Varicose Veins Specialist
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BKLYNCardio
Matthew Jones, MD
Interventional Cardiologist located in Brooklyn, NY
Varicose veins aren’t typically dangerous but can be painful, unsightly, and embarrassing. A simple solution for eliminating varicose veins is within reach at BKLYNCardio in Brooklyn, New York. Interventional cardiologist Matthew Jones, MD, uses minimally-invasive methods, such as sclerotherapy, to get rid of unwanted varicose veins and give you the boost of confidence you deserve. Call BKLYNCardio to learn more or book an appointment online today.
Varicose Veins Q & A
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins that are visible just under the skin. They often appear on your legs but can occur in other areas of your body. Varicose veins look like blue or purple squiggly lines within your skin. Spider veins are smaller, milder forms of varicose veins. These veins usually aren’t dangerous but can cause discomfort and affect your confidence.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins often have no symptoms apart from being visually identifiable through their dark purple or blue color and bulging or twisted appearance. In some cases, though, you may have the following symptoms:
- Aching, throbbing, heaviness, or burning in your legs
- Pain upon standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Itching near the veins
Before treating your varicose veins, Dr. Jones will rule out potential complications associated with the veins, such as bleeding, blood clots, ulcers, and chronic venous insufficiency (inadequate blood flow through your veins).
What causes varicose veins?
Veins have one-way valves that help blood in your legs flow toward your heart. Weak or damaged valves can cause blood to pool in veins. Your risk of developing varicose veins increases with:
- Older age
- Being female
- Pregnancy
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- A family history of varicose veins
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time
However, anyone can get varicose veins. If these unsightly veins bother you, some simple solutions are within reach.
How are varicose veins diagnosed and treated?
Dr. Jones diagnoses varicose veins using a physical exam, but he might recommend additional tests as needed. Treatment for varicose and spider veins might include:
Compression stockings
Dr. Jones may recommend you wear compression stockings to improve blood circulation and reduce pain and swelling in your legs associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Each patient is different but he might recommend you wear these stockings all day.
Wound management
If you have open wounds caused by varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, Dr. Jones helps you manage the wounds to enhance healing and prevent infection.
Sclerotherapy
Dr. Jones and his team use sclerotherapy to remove varicose and spider veins. He injects veins with a solution that irritates blood vessel linings, causing them to collapse, turn into scar tissue, and fade away over time. Sclerotherapy is done in his office and doesn’t require anesthesia. It’s used on various areas of the body.
Laser therapy
Laser treatment helps close off the small spider and varicose veins. It sends strong light bursts into veins to make them disappear without incisions or needles.
How can I prevent varicose veins?
Some ways to help prevent varicose veins or keep them from getting worse include:
- Get regular exercise
- Lose weight if you’re overweight
- Elevate your legs
- Avoid crossing your legs while sitting
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid long periods of standing and sitting
When you’re ready to get rid of varicose veins once and for all, schedule an appointment with BKLYNCardio by phone or online today.
