Varicose Veins

Overview

Mayo Clinic offers state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for patients with varicose veins, ranging from complex medical care to treat or help prevent serious medical problems to cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

Diagnosis

A medical diagnosis and evaluation will help determine the severity of the varicose veins, whether the patient is at risk for more serious medical problems, and options for clinical or home-based treatment. Read more about varicose veins diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and will depend on various factors. Treatment options include sclerotherapy (microsclerotherapy), laser surgery, minimally invasive catheter-assisted procedures, surgical vein stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy and endoscopic vein surgery.

Patients may receive a combination of treatments, and most patients participate in some self-care therapies as well. Read more about varicose veins treatment options.

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About Varicose Veins

For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild and medically insignificant variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes the condition leads to more serious problems. Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.

Varicose veins appear as snarled, bluish-purple lines, usually forming on the legs. The condition is caused 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, primarily affecting women. More than 20 percent of women develop some form of varicose veins, either during pregnancy or as they age. For many, varicose veins and spider veins (a mild and asymptomatic variation of varicose veins) are simply a cosmetic concern. For others, varicose veins cause severe, aching pain and may lead to more serious problems, such as skin ulcers and blood clots. A medical evaluation can determine the severity of the condition and treatment options.

Read more at
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