Many people think varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. The truth is, these bulging, dilated veins may cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Dr. Boyd Erdman, board-certified specialist and medical director at Madison Medispa, has treated over 3,000 patients with vein conditions. In this blog, we’ll explain why vein treatment is often medically necessary.
Understanding the Difference
Varicose veins and spider veins are similar in that they are caused by the same issue, failure of the one-way valves inside them. However, varicose veins are larger, and may result in more severe problems, while spider veins are smaller, more superficial, and do not typically cause the same number of problems that varicose veins do.
Learn more about spider vein treatment options
Why Varicose Veins Develop
Your veins contain a series of one-way valves that help keep the blood moving up and out of your legs, back to your heart and lungs. When these valves fail, blood is allowed to flow back down the vein in the wrong direction, and pressure builds up inside the vein. Because your body can’t heal a broken valve, and because the next valve in line was never designed to hold up to the extra pressure, gravity slowly makes the problem worse by causing the failure of the next valve in line, and then the next, and so on.
Common risk factors include pregnancy, obesity, jobs requiring standing in one place for long periods, genetics, aging, and hormonal changes. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, especially during pregnancy.
The Health Risks You Can’t Ignore
Beyond their outward appearance, Varicose veins often cause uncomfortable symptoms that worsen throughout the day. Your legs may feel aching, pain, heaviness, fatigue, cramps, restlessness, or throbbing. Many patients also experience itching, swelling, or burning sensations in the affected areas.
Because it is a gravity-dependent problem, the pressure inside varicose veins increases when you sit or stand (basically any position where your legs are down), so symptoms typically worsen as you move through your day.
Untreated varicose veins can lead to dangerous complications including open sores, blood clots, bleeding, and chronic venous insufficiency. These aren’t just cosmetic issues—they’re serious health concerns that require professional treatment.
Professional Treatment Options
Dr. Erdman is board-certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. He’s also a Registered Vascular Technologist and Registered Physician Vascular Interpreter with over 20 years of specialized experience.
Gone are the days of general anesthesia and surgical vein stripping. Modern varicose vein treatments are very minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia at the office.
The most common current approach to varicose vein treatment involves:
- Endovenous Laser or Radiofrequency Ablation use heat to cauterize larger varicose veins. These treatments are ideal for the large, high-pressure veins that are often the main source of the problem. They can be performed under local anesthesia, take about one-hour to complete, and patients can often return to work the same day.
- Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy is perfect for treating the large bulging branches that may remain following a thermal ablation procedure. Because the foam can be seen with ultrasound, complete treatment of any broken vein vein can be objectively confirmed, and because the foam can flow through the veins just like blood, it allows for the most comprehensive treatment available.
Traditional Sclerotherapy can be used for any small spider veins remaining after the larger veins have been treated and involves injecting a solution into the small veins, causing them to collapse and disappear.
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What to Expect
Most procedures use local anesthetic and take 30-60 minutes. We use ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety.
Recovery is minimal for most treatments. You can return to normal activities the same day. We may recommend compression garments to support healing.
Don’t Wait for Complications
Early treatment prevents serious health problems. Many patients assume varicose veins are just cosmetic, but symptoms often indicate underlying vein disease, and it will only continue to get worse until you do something about it.
Many varicose vein treatments are covered by insurance when medically necessary. Our team works with insurance companies to maximize your benefits.
How can you get rid of varicose veins? Professional treatment offers the most effective, long-lasting results.
Comprehensive Care at Madison Medispa
Our practice offers over 20 years of specialized vein treatment experience with a board-certified medical director on-site. We use advanced, minimally invasive techniques for all vein conditions.
Beyond varicose veins, we treat spider veins, hand veins, facial veins, and rosacea using the latest technology and proven methods.
Take Action for Your Health
Don’t let varicose veins progress to serious complications. Early intervention protects your health and improves your quality of life.
Book your consultation with Dr. Erdman and the team at Madison Medispa to learn more about your specific vein conditions and start your treatment journey.
Varicose vein treatment isn’t just about appearance; it’s about preventing serious health problems and maintaining your active lifestyle.