Varicose veins affect a substantial portion of the population, causing not only cosmetic concerns but also considerable pain and discomfort. Varicose veins are characterized by enlarged, twisted veins, often appearing in shades of blue or purple. They typically develop in the legs, where blood faces the challenge of working against gravity to return to the heart.

Some patients describe varicose veins as dense masses of bulging, knotted ropes, and some say they look like tree branches. The important distinction is that they must be over 3mm in diameter and bulge out of the skin’s surface. If they’re smaller than 3mm, you may have spider veins (less than 1mm) or reticular veins (1mm to 3mm).

Varicose veins don’t just cause self-consciousness and cosmetic concerns, they can also impact your quality of life and cause physical discomfort. Varicose veins are often caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a medical condition wherein the collapse of vein valves causes blood to flow backward and accumulate in the leg veins.

CVI can lead to numerous uncomfortable symptoms, such as leg heaviness, restless leg syndrome, throbbing leg veins, frequent leg cramps, and more, particularly at the end of the day or after long periods of sitting or standing still. But how do you relieve pain from swollen varicose veins? Maryland Vein Clinic has the solutions you need.

Maryland Vein Clinic is led by board-certified vein doctors who diagnose the root cause of your vein problems and curate personalized minimally invasive treatment plans. You can find our vein clinic in Maryland near Washington, DC. Please schedule an appointment to initiate your journey to vein-free, pain-free legs. There is hope, and relief is attainable.

10 Factors That Contribute To Varicose Veins:

1. Blood Pressure & Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure within the veins, a condition known as venous hypertension, is a primary factor in the development of varicose veins.
2. Prolonged Periods of Sitting or Standing: Occupations or lifestyles that necessitate extended periods of sitting or standing can hinder the circulation of blood in the legs, contributing to the development of varicose veins.
3. The Impact of High-Heeled Shoes: Wearing high-heeled shoes can impede the proper function of calf muscles, making it more challenging for blood to circulate efficiently.
4. Age: As we age, the veins in our legs can lose elasticity and become less efficient at circulating blood. This can increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
5. Gender: Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. That’s because hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can affect vein health and increase the risk of varicose veins.
6. Family History: If you have a family history of varicose veins, i.e., if your parents have had spider veins, varicose veins, or other vein problems, your genetic predisposition can contribute to your risk. Genetic factors play a substantial role in varicose veins.
7. Pregnancy: Pregnancy places additional pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs due to the increased volume of blood in the body and hormonal changes. This can lead to the development or worsening of varicose veins during pregnancy.
8. Obesity: Excess weight places added strain on the veins, particularly those in the lower body. Obesity can contribute to venous hypertension, leading to varicose veins
9. Trauma or Injury: Past injuries or trauma to the legs can damage the veins, leading to varicose vein development in the affected area.
10. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Individuals who have experienced deep vein thrombosis, a condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, may have an increased risk of varicose veins in the future.

Lifestyle Changes for Varicose Vein Pain Relief:

1. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in a consistent exercise regimen can vastly improve blood circulation and help alleviate pain associated with varicose veins.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight places added pressure on your veins, exacerbating varicose vein symptoms. You can engage in physical activities and monitor your diet to lower your weight, which can take pressure off your leg veins.
3. Elevate Your Legs: Elevating your legs above heart level for 15-20 minutes several times a day can significantly reduce swelling and provide relief from pain.
4. Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: If your occupation or routine requires prolonged periods of sitting or standing, make an effort to take breaks. Walking around and performing leg stretches can help prevent blood from pooling in your veins and minimize discomfort.
5. Wear Compression Stockings: Compression stockings are specially designed to apply graduated pressure to the legs, aiding in the improvement of blood flow and reducing swelling and pain. Consult with our vein doctors at Maryland Vein Clinic to determine the appropriate compression level for your specific condition.

