![Mayo Clinic home page [logo]](/images-global/mayologo.gif)
Share this site with others using one of these sharing tools.
To link to this article, paste this block of HTML code onto your webpage.
Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic offers the most advanced diagnosis and treatment options available for patients with varicose veins. Treatment of varicose veins ranges from complex medical care to treat or help prevent serious disabling complications to cosmetic procedures that reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Mayo Clinic specialists in vascular medicine, dermatology, radiology and vascular surgery work together as an integrated team to accurately diagnose and effectively treat patients with varicose veins.
Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers are at the forefront of research in venous diseases, including varicose veins. They study the newest, most current treatments available for venous diseases. Specialists at Mayo Clinic treat hundreds of patients each year with varicose veins.
A medical evaluation at Mayo Clinic will help determine the severity of the varicose veins, the risk for more serious complications and options for treatment. A diagnosis includes a physical examination and additional testing as needed.
The experienced team at Mayo Clinic performs the most advanced testing available to accurately diagnose varicose veins. A comprehensive duplex ultrasound evaluation is one of the most important tests performed to diagnose varicose veins. An accurate ultrasound test will help determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient with varicose veins. Read more about varicose veins diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic offers innovative treatment options and surgeries for varicose veins. Each Mayo Clinic location operates a comprehensive vascular center staffed with a team of experienced vascular medical and surgical specialists.
Treatment for varicose veins at Mayo Clinic is tailored for each patient depending on general health, age and the severity of the condition. Mayo Clinic physicians have expertise and experience in all types of varicose vein treatment, ranging from minimally-invasive to complex surgical procedures. Treatment options include sclerotherapy, laser surgery, endovenous thermal ablation (radiofrequency [VNUS] or laser), surgical vein stripping, endoscopic perforator vein surgery and other procedures. Patients may receive a combination of treatments, and most patients also use self-care therapies such as compression stockings. Read more about varicose veins treatment options.
Varicose veins appear as snarled, bluish-purple lines, usually forming on the legs. The condition results when the veins weaken. The small valves in the vein lose the ability to push blood back up to the heart. As a result, the blood pools and the vein puffs up and becomes more visible under the skin. Varicose veins are common. They primarily affect women, either during pregnancy or as they age. Spider veins are a mild variation of varicose veins which usually do not cause symptoms.
Varicose veins and spider veins may be mild or they may cause severe pain. In some cases, varicose veins may be a cosmetic concern that often can be treated by self-care therapies. In others, varicose veins can lead to more serious conditions and complications, including leg pain, swelling in the legs, brown coloring of the skin, inflammation of the veins, blood clots, bleeding, skin ulcers or other circulatory system disorders. Many treatment options are available for all conditions related to varicose veins. A physician will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of the condition and the most appropriate treatment.
Read more about varicose veins at MayoClinic.com.
See information on patient services at the three Mayo Clinic locations, including transportation options and lodging.
.
