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Vein Clinic

Varicose veins are a medical condition that is commonly associated with heavy legs, achiness, itching, swelling, burning, and cramping. If you are experiencing these symptoms in your legs or want to keep your legs covered up due to unsightly veins, we can help! Dr. Kamran Afzal has been treating varicose veins for over 14 years, he is a trainer for MEDTRONIC vein devices and has done over 6000 procedures! Our treatments are customized to provide the best results for each patient. .

Vein Clinic Q & A

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are damaged blood vessels that can bulge against the surface of your skin. Many people with varicose veins find them aesthetically displeasing and seek treatment to improve the appearance of their skin.

Varicose veins can also be uncomfortable, and treatment can make a world of difference in how the affected areas both look and feel. Anyone can develop varicose veins, but your risk level is higher if you have a genetic predisposition or have a hobby or occupation that keeps you on your feet for long hours.

Smaller areas of damaged blood vessels that show through the skin are often called spider veins. This type of vein issue does not cause the skin to bulge and is usually not painful.  

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

The most common sign of varicose veins is the appearance of enlarged, bulging blood vessels. Varicose veins are more common on the legs, but can also develop on other areas of the body. 

Varicose veins can be large and noticeably swollen. They often twist and turn, creating an area of lumpy, uneven skin with blue, red, or purple veins showing through. 

Additional symptoms of varicose veins include:

Aching pain
Cramping in the legs
Burning, tingling, or throbbing sensations
Sensation of heaviness in the legs
Restless legs
Skin ulcers
Darkened skin, especially near the ankles

If you notice these changes, call Afzal Clinics to book a diagnostic exam. You’ll learn about available treatment options  

How do varicose veins develop?

To understand how varicose veins develop, it helps to think about how your vascular system works to move blood throughout your body. Veins offer one-way transport to move blood back from your extremities to your heart. 

This one-way movement is possible because of numerous tiny valves located within your veins. When one of these valves becomes weak or damaged, it allows blood to back up in the vein. That trapped blood places pressure on the vein walls, causing them to bulge and creating discomfort and other symptoms. 

Will my insurance cover treatment?

Varicose veins are covered medical treatment under most insurance plans. We have a dedicated insurance specialist who assists with getting insurance benefits and prior authorizations before treatments. Our practice accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, Health Partners, Preferred One, Ucare, United Health Care, and Medicare to name a few.

What are the treatment options?

There are many different treatment options for varicose veins. At our clinics we use a combination of options to treat the varicose veins. In our experience it is safe and effective to treat varicose veins in one leg under local anesthesia and in the clinic setting in one day. 

VenaSeal®, Endovenous Radiofrequency ablation® are options that treat long straight saphenous veins using medical sealant or heat to close damaged veins. Dr. Afzal is an authorized training physician for Medtronic®, the company that manufactures VenaSeal® and Endovenous Radiofrequency ablation and teaches Physicians and surgeons how to perform these advanced varicose vein treatments.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a solution that removes large bulging superficial varicose veins. Very small incisions are all that’s needed to remove damaged tissue and restore a healthier flow of blood. The treatment is done under local anesthesia and no stitches are needed. 

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is a solution that closes the varicose veins with injections of a medication called Sotradecol. 

When you’re ready to explore treatment options for varicose veins, booking a visit at Afzal Clinics is fast and easy. Online booking is available, or you can always call the office during business hours to find a time that fits into your schedule.