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Varicose Veins

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins refer to the enlarged, swollen, bulging, and distorted veins that develop in the superficial compartment of the leg. They most commonly appear blue, red, or skin-colored. Varicose veins occur in women more often than men. Risk increases with age, but pregnant women may develop them as well.
Varicose veins can cause a variety of troublesome physical symptoms and may indicate venous reflux disease. They may also be unsightly and affect a patient’s self-confidence.
Varicose veins usually appear in the following areas:
Thighs
Back of calves
Inner legs
Buttocks,
Vaginal area
Testicles
Pelvic area (mostly in pregnancy)

Frequently Asked Questions

Varicose Veins Patient Education
In addition to affecting the legs’ appearance, varicose veins can cause a range of physical symptoms including:
  • Tiredness
  • Swelling
  • Achiness
  • Heaviness
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Throbbing
  • Itching
  • Cramping
  • Restless legs
For patients with pelvic congestion syndrome, a condition related to varicose veins around the ovaries, women can experience serious pelvic pain that may grow worse over time and inhibit quality of life.
Normally, valves in the veins open and close with muscle movement, pushing blood back to the heart. However, when valves grow weak or become damaged, they malfunction and blood moves backwards through the unclosed valve, collecting in the vein. This medical condition is called venous reflux or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The pooling of the blood causes the vein to bulge, stretch and enlarge. Although sometimes considered cosmetic, varicose veins should addressed and treated along with CVI.
Risk factors for developing varicose veins include age, obesity, and family history. Hormone changes and pregnancy increase the risk of varicose veins in women. Additionally, people with jobs that require standing or sitting for long periods of time are at a higher risk for varicose veins.
At first, physicians may recommend lifestyle changes, such as wearing compression garments, elevating the legs, losing weight, and increasing exercise. Although these conservative treatments may help improve circulation, they do not address existing damage within a patient’s veins or prevent further damage. Therefore, physicians often recommend advanced, minimally invasive treatment. This may include:
  • Endovenous ablation
  • Microphlebectomy
  • Sclerotherapy

Specialized Patient Care

If you have varicose veins or other vein symptoms, Dr. Jilbert Eradat can help. With expertise in diagnosing and treating varicose veins, Dr. Eradat gives each patient individualized attention. Major insurance plans and Medicare accepted..
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Varicose Veins

Manage Varicose Veins with Minimally Invasive Procedures

At Alliance Vascular, our team provides advanced treatment for varicose veins using cutting-edge technology.
We offer a minimally invasive approach to eliminate varicose veins and improve your legs’ health and appearance.
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About Us

Dr. Jilbert Eradat is a board-certified Vascular & Interventional Radiologist renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive treatments for various vascular conditions. With over 10,000 endovascular procedures performed, he excels in treating peripheral artery disease, chronic venous insufficiency, diabetic vascular disease, and uterine fibroids, focusing on amputation prevention and dialysis access interventions. Dr. Eradat’s practice is characterized by a warm, patient-first approach, treating each individual with the same care he would for his own family.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that bulge just beneath the surface of the skin. They are most commonly found in the legs and can cause discomfort, pain, and cosmetic concerns.
Varicose veins are a very common condition, affecting up to 30% of adults in the United States. Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins, especially during pregnancy and with age.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins:

Many people with varicose veins experience no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
  • Aching or heavy feeling in the legs
  • Pain, especially after prolonged sitting or standing
  • Itching around the veins
  • Burning sensation
  • Swelling in the ankles
  • Skin discoloration near the varicose veins
  • Fatigue in the legs
  • Restlessness

Causes of Varicose Veins:

The exact cause of varicose veins is unknown, but several factors can contribute to their development, such as:
  • Weak valves: Valves within the veins help blood flow towards the heart. When these valves weaken, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and become varicose.
  • Increased pressure in the veins: Pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged standing can increase pressure in the veins, leading to varicose veins.
  • Genetics: Having a family history of varicose veins increases your risk of developing them.

