It can be disconcerting to see body parts that are supposed to be on the inside show up in plain sight on the outside, which can be said of varicose veins. While you’re used to seeing hints and traces of the blood vessels in your body, the ropy, bulging veins that rise to the surface of your legs can really stand out.
Varicose veins affect nearly one-quarter of adults in the United States and, while not medically serious in most cases, they can lead to problematic side effects.
At Upper East Side Cardiology, vascular expert Dr. Satjit Bhusri specializes in venous issues like varicose veins. In fact, we’ve created our own Vein Institute, which is dedicated to solutions for spider and varicose veins.
While varicose veins can have bothersome side effects, we can help resolve these issues.
At the heart of varicose veins is increased pressure inside the vein that pushes it toward the surface of your skin. This pressure mostly stems from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which one-way valves in the veins in your legs malfunction and allow blood to pool in your legs.
There are other factors that can contribute to CVI and varicose veins, including:
Whatever causes your varicose veins, it’s important to note that the condition can’t be reversed without treatment.
Far and away, the leading reason why people come to see us for varicose veins is the cosmetic effect that varicose veins can have on the lower legs. So, if you’re hiding your legs behind long pants and skirts because of varicose veins, know that you’re not alone.
Outside of aesthetics, varicose veins can also lead to more problematic symptoms, such as:
Many patients with varicose veins complain of leg cramps, especially at night. This side effect falls under restless legs syndrome, a condition that’s associated with varicose veins.
Some varicose veins you don’t feel at all while others can become itchy or uncomfortable. Our patients sometimes describe the discomfort as a burning sensation.
People who have varicose veins due to CVI often experience a heavy feeling in their legs. This sensation is due to the sluggish circulation.
Another co-occurring symptom with varicose veins is swelling in your lower legs, ankles, and feet. This swelling, which is called edema, occurs when pressure in your veins forces fluids out into your tissues.
If you develop a wound or ulcer around your varicose vein, this is a potentially serious complication. You should come in to see us sooner rather than later.
Whatever symptoms you’ve developed alongside your varicose veins, we can remedy the side effects at the same time as we get rid of your varicose veins.
We offer a wide range of vein treatments that are minimally invasive and work quickly to clear your legs of these unsightly and uncomfortable veins.
For expert care of your varicose veins, we invite you to contact our New York City office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan by clicking here, or you can call us at (212) 752-3464.
