Leg veins come in many shapes and sizes. Spider veins are generally characterized as smaller blue, red, and purple veins. Varicose veins are characterized as large, ropy, bulging, and sometimes painful veins.

Where did these visible leg veins come from?

There are many different factors that contribute to spider veins and varicose veins including age, occupations that involve long periods of sitting and standing, childbirth, hormones, obesity, history of blood clots, and heredity.

How do I know if I have Varicose Veins?

Visible bulging or ropy veins are usually an indication of varicose veins. Other indications are pain in the legs, ulcers, swelling, leg cramps or pinching sensations, as well as no response to cosmetic vein treatments. An ultrasound is used to determine if varicose veins are present.

What exactly are varicose veins and how are they treated?

The legs are made up of a series of one way valves that carry blood to the heart. If there is reflux present the blood is coming back down instead of going one way. The good news is that varicose veins are treatable and with minimal downtime. Endovenous Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows patients to return to their normal activities directly post treatment. If you don’t have varicose veins and are unhappy with leg vein appearance there is a treatment called sclerotherapy that diminishes the appearance of the veins with just a few injections.