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Varicose veins are dysfunctional/incompetent veins in the lower extremities. Vein wall injury allows the vein to elongate and dilate, leading to an increase in vein diameter, valve dysfunction, reflux, and the visual manifestations of varicose veins.

It is currently believed that a dysfunctional venous system can result from injury to vein walls and venous valves. This type of injury entails acquired severe inflammation exacerbated by factors such as heredity, obesity, female gender, pregnancy and a standing occupation.

is often covered by PPO insurance and Medicare, subject to their guidelines and criteria. If the diseased veins are causing physical symptoms such as pain, throbbing and swelling then it is more likely that treatment will be covered. Spider veins, on the other hand, are more often a cosmetic concern and do not pose a health risk. Consequently insurance does not usually cover treatment of spider veins. If you would like to find out more about insurance coverage, please contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Varicose veins are usually large, swollen veins, dark purple or blue in color, that usually appear on the legs and feet. Most patients with varicose veins will complain of symptoms such as pain, burning, swelling, heaviness, throbbing and itching. On the other hand, spider veins are fine red or blue thread-like veins. They are often found on the legs but can also be found on other parts of the body including the face, ankles and more. Most patients will not experience pain with spider veins.

The only way to accurately diagnose varicose veins is through ultrasound. Dr Hoyle will perform ultrasound on both legs and explain what veins show abnormality and what treatment would be most effective for your specific case.

The first step in finding the right treatment for damaged veins is finding its source. A Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan provides a visual window, revealing the diseased veins beneath the surface of the skin. With this diagnostic capability, we can pinpoint the exact cause of varicose veins and customize a treatment plan for each individual patient – and each damaged vein. Because the problem is dealt with at its source, the treatments are quicker, more effective and less painful than traditional methods, such as vein stripping.

While you cannot entirely prevent varicose veins, there are quite a few ways to improve your vein health. Physical activity, such as walking, swimming or cycling, is a wonderful way to pump blood up the leg against gravity to improve circulation. Compression hose also help improve circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins.

Compression therapy such as compression stockings is a fundamental strategy in the treatment of venous dysfunction. Despite recent therapeutic advancements in leg vein treatment, compression remains a simple, effective and inexpensive modality. It is used as a primary treatment as well as an adjunct when other treatments are employed.