Blog

Varicose veins may seem like a minor concern at first, but can cause pain, discomfort, and other symptoms as they progress. These are normal veins that have enlarged, twisted, or overfilled with blood. 

It happens when the tiny valves inside the veins weaken or fail and start to pool blood. They often appear blue or purple and are the most visible after prolonged periods of standing or sitting down. 

When are varicose veins a problem? 

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to take action:

• Persistent Pain or Heaviness
• Swelling in the Legs or Ankles
• Skin or Texture Changes
• Itching
• Bleeding or Ulcers 
• Hardened Vein
• Severe Leg Pain (seek immediate medical help) 

These symptoms suggest chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that worsens over time without medical intervention.

What are the risk factors? 

Some people have a higher likelihood of developing varicose veins and its complications. If any of these apply to you, pay extra attention to your symptoms:

• Family history of varicose veins
• Job that requires long hours of sitting in one place
• Pregnancy; increased blood volume can weaken vein walls 
• Obesity 
• Age; veins lose elasticity as you age
• History of blood clots 

Best ways to prevent varicose veins from progressing

The following steps can help you slow down progression and improve circulation. Here’s what you can do:

Keep Moving 

Never sit in one position for more than 30 minutes. Spend 30 to 60 minutes every day to walk outdoors to ensure proper blood circulation. Do not cross your legs while sitting as it works prohibitively. 

Elevate Your Legs 

Make it a habit to prop your legs above heart level for 30 minutes every night. Even when sleeping, use a firm pillow to keep your legs elevated. 

Use Compression Socks Daily 

Compression socks apply gentle pressure on your legs to improve blood flow. They range from mild to firm, so you can level up as you get more comfortable with them. It’s also advised to wear them during long flights, road trips, or for extended periods of standing. 

Work on Your Diet 

Flavonoid-rich foods like citrus fruits, onions, and dark chocolate to reduce inflammation. Design a diet that includes these foods along with fibre and antibiotics. Lower salt intake, unless advised by your doctor, to prevent water retention. 

Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure

Hot baths, sauna, steam, or sunbathing tend to dilate veins and worsen varicose veins. If your legs are swollen, soothe them with cool or room temperature water. 

When to See a Doctor

If your varicose veins cause discomfort, swelling, skin changes, or any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, consult a healthcare professional. If managed sooner, you can reduce the appearance of varicose veins with sclerotherapy, a minimally-invasive procedure that helps disappear 80% of veins in the first few weeks. For larger veins, we recommend Endovenous Laser Therapy, which has a 94% success rate over 5 years. 

Reach out to your Primary Care Provider in Ontario for a referral to our specialist, Dr Lukasz Boba, at York Vascular and we’ll work to find a way to relieve your symptoms and pain. 

Varicose veins affect more women than men, especially those over 35. Nearly 23% of adults experience varicose veins, with women making up the majority due to factors like pregnancy, hormonal changes, and genetics. 

These bulging, twisted veins often cause discomfort and swelling. Beyond cosmetic dissatisfaction, if left untreated, they can lead to leg ulcers, blood clots, and chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that disrupts blood flow in the legs.  

Self-care and compression stockings can help alleviate some of these symptoms. Modern treatments offer minimally invasive procedures with high success rates and fast recovery. 

When Should You Seek Treatment?

Varicose veins do not always need treatment. Mild symptoms can be managed with compression stockings, exercise, and leg elevation. Seeking medical intervention becomes necessary if you notice: 

• Skin discoloration or thickening near the affected veins
• Swelling around your ankles or calves
• Persistent pain, heaviness, or throbbing in your legs
• Ulcers or open sores on your legs
• Bleeding from veins close to the skin surface

At York Vascular, we evaluate your vein health and build a customised varicose veins treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.

Best Treatment Options for Varicose Veins 

The choice of treatment usually depends on vein size and symptom severity. Here are some your minimally invasive options:

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

EVLT treats larger varicose veins by using laser heat to seal the affected vein. A doctor inserts a thin fiber into the vein under ultrasound guidance, that releases a laser causing the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. It has a long-term success rate of 94% (over 5 years) and helps reduce leg pain and swelling in patients with venous insufficiency.

VenaSeal Glue Closure 

In this procedure, the doctor inserts a small catheter into the vein and seals it with a medical adhesive. Unlike thermal treatments like EVLA or RFA, VenaSeal does not require heat, tumescent anesthesia, or compression stockings post-procedure. It is suggested to patients seeking a treatment option with less pain and fewer post-procedure restrictions. 

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is used to specifically treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins through chemical injection. A sclerosing agent, typically polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate, is injected into the vein, which irritates its lining, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. 

Multiple sessions may be needed for extensive vein networks, with up to 80% of treated veins disappearing within the first few weeks. 

Microphlebectomy

In Microphlebectomy, the doctor makes tiny cuts over the vein and uses a specialized hook to extract it. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Recovery typically takes one to two weeks, with mild bruising and swelling. It is often combined with EVLA or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to address both superficial and deeper veins. 

Saphenectomy

Also known as vein stripping, Saphenectomy is a type of traditional surgery used to the great or small saphenous vein by making incisions at the groin and ankle and passing a wire through the vein. It is also suggested to patients with extensive venous disease and other treatments won’t be as effective. 

Discuss your goals with your doctor, whether physical relief or cosmetic, so they can offer you an appropriate solution. If you live in Newmarket, Markham, Thornhill, or the Greater Toronto Area, York Vascular offers expert care in varicose vein treatment. Schedule your consultation today.