Frequently asked questions about vein disease

Women have a few more contributing risk factors, but both men and women can develop spider or varicose veins.

In the majority of cases, yes. Your health care provider can answer questions specific to your case and insurance provider.

Compression stockings help reduce the symptoms of venous disease and may help prevent blood clots. They apply more pressure at the ankle and less at the top to reduce fluid in the tissues. They can also be used after a procedure to allow the veins to heal and close down properly. Regular use of compression stockings may help prevent worsening of vein disease. Compression stockings need to be properly fitted in order to provide these benefits.

We typically start with an ultrasound of your leg(s) to determine the extent of your vein disease. The ultrasound is performed in our office and is usually covered by insurance. Your provider will use the results of this ultrasound to create your custom treatment plan.

A wide variety of treatment options are available depending on your specific case. Faulty veins can be sealed with heat, adhesives and medications, or they can be removed through tiny incisions.

More than 90 percent of our diagnostic tests and procedures are done in our office. When necessary, procedures are performed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center or Lake Drive Surgery Center.

Most procedures require very little or no downtime. Our patients routinely return to work the same day. Walking and light exercise are encouraged in the immediate post-procedure period. Air travel and prolonged car rides should be avoided around the time of procedures. Post-procedure compression stockings and light bandages are often required. Discomfort after these procedures is generally mild and controlled with ice and over-the-counter medication when needed.

Your best bet is to wear compression stockings. You get improved circulation, relief of symptoms and slower progression of your disease.

No. The body has a large vascular system. The other veins in your legs will take over to route blood, so you don’t need to worry that your circulation will be compromised.

Yes. Whether you experience spider or varicose veins, treatments to keep pathways sealed are highly successful. Sometimes, a previously injected vessel remains sealed and a new spider or varicose vein is seen in the same area.

• Wear sunscreen. 
• Walk or run regularly to strengthen muscles and circulation. 
• Maintain a healthy weight to allow optimal blood flow. 
• Elevate legs when you’re resting. 
• Wear compression stockings.

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a blood clot in a superficial vein, which can cause a hard, lumpy, tender vein that can be felt close to the surface of the skin. These blood clots usually do not require patients to take a blood thinner.