Are you among the many people who suffer from the discomfort and pain of enlarged veins in your legs? Varicose veins and other vein-related issues can be both painful and unsightly. At Maryland Vein Clinic, led by our team of board-certified vein doctors, we understand the physical and emotional toll these conditions can take.

If you’re suffering from enlarged veins, varicose veins, or the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, please schedule an appointment at our vein clinic in Maryland, located just outside Washington, DC. Our vein experts will evaluate your symptoms and offer personalized treatments to alleviate pain and discomfort and improve overall vascular health. This guide helps you determine how to stop the veins in your legs from hurting.

Understanding Enlarged Veins and Leg Pain

Enlarged veins can refer to both spider veins and varicose veins, and they often result from a condition known as venous insufficiency. So, what exactly is chronic venous insufficiency? CVI is a medical condition wherein your vein valves (normally responsible for blood flow to the heart) collapse or malfunction. As a result, gravity forces blood to flow backward and accumulate in the leg veins, leading to vascular dilation, enlarged veins, and other vein problems. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency:

• Aching & Pain: One of the most common complaints associated with enlarged veins is pain. This pain can range from a mild, dull ache to more severe, throbbing discomfort. It’s essential to understand that the pain is often not just a cosmetic concern but a genuine medical issue.
• Swelling: Enlarged veins can cause the legs to swell, particularly in the lower calf and ankles.
• Leg Heaviness: Many people describe their legs as feeling heavy or tired, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting. This leg heaviness is due to the inefficiency of blood circulation in the affected veins.
• Itching & Burning: Some individuals with varicose veins or spider veins experience itching and burning sensations in the affected areas. These sensations can be quite uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities.
• Skin Changes: In advanced cases, skin changes can occur, such as darkening or inflammation of the skin around the affected veins.

Preventing Varicose Veins

If you haven’t developed varicose veins or spider veins yet, taking steps to prevent them can save you from future discomfort. There’s no definitive way to prevent varicose veins because numerous factors contribute to their appearance, some of which are out of control. However, the following preventative steps can minimize your risk of varicose veins:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional pressure on your veins.
• Elevate Your Legs: When sitting or lying down, elevate your legs to encourage proper blood flow back to the heart. Elevating your legs helps alleviate the strain on the veins and can provide relief from discomfort.
• Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting: If your job requires you to stand or sit for extended periods, take regular breaks to move around and stretch your legs.
• Wear Compression Stockings: Compression stockings are specially designed to provide graduated pressure on your legs, promoting better circulation. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate compression level and size for your needs.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain overall vascular health and can prevent blood from thickening and pooling in the veins.

Effective Treatments for Varicose Veins and Leg Pain

If you’re already experiencing the discomfort of varicose veins or spider veins, there are several highly effective treatments available at Maryland Vein Clinic to help alleviate your pain and improve the appearance of your legs. Our board-certified vein doctors are experts in these minimally invasive procedures.

1. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is widely considered the most effective treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. During the procedure, the board-certified vein doctor will use a tiny needle to inject the sclerosing solution directly into the targeted vein. Over time, the treated vein will be absorbed by the body, and blood flow will be redirected to healthier veins. Sclerotherapy is considered safe and effective, with minimal discomfort and a relatively quick recovery period. The entire process takes around 30 minutes, and you can resume your daily activities and work immediately — no downtime and minimal side effects!

2. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

EVLA involves using laser energy to heat and close the diseased saphenous vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier vessels. During the procedure, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision. The EVLA device releases laser energy to destroy the diseased vein’s walls and seal it shut, eliminating the source of pain and discomfort. EVLA causes minimal pain, and most patients resume normal activities immediately.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Similar to EVLA, RFA uses thermal energy to seal off varicose veins. It’s a safe and efficient procedure with minimal discomfort and downtime. During an RFA procedure, a catheter with a radiofrequency tip is inserted into the affected vein. The radiofrequency energy heats and closes the vein, essentially turning it into a scar tissue eventually absorbed by the body. RFA is one of the most comfortable and least invasive means of treating varicose veins.

4. VenaSeal

VenaSeal involves using a medical-grade adhesive or vein glue to close varicose veins. The VenaSeal system uses a specially formulated medical adhesive that is delivered directly into the vein using a catheter. Once the adhesive is applied, the vein seals shut, preventing blood from flowing through it. Patients can often resume their normal activities immediately after treatment. VenaSeal doesn’t even necessitate wearing compression stockings, and there’s little to no activity restrictions. Since there’s no thermal energy, the risk of nerve injury is negligible.

5. ClariVein

ClariVein combines mechanical and chemical methods to treat varicose veins. A rotating catheter disperses a medical solution, effectively closing the veins. The ClariVein procedure involves the insertion of a catheter with a rotating tip into the affected vein. As the catheter spins, it dispenses a sclerosing agent, causing the vein to close. This combination of mechanical and chemical action ensures optimal results, making it particularly suitable for serious tortuous and twisted varicose veins. ClariVein is known for its minimal discomfort, quick recovery, and excellent outcomes.

6. Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy, also known as microsurgery, removes superficial varicose veins through tiny incisions. Ambulatory phlebectomy is often performed as an outpatient procedure and is reserved for more extensive varicose veins that cannot be treated with minimally invasive methods. During the procedure, tiny incisions are made along the path of the varicose vein, and the vein is carefully removed in small sections. The incisions are typically so small that they do not require stitches, and scarring is minimal.

Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment Plans

At Maryland Vein Clinic, we prioritize accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. We use advanced vascular imaging and duplex ultrasound to visualize the direction of blood flow in your leg veins, identify potential vascular issues, and determine the cause of your vein issues. Before any treatment, our board-certified vein doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition. In many cases, non-invasive diagnostic tests such as duplex ultrasound will be performed to assess the blood flow in your legs and identify underlying issues.

Contact Us & Claim Free Insurance Verification

Worried about the cost of treatment? Even before your first appointment, we offer free insurance verification services. We believe that financial concerns should not stand in the way of receiving the best possible care for your vein issues. Our insurance team will verify the terms and conditions of your insurance plan, following which they’ll help you curate strategies to optimize your coverage and minimize the out-of-pocket cost.

Living with painful leg veins doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Whether you’re looking to prevent vein issues or seeking treatment for existing problems, our board-certified vein doctors are here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t let leg pain hold you back – take the first step towards healthier, pain-free legs by scheduling an appointment with Maryland Vein Clinic today.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs, contact us at Maryland Vein Clinic, conveniently located at 10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 301, Bethesda, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC in Silver Spring. Remember, you don’t have to live with leg pain – there are effective treatments available to provide relief and restore your comfort and confidence.