It’s true, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern, but, they’re actually a medical concern as well. This issue goes much deeper than just affecting the appearance of the legs.

For many people, they cause pain and discomfort, which can have a serious effect on your quality of life and even mobility.

So when should you seek care from a varicose vein doctor near York, Pennsylvania? Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins that typically appear on the legs and feet. They occur when valves inside of the veins become damaged or weakened.

Healthy veins have valves that keep blood flowing towards the heart. But in problematic veins, blood flows backwards and pools.

When this causes them to bulge, it’s called varicose veins.

There are many factors that can cause this vein condition, including:

• Age and gender
• Genetics
• Lifestyle factors
• Prolonged sitting
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes
• Obesity

It’s important to note that these enlarged veins don’t go away on their own, so treatment is needed to minimize their appearance and to reduce symptoms.

When to Consult With a Varicose Vein Doctor Near York, Pennsylvania

These veins generally aren’t life threatening, but they can cause uncomfortable symptoms. If left untreated, they can lead to more serious problems such as blood clots and ulcers.

You should schedule an appointment with a varicose vein doctor near York, Pennsylvania if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Persistent pain or discomfort: If you have pain, aching, or throbbing that is constant or worsens over time, seek medical attention.
• Swelling: Unexplained swelling in the legs could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
• Bleeding: Varicose veins can rupture and start to bleed. If this happens, immediate care is needed to assess damage and stop the bleeding.
• Skin changes: Changes in the color or texture of the skin could indicate poor circulation or skin damage.
• Lowered quality of life: If problem veins affect your ability to walk or engage in daily tasks, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a vein doctor.

What Types of Treatments Are Available?

There are many treatments that are highly effective in addressing varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is the most widely used option.

This minimally invasive treatment involves injecting a solution into the veins, which causes them to collapse and eventually become reabsorbed by the body.

This in-office treatment not only improves the appearance of these veins but also alleviates symptoms.

Another option to treat these problematic veins is endovenous laser treatment. This option uses heat from a laser device to close off varicose veins.

What Happens During an Appointment With a Vein Specialist?

If you’ve never consulted with a vein doctor, you may be wondering what to expect. Here’s what happens during a typical appointment:

• Medical history review: This includes a discussion about symptoms, lifestyle factors, and family history.
• Physical examination: Your specialist will examine your veins and note any signs of skin changes and swelling.
• Ultrasound examination: Ultrasound may be used to non-invasively assess the blood vein in your veins while also examining valve dysfunction, reflux, and / or clots.
• Diagnosis: Based on the results after the physical and ultrasound examination, the doctor will further explain the vein condition and talk about potential underlying causes.
• Discussion of treatment options: There are many treatments to address these problematic veins, ranging from compression stockings to sclerotherapy.

After discussing the pros and cons of each treatment, to include risks and potential side effects, you can make an informed decision.

Once you have a path forward for addressing these problematic veins, you’ll discuss a treatment plan and next steps.

Get Quality Treatment With the Top Varicose Vein Doctor Near York at The Vein Center of Maryland

Ready to make varicose veins a problem of the past? For effective, non-invasive treatment, come to The Vein Center of Maryland.

Contact our office online or call us at 410-970-2314 to schedule a consultation.