Varicose Veins

Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

Varicose veins are bulging, swollen veins located near the skin’s surface. Typically blue, red, or purple, they generally appear on the legs and feet and have a crooked, twisting appearance.

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What are Varicose Veins?

While not considered a life-threatening medical condition, varicose veins can cause discomfort and lead to more severe issues, such as blood clotting, if not treated. Beyond the swelling or pain caused by varicose veins, they are often a source of embarrassment due to their unsightly appearance.

Varicose Vein Causes

Understanding what causes varicose veins is the first step toward effective treatment. Common varicose vein causes include:

Valve Dysfunction

Your veins contain one-way valves that keep blood flowing toward your heart. When these valves weaken or fail, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and become varicose.

Increased Pressure

Prolonged standing or sitting, especially common in certain occupations, can increase pressure in your leg veins. This added pressure can stretch vein walls and compromise valve function.

Genetics

Family history plays a significant role. You’re more likely to develop varicose veins if your parents had varicose veins.

Age

As we age, our vein walls naturally lose elasticity, making them more susceptible to becoming varicose.

Pregnancy

The increased blood volume during pregnancy and hormonal changes can lead to varicose veins.

Obesity

Extra weight puts additional pressure on your veins, increasing the risk of valve dysfunction.

Before and after Sclerotherapy

Varicose Vein Symptoms

At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we understand that varicose veins can cause both cosmetic concerns and physical discomfort. Common varicose vein symptoms include:

Visible Signs:

  • Twisted, rope-like veins that bulge above the skin’s surface
  • Dark purple or blue veins
  • Veins that appear branched or clustered
  • Discoloration of the skin around affected veins

Physical Symptoms:

  • Heavy, aching legs, especially after long periods of standing
  • Burning or throbbing sensations in the legs
  • Muscle cramping, particularly at night
  • Swelling in the ankles and feet
  • Itching around the veins
  • Restless or easily fatigued legs

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose vein treatment begins with an understanding of your symptoms so that we can develop a personalized solution. Possible varicose vein treatment options we offer include:

Ultrasound Vein Mapping

We do this to identify the type of vein disease you have. The results of this test will determine the best course of action to treat your varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy

A non-surgical vein treatment that involves injecting medicine to shrink the affected blood vessel wall.

Endovenous Laser Ablation

A minimally invasive technique that uses laser technology to redirect blood flow to healthier veins and close off the unhealthy ones.

Ultrasound Vein Mapping procedure done by a vein doctor

Do You Have Varicose Veins?

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What People Are Saying

“The staff is wonderful. They are so easy to talk to and answered all my questions. They make you feel like your family. Dr. Gilvydis is very compassionate and funny. He and his staff work so well together.”

Jodi – Geneva, IL

“Dr. Gilvydis and his entire staff are amazing! Very professional and helpful along the way. Answered all my questions and made the process so easy. I would without a doubt, recommend Gilvydis Vein Clinic to anyone!”

Mary J. – Geneva, IL

“Truly positive experience. My family doctor highly recommended procedures through Gilvydis Clinic. Happy I did not have to wait weeks for an appointment.”

Christina – Naperville, IL

Frequently Asked Questions for Varicose Veins

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable modern vein treatments are. At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we prioritize your comfort by applying a local anesthetic to treatment sites. While you might feel slight pressure or discomfort during the procedure, most patients describe it as very tolerable — similar to a small pinch. Any mild soreness typically resolves within hours after treatment, and you can return to normal activities immediately.

While genetic predisposition plays a significant role in varicose vein development, you can take several proactive steps to support your vein health:
 
1.Maintain regular physical activity to promote healthy circulation.
2.Wear compression stockings when standing for long periods.
3.Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your legs.
4.Take walking breaks during long periods of sitting.
5.Elevate your legs when resting.
6.Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.

Varicose veins are extremely common, affecting approximately 30% of the adult population. They become more prevalent with age, impacting up to 50% of people over 50. Women are more likely to develop them than men, particularly after pregnancy. Despite their frequency, it’s important to remember that varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern — they’re a medical condition that can be effectively treated.

At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we’ve streamlined our treatment process for your convenience. Most patients can complete their entire treatment plan after a few visits, with just 30-60 minutes dedicated to the actual treatment procedure depending on the extent of their condition. The recovery time is minimal to none — most patients drive themselves home and return to normal activities immediately.

Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Rimas Gilvydis

Gilvydis Vein Clinic is one of only three vein centers in Illinois with an IAC accreditation. This accreditation helps our providers maintain high standards of care when treating every patient. Our dedicated team of vein specialists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and sonographers is committed to helping you understand your vein treatment options and getting you back on your feet.

 

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Over 24,000 Successful Vein Treatments
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We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.

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Dr. Rimas Gilvydis along side other vein specialists

Get back to yourself.

We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.

Book Your Appointment Today
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