The ONLY Vein Center in Rockland and Orange County
with an Accredited Vascular Lab necessary
to diagnose
and treat varicose veins.
About Varicose and Spider Veins
Varicose veins are weakened and dilated veins,
sometimes with ineffective valves, that have permanently lost their
elasticity and the ability to carry blood from the legs back up
to the heart against the force of gravity. As the blood in these
veins settle back down the leg and pool due to gravity, the veins
bulge giving them their typical unsightly appearance.
Spider veins often occur along with varicose veins because of
increased venous pressure. These tiny vessels
are quite common and medically harmless.
Symptoms Varicose veins and spider veins can cause
a varying degree of discomfort including:
• Heaviness
• Aching
• Throbbing
• Swelling
• Leg cramps (typically worse by the end of the day)
• Skin changes including wounds
of the legs (ulcers)
Treatment of these veins eliminate these symptoms. Left untreated, varicose veins worsen over time.
Causes It is unclear why some people develop spider veins and others don't, but some possible contributing factors are:
• Genetics
• Pregnancy
• Oral contraceptives and hormone-replacement therapy
• Excessive weight
• Lack of exercise or prolonged sitting or standing
• Aging
Diagnosis The diagnosis of varicose veins is often clear. However, in order
to choose the correct treatment, high quality
non-invasive testing is necessary. The Rockland Vein Center is
proud to be one of the areas few vein centers to offer venous ultrasound
services on-site.
The Rockland Vein Center is an ICAVL (Intersocietal
Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular
Laboratories) approved facility meaning that your testing is high
quality. The test is performed, when necessary, on the day of your
first visit and is often used to during your actual treatment.
Prevention Here are some tips which may help prevent varicose and spider veins:
• When possible, keep your legs elevated above the level of your heart.
• Get regular exercise such as walking and swimming to maintain good blood flow and circulation to the legs.
• Maintain a healthy body weight to lessen additional pressure on your legs.
• Avoid prolonged periods of sitting and standing. While sitting for long periods of time at a computer or on air flights, stand and walk about every hour.
• Wear compression stockings to help reduce pooling of blood in the leg veins.
• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed, as it puts pressure on the veins.
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