Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Division of Vascular Surgery

Varicose Veins

Contact Us New Patients If you'd like to schedule an appointment, call us at 585-288-VEIN Referring Physicians To refer a patient for a consultation, call us at 585-288-VEIN

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when normal veins in the legs weaken and become enlarged. They become visible through the skin as bluish twisted lines. Made worse by long periods of sitting or long periods of standing without walking, they may become prominent, painful or inflamed.

Varicose veins may be referred to as spider veins or reticular veins.

Learn more about varicose veins...

• Causes and risk factors for varicose veins

• Small clusters of veins are visible as a winding pattern or "knots"
  on the legs or calves
• The calves may begin to ache, feel heavy or "under pressure"
• Burning sensation in the legs
• Standing or sitting for too long may intensify symptoms
• Restless feeling or night cramps in the legs

• Elevating the Legs
  This is simple and effective way to lower pressure in leg veins. The feet are propped up above the level of the heart for about 15 minutes 3 or 4 times per day.
  
  

• Compression Stockings
  Elastic stockings exert a constant outside pressure on the muscles and veins in the legs. The pressure helps keep blood from pooling inside the varicose veins and helps prevent swelling and aching.

• Sclerotherapy

• Ambulatory phlebectomy

• Vein stripping

• Endoscopic vein surgery

• Radiofrequency treatment
  

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