Texas Vein and Leg Pain Center

Venous reflux is a condition characterized by the backward flow of blood in the veins, commonly affecting the shallow skin veins in the legs. This occurs when the valves in your veins (which are responsible for ensuring one-way blood flow toward your heart) become weakened or damaged. As these valves begin to malfunction, blood can pool or flow backward, leading to venous reflux. This condition is commonly accompanied by varicose veins and/or chronic venous insufficiency, which results in incompetent or damaged veins.

Symptoms of venous reflux may include: swelling in the legs and ankles, aching or heaviness in the legs, cramping, itching, and the appearance of varicose veins.

If left untreated, venous reflux can progress and lead to more serious complications such as skin changes, ulcers, and blood clots. Therefore, it’s important to seek medical evaluation and treatment if you suspect you may have venous reflux.

Treatment options for venous reflux typically focus on improving venous return, blood circulation or clearance and addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve lifestyle modifications such as certain dietary changes, regular exercise, elevation of the legs, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing

In more severe cases not responding to conservative management, minimally invasive procedures such as vein ablation or sclerotherapy may be recommended to close off the affected veins and redirect blood flow to more competent veins. 

In certain, rare instances, surgical intervention may be necessary. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. Book your appointment with one of our physicians to begin your treatment plan.

Treating vein and leg pain often involves addressing the underlying cause of the discomfort. If the pain is associated with conditions such as venous insufficiency or varicose veins, treatment may focus on improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation in the affected veins. This can be achieved through lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, elevation of the legs, and wearing compression stockings. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also help alleviate mild to moderate discomfort.

Minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy may be recommended for more significant vein-related pain. These procedures involve closing off or removing diseased veins, which can effectively reduce pain and improve overall blood circulation or venous return. Endovenous ablation uses heat or laser energy to seal off problematic veins, while sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein to cause it to collapse and eventually fade away. These treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis and have minimal downtime.

It is important to note that leg pain may be a result of other conditions such as DVT, affecting deep veins, or PAD, affecting arterial supply. DVT may require anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger, while PAD may involve lifestyle changes, medication management, or surgical interventions to improve blood flow to the legs. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on the specific cause of the pain.

Vein ablation is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure used to treat venous insufficiency and varicose veins by closing off or removing diseased veins. During vein ablation, a thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance (similar to IV access). Once in place, the catheter delivers either heat (radiofrequency ablation) or laser energy (endovenous laser ablation) to the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. This process redirects blood flow to healthier veins, relieving symptoms and improving circulation.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than an hour to complete. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, minimizing discomfort during the procedure. After vein ablation, patients can usually resume normal activities immediately, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting may be restricted for a short period to allow for proper healing.

Vein ablation is highly effective in treating varicose veins and venous insufficiency, with minimal risk of complications. Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, and fatigue following the procedure. However, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of vein ablation with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure it is the right treatment option for your individual needs.

VenaSeal closures, also known as VenaSeal™ closure system, is an innovative and minimally invasive procedure used to treat venous reflux and varicose veins. Unlike traditional treatments, Venaseal closures utilize a medical adhesive to seal off diseased veins. This adhesive is delivered directly into the affected vein through a small catheter.

During the VenaSeal procedure, the physician uses ultrasound guidance to position the catheter within the targeted vein. Once in place, the adhesive is injected, causing the vein walls to adhere together and close off the vein. This effectively redirects blood flow to healthier veins, relieving symptoms associated with venous reflux such as pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Venaseal closures offer several advantages over traditional vein treatments, including a shorter procedure time, minimal discomfort, and faster recovery. Since no heat or energy is used during the procedure, there is less risk of nerve damage or skin burns. Additionally, patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, with little to no downtime.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of a solution, known as a sclerosant, directly into affected veins. The sclerosant irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed into the body. This leads to the fading or disappearance of the treated veins, improving the appearance of the skin and reducing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discomfort.

• The sclerotherapy procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office and does not require anesthesia. A fine needle is used to inject the sclerosant solution directly into the targeted veins, which are often visible through the skin. Multiple injections may be necessary to treat all affected veins in a single session. After the procedure, patients may be advised to wear compression stockings to promote healing and support the treated veins.

• Sclerotherapy is highly effective for treating small to medium-sized varicose veins and spider veins, with minimal risk of complications. Most patients experience noticeable improvement in the appearance of their veins after just one treatment session, although multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. Sclerotherapy is considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure for the majority of individuals seeking to address cosmetic concerns or discomfort associated with varicose and spider veins.

A varicose vein is a large, gnarled vein. Typically, varicose veins occur in the legs and feet. Spider veins, on the other hand, are dilated capillaries that appear on the skin. These often resemble the legs of spiders, hence their name.

Our Texas Vein and Leg Pain Center offers an array of treatment options for these conditions. Through these treatments, our physicians seek to alleviate the physical discomfort and cosmetic concerns often associated with these conditions.

A varicose vein is a large, gnarled vein. Typically, varicose veins occur in the legs and feet. Spider veins, on the other hand, are dilated capillaries that appear on the skin. These often resemble the legs of spiders, hence their name.

Our Texas Vein and Leg Pain Center offers an array of treatment options for these conditions. Through these treatments, our physicians seek to alleviate the physical discomfort and cosmetic concerns often associated with these conditions.