If you think you may be dealing with the symptoms of abnormal veins, you may wonder if it is time for you visit a vein clinic. To determine whether the time is right, ask yourself the following questions.
1. Do my veins appear abnormal?
For most people, the first sign of abnormal veins is a change in the veins’ appearance. Spider veins typically appear as thin, web-like veins that are visible from the surface of the skin but are not raised. These veins are most common on the chest, hands, face and legs. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger veins that may be deep within the tissues or raised above the skin’s surface. These veins may be twisted or gnarled, and they are most common in the legs.
2. Do I have other symptoms?
Many people with abnormal veins experience physical symptoms in addition to veins’ abnormal appearance. These symptoms may include cramping, throbbing, burning, numbness, tingling and weakness. Some people with severe varicose veins may also develop ulcerations in the skin near the affected vein. If you have any of these symptoms, it is time to see a vein doctor.
3. Have I tried at-home treatments?
In some cases, you may be able to improve some of the symptoms of abnormal veins with at-home treatments, such as elevation of the legs, wearing compression stockings or engaging in more physical exercise. Some people with abnormal veins may also benefit from weight loss. If you have tried these conservative treatment options without success, or if you don’t want to try at-home treatments first, it may be time to make an appointment at a vein clinic.
4. Am I interested in vein clinic treatment options?
If you seek treatment at a vein clinic, you may have several different treatment options to choose from. For example, at Premier Heart and Vein Care, we offer the following vein treatment options:
- Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider veins and some smaller varicose veins. During this procedure, a vein surgeon injects your abnormal veins with a special solution designed to irritate the walls of the veins and force them to swell. The walls stick together, and the vein collapses. Over time, it fades from view.
- Veinwave – Veinwave is a procedure designed to address spider veins. This procedure treats spider veins with high frequency thermal energy.
- Venefit – Venefit is designed to treat varicose veins, including those that are larger or located deep within the tissues. During this procedure, a vascular surgeon threads a thin catheter into the abnormal vein and administers radiofrequency energy. This energy causes the vein to collapse and shrink.
Ready to make an appointment at a vein clinic? Contact Premier Heart and Vein Care to learn more.
