What are varicose veins? Varicose Veins are swollen blood vessels that appear just below the skin, most commonly in the legs. This superficial system of veins lie between the skin above and the muscles below. These veins may appear dark blue and cord like or twisted. Veins are a check valve system that circulate blood back to the heart and lungs. When veins are injured or dilated from increased pressure or if the valves are damaged, the blood flows backward causing the veins below to increase in size. Once a valve in the vein starts to leak there is no method of repair and over time the leaking worsens. This may take months or even years but will eventually occur. Varicose veins can cause symptoms such as:

• Achy or heavy feeling in the legs at rest or while walking

• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs

• Worsened discomfort after sitting or standing for a long time

• Itching around one or more of the veins

• Changes in skin color around a varicose vein

• Ulcers in the ankle area

• Rarely blood clots to the lung

Because the leaking occurs over a period of time, many patients don’t realize this is not normal aging and often don’t seek treatment that would improve their ability to function normally again. Left untreated the symptoms worsen and, in some cases, lead to ulcers particularly around the ankle. Patients with ankle ulcers should consult a vascular surgeon. In many cases the ulcers can be healed without spending months or years in wound care centers. Varicose veins are not necessary for your circulation and in fact removing these broken veins actually improves your blood flow and relieves the symptoms they cause. So you can Look Better, Feel Better, Be Better™.