FAQ about Treatment for Varicose Veins in Cary, NC

Varicose veins are enlarged bulging and ropey veins often seen in the lower extremities.

Varicose veins are caused by increased vein pressure and weakened or faulty valves. This leads to venous reflux or back flow, which may progress over time. This generally occurs in the larger superficial veins, including the greater and lesser saphenous veins.

While not everyone with varicose veins will experience pain, some will experience aching or cramping along with soreness, tiredness, and heaviness in the legs.

If you aren’t bothered by the look of the varicose veins or the symptoms, then treatment might not be necessary. However, treatment options can vary depending on your age, degree of the condition, and overall medical history. Here is a list of more common treatments:

• Venous ablation: Endovenous laser ablation, Radiofrequency ablation, adhesive ablation
• US guided sclerotherapy
• Ambulatory microphlebectomy

Less commonly performed:

• Surgical ligation and stripping

It’s important to discuss with your doctor which treatment option is right for you.

Here is a list of factors that increase your chances of getting varicose veins:

• Old age
• Being overweight
• Leg injury
• Pregnancy
• Being female
• Smoking
• Being inactive

While varicose veins are not always a sign of poor health, they can be signs of being overweight, having high blood pressure, or having other related heart conditions. This is why it’s important to discuss with your doctor why you are experiencing varicose veins quickly.

Yes. Since walking is a very low-impact activity, doctors highly recommend this exercise in order to maintain your blood circulation.

Measures that counteract gravity may be effective. These include wearing form fitting compression stockings, leg elevation, exercise (walking), limiting high salt foods.

Apples and other citrus fruits are both great options because they are high in rutin (which helps build strong veins). And as always, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are great choices too because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids.