Vein Care Center
Navarro Regional Hospital offers vein care close to home with the goal of restoring legs to a normal, healthy and pain-free state. We treat both men and women with varicose veins — enlarged, rope-like blood vessels that are swollen and raised above the skin's surface. People are often bothered by how they look, but varicose veins can also be painful and itchy, and they can cause numbness, heaviness, swelling, rashes and even ulcers.
Risk factors for varicose veins:
- Family history
- Increasing age
- Obesity
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Prior deep vein thrombosis
- Prolonged standing
Signs and symptoms include:
- Aching
- Burning
- Darkening of the skin
- Easily tired legs
- Itching
- Leg heaviness
- Leg swelling
- Numbness
- Rashes
- Skin ulcers
Treatment options:
- Endovenous therapy – A less invasive approach involves treating the saphenous vein through a catheter that sends out laser energy that damages, shrinks and seals the vein wall. Smaller surface veins are then removed with a technique called micro-phlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy – A solution is injected into the vein, causing it to swell, stick together and seal. This stops blood flow and turns the vein into scar tissue that fades over time. Patients often need several sessions for best results.
What should I expect after a procedure?
You will have to wear special support stockings for two weeks afterwards. You will see some bruising and may experience mild tingling and/or numbness, but side effects should subside in two to six weeks.
Insurance:
Most insurance plans cover varicose vein treatments that are medically necessary and in cases when conservative therapy with compression stockings failed. Cosmetic treatments are usually not covered, but speak to your insurance provider to be sure.
For more information, please contact your primary care provider.