Medical Treatments for Varicose Vein Pain Relief

At Maryland Vein Clinic, we offer an array of minimally invasive treatments, each meticulously tailored to address the root cause of your varicose veins. We only offer minimally invasive procedures instead of vascular surgeries because they’re safer, more effective, and conclude within an hour with no downtime. Basically, our minimally invasive vein treatments allow you to drive over during your lunch break, get treated, and return to work. No downtime whatsoever.

1. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that entails the injection of a specialized solution directly into the varicose vein. The vein doctor will inject a sclerosant, a special solution that makes your vein walls stick together. The spider veins essentially turn into hardened scar tissues eventually metabolized by the body, following which they fade away.

2. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation, commonly referred to as EVLA or EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment), employs laser energy to seal the affected vein shut. The vein doctor makes a small incision on the skin’s surface to insert a catheter that generates laser energy and destroys the affected veins. This restores blood flow to the heart.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is another minimally invasive treatment option that employs radiofrequency energy to heat and close the varicose vein. By gently warming the vein, RFA efficiently and effectively alleviates pain and discomfort.

4. VenaSeal

VenaSeal is an innovative medical treatment for varicose veins. It works by using a specialized medical adhesive to seal the affected vein shut. This procedure is minimally invasive, virtually painless, and requires minimal downtime. The adhesive effectively closes the varicose vein, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins.

5. ClariVein

ClariVein is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that combines mechanical agitation and a sclerosing agent to address vein issues. During the procedure, a rotating wire tip within the catheter mechanically disrupts the vein’s inner lining while simultaneously delivering a sclerosing agent. This procedure is especially useful for large, twisted varicose veins.

6. Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minor surgical procedure designed to remove varicose veins through tiny incisions. During the procedure, the vein doctor makes small incisions over the varicose veins, then extracts the veins using specialized instruments. Ambulatory phlebectomy provides immediate relief from superficial varicose veins, but it’s a cosmetic procedure, which means it doesn’t treat underlying vein disease.

Personalized Treatment Plans at Maryland Vein Clinic

At Maryland Vein Clinic, we understand that each patient is unique, and their varicose vein condition is distinct. Therefore, we always initiate the treatment process with a comprehensive diagnosis, incorporating vascular imaging and duplex ultrasound to identify the root cause of your varicose veins. After understanding the root cause of your vein problems, we curate a personalized treatment plan to treat the underlying condition and remove the visible spider veins and varicose veins, ensuring long-lasting results with a limited risk of recurrence.

What to Expect During Varicose Vein Treatment

1. Consultation

Your path to pain relief commences with a consultation at Maryland Vein Clinic. Our vein doctors will carefully examine your leg veins, discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and administer vascular imaging tests. They will visualize the direction of blood flow in your leg veins, which will allow them to curate a personalized treatment plan.

2. Procedure

On the day of the procedure, you will receive comprehensive instructions to prepare you for the treatment. The specific details of your vein treatment will depend on the specific procedures chosen. But most minimally invasive vein treatments involve small incisions or injections and conclude within 30 minutes to an hour, following which you can resume daily activities.

3. Recovery

Following the procedure, it is common to experience some mild discomfort and bruising. However, this is typically temporary and is considered a normal part of the healing process. You will be encouraged to resume light activities and walking shortly after the treatment.

4. Results

The results of your varicose vein treatment will become noticeable as the treated veins gradually fade and your symptoms improve. The exact recovery timeline can vary depending on the specific treatment method used.

Whether through lifestyle adjustments or minimally invasive medical treatments, your path to comfort and confidence is within reach. Varicose veins should not hold you back any longer – allow us to assist you in regaining your comfort and confidence. Maryland Vein Clinics offers personalized strategies to address the root cause of varicose veins and improve overall vascular health. Visit us at 10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 301, Bethesda, Maryland, conveniently located just outside of Washington, DC in Silver Spring, Maryland. Please schedule an appointment to alleviate pain from swollen varicose veins today.