Varicose Veins FAQs

If you’re like the millions of people who suffer from abnormally enlarged veins known as varicose veins then you know what a nuisance it can be - aches, pains, fatigue, the list goes on. From the causes of varicose veins to various forms of treatments, there’s probably a lot you didn’t know about this vein condition whether you deal with it or not.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we’d like to help you understand a little more. So here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about how you can prevent varicose veins and how you can treat it:

Q: What are varicose veins?
A: Varicose veins occur when the blood can’t easily return to your heart. As a result, your valves become weak and cause the flow of blood to slow. As a result, the pressure in your veins builds up and causes a blockage, which ultimately leads to dilated veins. 

Q: What are the causes?
A: It is commonly said that standing or sitting for long periods of time is one of the causes of varicose veins. However, the more likely cause is family history. In fact, more than 50 percent of those with family history of this condition are likely to develop it as well. Other reasons for varicose veins include pregnancy, obesity, and trauma.

Q: How serious are varicose veins?
A: In most cases, varicose veins are a cosmetic issue. But if left untreated, the condition can cause other symptoms, such as itching, infection, swelling of the feet, and pigmentation around the ankles.

Q: Can varicose veins be treated?
A: Absolutely, there are several forms of treatment. Laser treatment, sclerotherapy injections, IVC filter placement are non-invasive forms of treatment that can help return blood flow to normalcy.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we understand our patients’ needs for varicose vein treatment, which is why we offer three types of treatments: laser, sclerotherapy injections and, inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement.

To learn more about our vascular surgery options, click here or call 631-321-6801 to schedule a consultation today.