Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging, cord-like veins that often appear on the legs and feet. This occurs when blood in the veins leak in the wrong direction, causing blood to pool.

Many people with varicose veins experience no pain, however, symptoms can arise or worsen as the day progresses.

Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Veins that are twisted, swollen, and lumpy
• Veins that are dark purple or blue
• Pain and aching in the legs
• Legs that feels tired and heavy (especially at night)
• Swelling, itching or burning
• Swollen ankles
• Skin discoloration

It is unclear exactly what causes veins to become faulty. However, varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency share many of the same risk factors:

• Family history of varicose veins
• Being age 50 or older
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Sun exposure
• Menopause
• Work that requires long periods of standing/sitting (nursing, teaching, etc.)

• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Elevating the legs
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
• Compression stockings
• Avoid sitting cross-legged

Occasionally, a Board Certified Vein & Aesthetic Expert may need to treat varicose veins to address pain, discomfort or complications such as leg ulcers. At Star Veins & Aesthetics, we offer several vein treatment options for varicose veins using the latest, minimally-invasive technology, including:

• Sclerotherapy 
• Radiofrequency Ablation 
• Laser Ablation 
• Varithena