Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Should I see a doctor about varicose veins?

Remember these important questions when deciding whether to see your doctor:

Has the varicose vein become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch?
If yes, see your doctor. If no, are there sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle with the varicose vein, or are there circulation problems in your feet? If yes, see your doctor.

Why do varicose and spider veins usually appear in the legs?

The veins in the legs have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart.
They endure the most pressure -- pressure that can overcome the strength of these one-way valves. The force of gravity, the pressure from body weight, and the task of carrying the blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make the legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins.

Are varicose and spider veins painful or dangerous?

Medical treatment usually is not required for varicose or spider veins. However,
varicose veins can become quite uncomfortable as well as look unattractive. Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. They can cause the legs and feet to swell. Although severe leg pain is not common, leg muscles may feel fatigued or heavy, or throb and cramp at night. The skin on the legs and around the ankles also can itch or burn.

In some cases, varicose veins and spider veins can cause more serious problems,
and medical treatment will provide benefits. If the veins become severe, they can
cause a condition called venous insufficiency, a severe clogging of the blood in the
veins that prevents it from returning to the heart. This condition can cause problems like a deep-vein thrombosis (blood clot), or a severe bleeding infection.

These usually are caused by injury to the varicose vein. A blood clot can be very dangerous because of the possibility of it traveling from the leg veins to the lungs, where it may block the heart and lungs from functioning. Lastly, because the skin tissue around the varicose vein may not receive enough nourishment, sores or skin ulcers may develop.

Can varicose and spider veins return even after treatment?

Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates. Although it is uncommon, these veins can return after treatment. One reason may be hidden areas in the body where there is a lot of pressure on the veins. This pressure may cause new spider veins. Doctors can diagnose this with ultrasound. Another cause may be new re-growth of vein branches. Doctors have found that tiny vein branches can grow through scar tissue to connect to both deep and superficial veins even after surgery.