Varicose Veins

Understanding and Treating Varicose Veins for Long-Term Health

Varicose veins are dilated, torturous veins visible on the skin’s surface. Often appearing in the legs, they result from blood pooling in the veins due to weak or damaged valves. The increased pressure from pooled blood causes the veins to swell, creating the bulging, cord-like appearance through the skin. At Glendale Vascular, our experienced team offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating varicose veins, promoting healthier circulation, symptom relief and improved mobility.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside your veins weaken or malfunction, disrupting normal blood flow. In healthy veins, these valves open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing backward. If the valves fail, blood pools in the vein, causing them to swell. Varicose veins primarily affect superficial veins in the legs and feet as the lower half of the body is under the most pressure from prolonged periods of standing or sitting. Gravity also plays a role in the development of varicose veins because it makes it harder for the veins in the legs to push blood upward to the heart, increasing the strain on vein walls and valves.

Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins. Standing or sitting for long periods increases pressure in the veins of the legs and feet and overtime can lead to varicose veins. Obesity places additional strain on the circulatory system. Pregnancy is another risk factor, as increased blood volume and hormone levels can weaken vein walls. Family history also plays a role, as vein structure and valve function are often inherited. Without treatment, varicose veins can worsen over time, causing chronic pain, skin changes, blood clots and ulcers.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can cause a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. Initially, patients may notice visible veins that are bluish-purple, twisted, and bulging beneath the surface of the skin. As the condition progresses, symptoms can include:

  • Aching and Throbbing: A dull ache or throbbing pain often occurs around varicose veins, especially after long periods of standing or sitting. This is most common in the legs.
  • Swelling: Areas around the varicose veins may swell, particularly by the end of the day. Swelling is especially common in the ankles and lower legs for varicose veins in the lower body.
  • Fatigue: Many patients experience a heavy, tired feeling in the areas affected by varicose veins, making it difficult to stay active. This symptom is particularly common in the legs.
  • Night Cramps: Leg cramps, especially at night, are frequent with varicose veins and can disrupt sleep.
  • Itching or Burning: The skin around varicose veins may feel itchy or irritated.
  • Skin Changes: In more advanced cases, the skin over varicose veins can become discolored, thin, and prone to rashes or even ulcers.


These symptoms often worsen after prolonged standing or sitting and tend to improve with rest, leg elevation and compression. If left untreated, severe varicose veins can increase the risk of complications, such as superficial vein thrombosis (blood clots), skin ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency, which impairs blood flow back to the heart. In rare cases, untreated varicose veins may also lead to bleeding if the veins are injured.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

At Glendale Vascular, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to the severity of each patient’s condition. Our goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve circulation, and prevent further complications. Treatment plans may include:

Lifestyle and at-home therapies include:

  • Lifestyle Adjustments and Leg Elevation: For mild varicose veins, elevating the legs several times a day can reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Patients may be advised to raise their legs above heart level for 15 minutes at a time, 3-4 times daily. Simple exercises like flexing the feet can also stimulate circulation.
  • Compression Stockings 20-30 mmHg: Compression stockings apply consistent pressure to the legs, helping reduce swelling and improve circulation. For many with mild symptoms, wearing compression stockings daily can relieve discomfort and prevent further vein damage. Compression stockings are often recommended as a long-term preventive measure.

Medical procedure treatments include:

  • Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure where a Polidocanol solution is injected into the varicose veins, irritating the veins and scaring the inside of the veins. Consequently, blood is rerouted to healthier veins, and the body gradually absorbs the scarred veins that are no longer used. This option is excellent for smaller varicose veins due to it’s minimally invasive nature and quick recovery times.
  • Laser Treatment: A tiny fiber is inserted through a catheter into the varicose vein, the fiber emits light energy inside the vein to scar the inner walls of the vein. The scarred vein is closed off and the body reroutes blood to healthier vessels. Over time the scarred and unused vein is naturally absorbed by the body.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Similar to laser treatment, a fiber is inserted into the varicose vein via a catheter, however radiofrequency uses radiofrequency waves to create heat inside the vein that scars the inside of the vein. The scarred vein is closed off and the body reroutes blood to healthier vessels. Over time the scarred and unused vein is naturally absorbed by the body.
  • Vein Stripping: For severe varicose vein cases, vein stripping and ligation may be recommended. Vein striping is a procedure intended to close and remove affected branches of veins from the legs.
  • VenaSeal: VenaSeal is a newer option that uses a medical adhesive to seal the malfunctioning vein. A catheter, guided by ultrasound, seals the varicose veins with a medical-grade adhesive. Blood is then redirected healthy nearby veins because the affected veins have been sealed and will eventually be absorbed by the body. This procedure is minimally invasive and has a short recovery time with minimal post-procedure discomfort

Each treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, improve the appearance of affected areas and reduce the risk of future complications. Our vascular and endovascular specialists will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your condition and your personal needs. At Glendale Vascular we are equipped to handle these procedures in-house which helps reduce recovery times and save patients time and money

Prognosis After Treatment of Varicose Veins

With appropriate treatment, most patients experience significant symptom relief and improvement in their mobility. Minimally invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy, laser treatment, RFA, and VenaSeal offer fast recovery, with many patients able to resume normal activities within a few days. In contrast, vein stripping may require a longer recovery period and is reserved for more severe varicose vein cases.

While treatment addresses the immediate issue, it is important to maintain healthy habits to prevent the recurrence of varicose veins. Although new varicose veins may develop over time, regular checkups with our team at Glendale Vascular can help you manage the condition long term. For most patients, a combination of early treatment, monitoring and lifestyle changes after treatment are effective routine for minimizing the chances of reoccurrence.

Prevention Tips for Varicose Veins

Although some factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled, adopting healthy habits can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or prevent reoccurrences.

  • Staying Active: Consistent exercise, especially activities like walking, will improve circulation and strengthen leg muscles which help aid blood flow in the legs which is the most common place for varicose veins to start.
  • Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Regularly change positions throughout the day to reduce the risk of blood pooling in your veins, which can increase venous pressure.
  • Elevate Your Legs: When resting, elevate your legs above heart level to promote blood flow back to the heart.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight minimizes pressure on the veins in your legs.
  • Wear Compression Stockings: If you are at high risk or already experiencing symptoms, compression stockings can prevent worsening.

By adopting these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of developing new varicose veins and maintain better leg and overall health

Contact Glendale Vascular for Expert Diagnosis and Treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins or concerned about vein health, our team at Glendale Vascular is here to help. With expertise in both vascular and endovascular treatments, we provide personalized care plans designed to alleviate discomfort and restore healthy circulation. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified vascular specialists today and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs.