Varicose Veins (Sclerotherapy For Foot And Ankle) Specialist

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are veins that grow engorged with blood, causing them to push out from the skin. Varicose veins can develop nearly anywhere in the body, but they're quite common in the legs and may also develop in your feet and ankles. 

For many people, varicose veins are quite embarrassing. They may keep you from feeling confident going barefoot or wearing sandals. Varicose veins can also be quite physically uncomfortable or painful. 

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins develop when malfunctioning or weakened vein valves allow blood to collect in the lower extremities rather than moving it up to the heart like they should. This blood pools and pressures the vein, forcing it to grow larger and often distorting its shape to create a thick and ropey varicose vein. 

Certain factors increase your risk for developing varicose veins, including obesity, pregnancy, standing for extended periods, and lack of exercise. 

What physical problems can varicose veins cause?

Along with their unattractive physical appearance, varicose veins can cause a variety of physical issues in your feet and ankles, including:

• Itching
• Burning
• Throbbing
• Aching
• Heavy feeling
• Swelling
• Redness
• Skin sensitivity
• Rash
• Broken skin 
• Skin ulcers

In some cases, you might experience these symptoms as an early warning sign that varicose veins are developing. 

How can I eliminate varicose veins in my feet and ankles?

Dr. Rhinehart recommends sclerotherapy for varicose veins in the feet and ankles. With this treatment, she injects a solution called a sclerosant directly into each affected vein. 

The sclerosant irritates the inner vein walls, prompting scar formation. The new scars force your blood into other healthy veins and the varicose vein tissue eventually withers. You’ll eliminate the old vein tissue naturally over time. As that happens, your skin grows smooth and bump free. 

How long until I see results from sclerotherapy?

In general, varicose veins treated with sclerotherapy diminish within a few weeks. For very prominent or large varicose veins, you may need a series of treatments and it could take a month or longer to see results. 

There’s no need to live with prominent varicose veins in your feet and ankles. Call Francine Rhinehart, DPM, or click the online scheduler to arrange your consultation today.