Care for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are unsightly, uncomfortable and even painful. Half of the American population over age 50 has them, many of them women. They even can lead to other medical problems.

Varicose veins have damaged valves that cause them to lose their ability to efficiently return blood to the heart. A large percentage of cases are hereditary. However, age, pregnancy, obesity and excessive sitting increase your risk. The force of gravity and the pressure of body weight make legs the primary location for varicose veins.

If your legs are achy, tired, swollen or numb, or if the skin on your legs is darkening or itchy, you may be developing varicose veins. If untreated, the condition may worsen and lead to blood clots, infections, sores and skin ulcers.

Diagnosis

We offer several tests to diagnose varicose veins. Our experienced, knowledgeable and caring staff uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment for all of these tests: 

Treatment

You don’t have to live with varicose veins. At Lehigh Valley Health Network, you’ll get the care you need. Prescription compression stockings are always the first course of treatment. If they do not help, many procedures are available. Our vascular surgeons perform hundreds of procedures every year in our state-of-the-art operating rooms. We are consistently recognized as one of the best hospitals in the country by the most prestigious vascular care accreditation organization in the nation. We offer these treatments for varicose veins: 

This page last updated 10/24/08 01:39 PM