Varicose Veins
VEIN HEALTH & CIRCULATION
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted surface veins that often develop when vein valves are not moving blood efficiently back toward the heart. They may cause aching, swelling, heaviness, skin changes, or visible bulging veins that should be evaluated when symptoms persist or worsen.
- Bulging or twisted leg veins
- Aching, heaviness, or swelling
- Skin changes near the ankles
- Symptoms may worsen with standing
Evaluation & Next Steps
- Clear severity assessment and next steps
- Supportive care and recovery guidance
- Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
Call: (702) 703-4340
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm
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Quick Summary
Key takeaway: Varicose veins are commonly related to venous insufficiency, where weakened vein valves allow blood to pool in the legs. Evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are cosmetic, circulation-related, or linked to more advanced vein disease.
Care planning usually focuses on symptoms, ultrasound findings, skin or wound risk, compression use, lifestyle factors, and whether minimally invasive vein treatment may help reduce reflux and improve comfort.
Overview
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often appear raised, twisted, blue, purple, or rope-like beneath the skin. They most often occur in the legs because leg veins work against gravity to return blood upward.
Why Evaluation Matters
Visible veins are not always just cosmetic. When varicose veins are caused by underlying venous reflux, symptoms may progress to swelling, skin discoloration, inflammation, ulcers, or recurring discomfort without proper evaluation.
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild visible veins to aching, swelling, skin irritation, and signs of chronic venous insufficiency. Symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting.
Bulging Surface Veins
Raised, twisted, blue, purple, or rope-like veins may appear along the calves, thighs, or behind the knees.
Leg Aching or Heaviness
Legs may feel tired, heavy, throbbing, or achy, especially later in the day or after prolonged standing.
Swelling or Skin Changes
Swelling around the ankles, itching, dryness, discoloration, or irritated skin may suggest more advanced vein disease.
Restless or Cramping Legs
Some patients notice nighttime cramping, restless legs, burning, or tenderness around affected veins.
Seek care now if…
Seek prompt evaluation if leg swelling is sudden, one leg becomes painful or hot, skin breaks down, a wound is not healing, bleeding occurs from a vein, or symptoms worsen quickly.
Causes & Risk Factors
Varicose veins often develop when valves inside the veins weaken or stop closing properly. This can allow blood to pool in the legs and increase pressure inside surface veins.
Common Causes
- Venous valve weakness
- Blood pooling in leg veins
- Increased vein pressure
- Underlying venous reflux
Venous reflux is a common cause of symptomatic varicose veins. Ultrasound can help determine whether deeper or surface veins are contributing to symptoms.
Risk Factors
- Family history of vein disease
- Long periods of standing
- Pregnancy history
- Older age
- Prior blood clots
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Female sex
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually starts with a symptom review, leg exam, and vein ultrasound when reflux or circulation problems are suspected. The goal is to identify the source of symptoms and guide treatment planning.
Typical Evaluation
- Symptom and vein history
- Leg and skin exam
- Duplex ultrasound
- Reflux assessment
- Treatment planning review
What to Bring
- Current medications
- Prior vein treatments
- History of blood clots
- Compression stocking use
- Symptom timing notes
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on symptoms, ultrasound findings, vein anatomy, skin changes, and whether reflux is present. Some patients improve with conservative care, while others may benefit from minimally invasive vein treatment.
Related treatments: Depending on ultrasound findings, options may include endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, or vein ablation.
Risk Management
- Compression therapy
- Leg elevation
- Walking activity
- Weight management
Monitoring & Symptom Protection
- Skin checks
- Swelling tracking
- Ultrasound review
- Wound-risk awareness
Vein Treatment Options
- Vein ablation
- Sclerotherapy
- Microphlebectomy
- Image-guided planning
Follow-Up Evaluation
- Worsening swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Non-healing wounds
- Recurrent symptoms
Recovery
Recovery and long-term management depend on the severity of venous reflux, the treatment used, and whether swelling or skin changes are present. Follow-up helps confirm symptom improvement and monitor for recurrence.
What Helps Most
- Compression use: Wear stockings as directed when recommended.
- Walking: Regular movement supports leg circulation.
- Leg elevation: Elevation may help reduce swelling.
- Skin care: Watch for dryness, irritation, or wounds.
- Follow-up ultrasound: Imaging may be used after vein treatment.
When to Follow Up
- Symptoms worsen: Aching, heaviness, or swelling is increasing.
- Skin changes appear: Discoloration, itching, or thickening develops.
- Wounds develop: Any non-healing sore needs evaluation.
- Veins bleed: Bleeding from a surface vein should be checked.
- Symptoms return: Recurrence may need repeat ultrasound review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Some varicose veins are mainly cosmetic, but others are related to venous insufficiency and can cause aching, swelling, skin changes, or ulcers.
Varicose veins often develop when vein valves weaken and allow blood to pool in the legs. This increases pressure inside surface veins.
Diagnosis may include a symptom review, physical exam, and duplex ultrasound to evaluate vein reflux and circulation.
Compression stockings may help reduce swelling, heaviness, and discomfort, but they do not remove existing varicose veins or correct all reflux problems.
Minimally invasive vein treatment may be considered when symptoms persist, ultrasound shows reflux, or skin and swelling problems are developing.
You should be evaluated if veins are painful, swelling is worsening, skin changes appear, a wound develops, or a vein bleeds.
Locations
LVVIS offers vein evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.
LVVIS West Side Consultation Office
8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Consultations and vascular evaluations
LV2 Limb & Vascular Division
8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care
LVVIS East Procedure Office
2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care
LVVIS West Side Surgical Center
6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Advanced vascular and interventional procedures