Varicose Veins
Center for Varicose Veins
Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist & Diagnostic Radiologist located in Wilton, CT & Fairfield, CT
Varicose veins are a common and unsightly condition that indicates you have a problem with blood circulation in your legs. If you have varicose veins, Board-Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist Vinay Madan, MD, and his team at Center for Varicose Veins in Wilton, and Fairfield, Connecticut, can help. They specialize in using advanced treatments like radiofrequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy, glue adhesive closure, and endovenous laser ablation to eliminate varicose veins. Call Center for Varicose Veins today to find out more or use the online form to book an appointment.
Varicose Veins Q & A
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins that result from damaged or poorly functioning valves.
Your veins have these valves to keep blood flowing in one direction, back toward your heart. If your valves become damaged, blood doesn't flow properly, trickling back the wrong way to form pools that distend the veins.
The result is unsightly varicose veins. They’re most common on the legs but can develop in other areas as well.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins can cause symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Burning
- Leg pain
- Tingling
- Heaviness
- Soreness
- Throbbing
- Cramping
- Night cramps
- Restless legs
- Swollen legs
- Discoloration of the skin around the veins
Dr. Madan diagnoses varicose veins by visual inspection and a physical exam.
If you start to develop symptoms, you need to undergo a diagnostic ultrasound. This technology uses sound waves to create a view of your veins and provide information about the size of your vein, the direction of blood flow, and clotting in the vein.
All insurance companies require patients to have an ultrasound before starting treatment.
What are the causes of varicose veins?
There are numerous causes of varicose veins, including:
- Family history (genetics)
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Older age
- Sedentary lifestyle
Jobs that require prolonged standing, such as teaching, hospitality, and retail, are also a common cause of varicose veins.
How are varicose veins treated?
Dr. Madan starts your varicose vein treatment by addressing correctable causes like obesity and inactivity. For example, losing weight and getting more exercise usually improve some of the symptoms of varicose veins.
For patients whose jobs require prolonged standing, Dr. Madan recommends you wear graduated compression stockings when you're at work to slow the progression of the underlying vein disease.
If you continue to have problems with your varicose veins after following a conservative treatment program, Dr. Madan can perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures including:
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Endovenous laser ablation
- Adhesive vein closure
- Injectable Foam Sclerotherapy
These treatments all cause the varicose veins to collapse, preventing blood from flowing. With blood safely diverted along other veins, the treated veins break down over time and vanish.
Does my insurance cover varicose vein treatments?
Most insurance companies cover varicose vein treatments that are medically necessary.
Although insurance coverage varies by individual plan and according to the severity of the disease, most insurance carriers — including Medicare — cover necessary clinical tests done to help Dr. Madan diagnose or rule out suspected varicose veins.
Find out more about effective ways to tackle troublesome varicose veins by calling Center for Varicose Veins today, or book an appointment online.