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Diagnosis of Varicose Veins

Diagnosing varicose veins often begins with a doctor’s visit. During this visit, your doctor will discuss your medical history, any symptoms you’re experiencing, and examine your legs for signs of varicose veins.
A painless ultrasound exam is typically used to confirm the presence of varicose veins and assess blood flow patterns.
Following the examination and tests, your doctor will discuss the diagnosis with you and explore treatment options based on your specific situation.

Treatment of Varicose Veins

The best course of treatment for varicose veins depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Here at Alliance Vascular, we offer a variety of treatment options to address your specific needs.

Simple lifestyle changes can often improve circulation and reduce symptoms of varicose veins. These include:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on your veins. Losing weight can significantly improve circulation and reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
  • Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body, reducing pressure in the veins. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are particularly beneficial.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: If your job requires prolonged sitting or standing, take frequent breaks to move around and improve blood flow in your legs. Elevate your legs above your heart whenever possible.
  • Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which helps improve circulation and reduce swelling. Your doctor can recommend the right type and compression level for you.

Alliance Vascular offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures to treat varicose veins. These procedures offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgery, with a faster recovery time and minimal scarring.

  • Sclerotherapy: During sclerotherapy, a solution is injected directly into the varicose vein, causing it to scar and close. This is a good option for small varicose veins and spider veins.
  • EVLT / Radiofrequency Closure: This procedure uses radiofrequency energy delivered through a catheter inserted into the varicose vein. The energy heats the vein wall, causing it to close and seal shut. EVLT is a highly effective treatment for larger varicose veins.
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This minimally invasive procedure removes small varicose veins through tiny incisions. Ambulatory phlebectomy is often performed in conjunction with other procedures like sclerotherapy or EVLT.

Alliance Vascular stays at the forefront of varicose vein treatment, offering innovative closure technologies:

  • ClariVein: This procedure uses a special catheter with a rotating tip at its end. The tip disrupts the lining of the vein, causing it to close. ClariVein is a fast and effective option for some patients.
  • Varithena: Varithena is a foam sclerosing agent injected into the varicose vein. The foam fills the vein and causes it to collapse and seal shut. Varithena is a good option for treating medium-sized varicose veins.
  • VenaSeal: This procedure uses a medical adhesive delivered through a catheter to close the varicose vein. VenaSeal is a newer technique that offers a fast and safe closure method.
Dr. Eradat will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on the severity and location of your varicose veins, your overall health, and your desired cosmetic outcome. We will discuss all the treatment options available to you, including the benefits and risks of each procedure.
Minimally invasive varicose vein procedures are a good option for many people with varicose veins who want to:
  • Eliminate symptoms like pain, achiness, and fatigue
  • Improve the appearance of their legs
  • Avoid traditional surgery
  • You have bothersome symptoms caused by varicose veins.
  • You are in relatively good health without uncontrolled medical conditions.
  • You are looking for a minimally invasive approach with a faster recovery.
  • People with severe underlying medical conditions.
  • Pregnant women (treatment should be postponed until after childbirth).
  • People with active infections in the legs.

How Minimally Invasive Procedures are Performed:

Minimally invasive varicose vein procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis. The specific procedure chosen will determine the details, but generally involve:
  • Local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
  • Using imaging guidance (ultrasound) for precise placement.
  • A thin catheter is inserted into the varicose vein.
  • The chosen treatment (radiofrequency, laser, or sclerosing solution) is delivered through the catheter to close the vein.
  • The catheter is removed, and a compression bandage is applied.
Following the procedure, you can typically walk immediately and resume normal activities within a day or two.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatment:

Minimally invasive varicose vein procedures offer several advantages over traditional surgery, including:
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Less pain and discomfort
  • Minimal scarring
  • Performed on an outpatient basis
  • Safe and effective for most patients

Living with Varicose Veins

Even after treatment for varicose veins, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing new varicose veins:
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
  • Elevate your legs above your heart when resting
  • Wear compression stockings as recommended by your doctor

Alliance Vascular: Your Partner in Healthy Legs

If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, contact Alliance Vascular today. Our team of experienced vascular specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to eliminate your varicose veins and improve your leg health and appearance.