Are twisted, enlarged veins close to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are caused by leaky valves in the deep venous system of the lower leg. Those valves usually prevent backflow of blood, but overtime can leak, causing build up of fluid in the lower leg. Pregnancy, being overweight and genetics can cause varicose veins. Sometimes smaller spider veins will develop as well. Diagnosis is with a clinical exam. Ultrasound studies may also be ordered to evaluate the deep venous system.
Treatment is initially with compression stockings and leg elevation. If there are spider veins present, sometimes sclerotherapy is used to treat those veins. We have doctors specially trained within our practice to treat spider veins with sclerotherapy.
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