Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, visible veins — usually a dark blue or purple color — on the thighs and legs. They’re superficial veins just beneath the skin’s surface, and they work with deep veins to aid in blood flow, says Ahmad Abu-Ghaida, MD, a vascular surgeon at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Valves in the leg veins normally allow blood to flow from the superficial veins to the deep veins. In some people, there is a reversal of blood flow back to the superficial veins. “With time, pressure on the superficial veins increases and they engorge with blood,” explains Dr. Abu-Ghaida.

Varicose veins often cause cosmetic concerns. In severe cases, they also cause pain and discomfort. Left untreated, they can result in chronic swelling and leg ulcers.

Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

Factors that can lead to varicose veins include:

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• Gender — women are affected more often than men
• History of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs
• Older age
• Family history
• Obesity
• Standing for long periods of time.

Treatment Available at MedStar Good Samaritan

Patients can minimize symptoms by wearing pressure stockings or support hose, says Dr. Abu-Ghaida. Stockings with elastic apply pressure on the leg and foot and collapse veins. “We ask patients to wear them while on their feet and to take them off at bedtime,” he adds.

For more severe cases, MedStar Good Samaritan offers surgical options. Laser surgery can close off the varicose vein by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein. With radiofrequency occlusion, a small catheter is inserted into the damaged vein. The catheter sends radio waves to the vein wall, causing it to heat up, then eventually collapse and seal shut. Surgical ligation involves tying off a vein and removing it from the leg.

If you have varicose veins, talk with your doctor about what treatment is right for you.

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