Varicose veins often reflect deeper circulation problems and can lead to pain, swelling, skin changes, and progressive vein disease when left untreated.
At Refine Vein Center in Franklin, Tennessee, we evaluate and treat vein conditions for patients throughout Cool Springs, Brentwood, and greater Williamson County. Dr. J. Avery Reynolds, MD, helps patients understand the cause of their vein symptoms and offers targeted care to restore proper circulation.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are large, twisting veins that appear on the skin’s surface after blood pools inside due to improper circulation. This lack of proper circulation is caused by faulty vein valves that allow blood to leak back into the vein with the force of gravity instead of returning to the heart as it should. This is why varicose veins are typically located in the lower extremities.
The collection of blood that happens in varicose veins often causes pain and tenderness in the legs, which results in discomfort and a lower quality of life for those experiencing it. The pain comes from high pressure in the vein(s) that makes it large and twisted. If one of your varicose veins develops a blood clot, you may experience phlebitis, which is a painful red bump under the skin.
Who Is Affected by Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are extremely common, and they become more common as you age. Approximately one in three people living in the United States older than the age of 45 years old experience some type of vascular disease.
Your risk may be higher depending on your lifestyle, especially if you have a job that requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time. It’s important to understand that even if you don’t see bulging veins on the surface, you may still have underlying vein disease.
Also, if your parents or other family members have experienced vein issues, your chance of experiencing vein issues rises. Over 80% of people experiencing varicose veins have a history of it in their families.
If you are a woman, your chances of vein insufficiency are four times higher than those of men.
Varicose Vein Symptoms
Many people with varicose veins notice visible changes in the skin or feel discomfort in the legs. Common signs and symptoms include:
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
When you come in for a visit, Dr. Reynolds will identify the cause of your vein issues by going over your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and performing an ultrasound. When the problem is discovered, Dr. Reynolds will discuss treatment options and make a plan that works best for you.
It is common to find varicose veins on any part of the leg. Varicose veins are larger and can vary in color between blue or flesh color. They may bulge from the skin and appear twisted.
Spider veins, on the other hand, are smaller and can appear on the surface of the skin in small spots or large areas. Their colors range from blue, red, or purple only, and they have an appearance like thin branches that go in many directions.
80% of varicose vein cases are caused by heredity. Other reasons for varicose veins are standing/sitting for long periods of time, injury to the legs, weight gain, hormone therapy, and pregnancy.
Both men and women can suffer from varicose veins, and both can undergo successful treatment.
Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- You have a vein that has become red, swollen, warm, and/or painful.
- You have sores or a rash on your lower extremities, especially around the ankle.
- The skin on your lower extremities becomes thick and/or discolored.
- A varicose vein starts bleeding.
- You cannot continue with daily activities because of your vein issues.
- You do not like the appearance of the veins.
Once you feel pain in your legs because of vein issues, speak to your doctor immediately. The best way to heal vein issues is to treat them early.
Treating Varicose Veins in Franklin, TN
Fortunately for our patients, varicose veins are easily treated. Treatment options are vast, and most insurance agencies cover medically necessary treatments.
Treatments consist of shutting faulty veins down and rerouting blood to healthy veins. Once treatment is started, patients will likely use compression stockings to support healing, and we have all the compression stockings you may need right here in the clinic.
Why Choose Refine Vein Center for Varicose Veins?
Dr. Reynolds is board-certified in internal medicine and venous and lymphatic medicine and offers experienced, focused care for varicose veins. His diagnostic process helps determine whether your symptoms stem from superficial veins, deeper circulation issues, or both.
At Refine Vein Center, we take time to explain your options and guide you toward solutions that match your lifestyle. Our Franklin office serves patients from across Williamson County with modern vein care in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. From your first ultrasound to your final treatment, you’ll receive thorough, personalized care at every step.
Support That Helps You Move Forward
Left untreated, varicose veins may worsen and contribute to serious complications like ulcers, skin changes, or clot formation. But with expert care and a treatment plan tailored to your needs, you can feel better and prevent future damage.
Whatever you need to get back to a life you truly enjoy, we will do all that we can to make it happen.
Contact Refine Vein Center at (615) 716-8346 to schedule an appointment today in Franklin, Tennessee.