Most people are familiar with varicose veins: those unsightly twisting, bluish or reddish bulges that so many of us develop with age. However, most people are not very knowledgeable about their causes, or about the connection between varicose veins and vein disease.

What should NJ residents know about the causes and symptoms of vein disease?

NJ vascular doctors report that varicose veins are caused by a condition known as superficial venous insufficiency, which is a fancy term for weakened veins. Veins tend to weaken when the walls and valves inside our veins don’t work as well, which makes it more difficult for the veins to efficiently move the blood back up the legs and body to the heart. This decline in our veins can lead to blood pooling in the legs, which causes the swelling, aching, and distention we know as varicose veins. What can make the vein walls and valves stop working properly? A Morristown vein expert, Dr. Lowell S. Kabnick, says that age is a big factor, as is heredity – if your family members had vein problems, you are more likely to have those problems as well. There’s not much we can do about age and heredity, but lifestyle factors also play a role in the development of vein disease. Being overweight and sedentary both place extra stress on our circulatory system, making it more likely vein problems will develop over time. Standing for long periods of time on the feet contributes, too. Finally, smoking cigarettes leads to extra stimulation and stress on the circulatory system too. In addition to varicose veins, you may notice swelling, aching, and heavy feeling in the legs. Left untreated, vein disease can have some pretty serious consequences, such as blood clots (which can become deadly embolisms) and leg ulceration. That’s why it’s so important to seek prompt vein treatment in Morristown.

What treatments are available for vein disease?

The good news is that there are now several minimally invasive, highly effective treatments for vein disease that can be performed right in your Morristown vein clinic. These procedures include radiofrequency ablation, microphlebectomy, and sclerotherapy. Dr. Kabnick will help you decide on the best treatment modality for you, which will depend on a number of factors including the location and extent of your current vein problems. If your symptoms are very mild, you may also try conservative treatment options, such as lifestyle changes and the use of compression stockings. Again, your vein specialist will offer you a thorough venous health evaluation and together, you’ll decide on the best treatment plan for your individual needs. Whatever treatment plan you choose, you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible vein care with Dr. Lowell S. Kabnick. All procedures can be performed in about an hour, with no need to visit a hospital or experience lengthy recovery times. We know you’ll be delighted with the results, both in terms of how your legs look and how you feel. The first step, however, is up to you. Give us a call today to set up an appointment for an initial evaluation. In NJ, call us at 973-538-2000. We look forward to hearing from you.