About Vein Disorders

Varicose veins are abnormal veins that develop in the soft tissue just beneath the skin. They are often painful and appear swollen and knotted. Other issues include itching, swelling, skin irritation, discoloration of the skin, and inflammation (phlebitis). These veins do not do a good job of transporting blood back to the heart because of the failure of valves that become weak and keep blood from moving upwards. At their worst, varicose veins can be dangerous and crippling, causing ankle sores, changes in the toenails, small clots, and blockage of blood flow. Varicose veins commonly occur in the legs but can also appear in other parts of the body. Their removal using EVLT can improve circulation. EVLT is a very effective and non-surgical way to get rid of varicose veins.

For more information about varicose veins and treatment available at ARA, see Varicose Vein Treatment with EVLT.

Reticular veins are smaller than varicose veins and may appear blue or green below the surface of the skin on the legs and face. Reticular veins can be painful, swollen, and itchy and, like varicose veins, are caused by failed valves in the vessels that prevent the blood from flowing back to the heart in a normal way. Reticular veins are often feeder veins for nearby spider veins. They can be easily treated using a combination of non-surgical, minimally invasive procedures including EVLT and sclerotherapy.

For more information about varicose veins and treatment available at ARA, see Varicose Vein Treatment with EVLT.

Spider veins are small, visible blood vessels very close to the surface of the skin that tend to occur in patches. They are usually red, purple or blue, and flat on the surface of the skin but may have a ropy, bulging appearance. Spider veins can have no symptoms or can cause aching, burning, swelling, and cramping. They are found on the legs and face. Spider veins are related to varicose veins, but much smaller. Like varicose veins, spider vein are caused by failed valves in the vessels that prevent blood from flowing back to the heart in a normal way. ARA sometimes treats spider veins as part of the EVLT treatment. Spider vein treatment is considered cosmetic and is not generally covered by insurance.

Venous disease is a common condition in which the one-way valves that keep blood moving toward the heart do not function properly, allowing blood to pool in the vessels of the legs and feet, which stretches and distorts the vessel walls. The pooling blood can cause enlarged vessels that become visible and may cause swelling, pain, itching and inflammation, and may lead to poor circulation, discoloration of the skin and ulcers. Varicose veins, reticular veins, and spider veins are several types of venous disease. Venous disease is very treatable with a range of options available as outpatient treatment at ARA, including EVLT and sclerotherapy.

About 50 to 55% of women and 40 to 45% of men in the U.S. suffer from some type of vein problem. Getting relief from venous disease is a great step to improve your overall health.

When blood pools in leg veins because of failed valves, it can cause minor injuries to become large sores that won’t heal called ulcers. The abnormally high pressure in the faulty vein causes damage to the tissues and leads to leakage of the blood into surrounding tissues, which can cause a darkening of the skin, and keeps blood from circulating properly around a wound, which prevents the wound from healing. Non-healing ulcers are painful, smelly, and bothersome, and they can also lead to systemic infection and can also lead to tissue loosening and getting into the bloodstream, which can cause dangerous clots. Often, repairing the condition that is causing the ulcer will result in complete healing. EVLT and sclerotherapy can be used to improve the circulation of the area around the wound, promoting healthier tissue.

Non-healing ulcers can also be the result of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), in which the arteries leading to the area are blocked. For more information about PAD and its treatment at ARA, please see Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).