Varicose veins can be purely cosmetic, or a sign that valves inside your veins are leaking, a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). You cannot tell which by looking. A vein doctor uses a venous duplex ultrasound to check how blood flows, and that answer shapes everything else.
What makes a vein varicose
A varicose vein is twisted and bulging. FCCI explains that venous insufficiency, when veins can no longer pump blood back to the heart well, may result in varicose veins. Valves fail, blood pools, the vein stretches.
But FCCI also warns against a common mix-up: CVI is not just another name for varicose veins. It can involve hereditary factors, hormones, trauma and past deep vein thrombosis.
Signs it is more than looks
- Aching or heaviness, especially after standing
- Swelling around the ankles
- Itching, or red or brown skin
- Sores that heal slowly
- Leg weakness
Any of these with your varicose veins points toward a medical cause. FCCI notes untreated CVI can lead to edema, serious leg infections and blood clots.
How FCCI checks
The Venous Insufficiency Exam in FCCI's accredited vascular lab uses a venous duplex to assess valve function by watching blood flow direction. It also finds which vein segments are abnormal or blocked. A full study may include both legs and usually takes about an hour. Want a quicker first look? FCCI's free vein screening ultrasound takes about 20 minutes.
Treatment options at FCCI
For surface varicose veins, FCCI offers endovascular laser, which uses heat to treat the underlying cause in a procedure of about an hour, and phlebectomy, which removes stubborn veins through a tiny needle puncture with a quick recovery and no large scars. For deeper problems, it offers IVUS, venography, venoplasty and stents.
Cosmetic is still a fine reason
If your veins do not hurt and you simply want them gone, say so. FCCI's approach runs from chronic leg pain to cosmetic appearance. Your doctor can still check for hidden leaks first, so treatment lasts and you are not chasing the surface.
About the Vein Clinic at FCCI
Whether your varicose veins are a bother or a medical problem, FCCI can sort it out. The practice has served Northeast Florida since 2002, and its Vein Clinic is run by board certified endovascular and vascular physicians. If the real issue is your heart, lungs, sleep or a wound, those specialists are under the same roof.
The scan that shows whether a varicose vein is leaking is done in FCCI's IAC accredited lab by registered vascular technologists. Treatment is outpatient, which FCCI says keeps costs lower than a hospital setting.
Getting ready for your visit
- Call 904.493.3333 to book, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Get the New Patient Registration form from Patient Resources and note how long your varicose veins have bothered you
- Bring your ID, insurance card and a list of your medicines
- Wear shorts or loose pants so your legs are easy to check
- Write down when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
- Need to reschedule? FCCI asks for at least 24 hours' notice
Tell your care team about your varicose vein symptoms in person or by phone rather than through any web form.
Tired of wondering if those bulging veins are just cosmetic? Call 904.493.3333 (Monday to Friday, 8 to 5) or use our Book page. FCCI's free 20-minute vein screening at 7011 AC Skinner Parkway, Ste 160 on the Southside is a good place to start. Sudden leg swelling plus chest pain or shortness of breath means call 911.
