fitted to provide gradient pressure-strongest at the ankle and gradually decreasing up the leg–to assist blood flow back toward the heart.
Compression stockings can alleviate symptoms such as swelling, aching, and fatigue in the legs, but they do not correct the underlying valve dysfunction. That’s where advanced diagnostics and treatment come in.
Advanced Diagnostics: Ultrasound Vein Mapping
Before any procedure, we perform a detailed vein mapping ultrasound. Unlike standard ultrasounds, this specialized study is done while you’re standing and at an incline to allow gravity to demonstrate how your blood is truly flowing-or not flowing. This mapping allows us to pinpoint areas of reflux and determine the best course of action.
Minimally Invasive Treatment: Closing the Faulty Veins
When intervention is needed, modern vein treatment is remarkably quick and comfortable. Using ultrasound guidance, a thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein. After numbing the area with local anesthetic, the catheter delivers controlled heat (thermal ablation) as it is slowly withdrawn, effectively sealing the vein shut. Blood is naturally rerouted to healthy veins, restoring healthy circulation.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure and are back on their feet immediately.
Healthy Legs Take You Further™
Our goal at Medical Vein Clinic is simple: keep you moving through life in good health.Whether you’re noticing early symptoms or dealing with longstanding discomfort, addressing vein disease early can prevent progression and dramatically improve your quality and length of life.If you’re experiencing leg swelling, aching, or visible veins, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Schedule your consultation with Medical Vein Clinic today and take the first step toward better health. Call today 210-622-8000.