Many people think varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, but for many individuals, they can be a sign of an underlying vein condition that affects circulation, comfort, and overall quality of life.

While some people experience only visible, enlarged veins, others notice aching legs, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, itching, or discomfort that worsens after standing or sitting for long periods. Understanding the signs of varicose veins and knowing when to seek evaluation can help prevent symptoms from progressing.

According to the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the American Venous Forum (AVF), chronic venous disease is common and may worsen over time without appropriate evaluation and treatment.

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, Dr. Jahnna Levy provides comprehensive evaluations and advanced minimally invasive treatments for patients experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency. Her goal is to help patients find lasting relief while improving their circulation, comfort, and quality of life.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that often appear blue or dark purple beneath the skin. They most commonly develop in the legs and occur when the valves inside the veins become weakened or damaged.

Normally, these one-way valves help blood flow back toward the heart. When they stop working properly, blood can begin pooling inside the veins instead of moving efficiently through the circulatory system. Over time, this increased pressure causes veins to enlarge, twist, and become more visible.

Although they may begin as a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can also cause discomfort and interfere with everyday activities.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are much smaller and closer to the surface of the skin.

They often appear as:

• Red
• Blue
• Purple

Unlike varicose veins, spider veins usually resemble thin branches or spider webs and are commonly found on the legs or face.

While spider veins are typically painless, some patients may experience mild burning, itching, or aching sensations.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing varicose or spider veins.

These include:

• Family history
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes
• Obesity
• Standing or sitting for long periods
• Lack of regular physical activity

Women are generally more likely than men to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, and certain birth control medications.

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Symptoms may develop gradually and often become more noticeable throughout the day.

Common symptoms include:

• Enlarged, bulging veins
• Aching or throbbing legs
• A feeling of heaviness
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Itching around the affected veins
• Muscle cramps
• Restless legs
• Skin discoloration around the affected area
• Fatigue after standing for long periods

Not everyone experiences every symptom, but persistent discomfort should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When Should You Get Your Veins Treated?

Many patients wonder whether they should simply live with varicose veins or seek treatment.

While treatment isn't always medically necessary, it's a good idea to schedule an evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Skin discoloration
• Bleeding from a varicose vein
• Inflammation or blood clots
• Venous ulcers
• Legs that feel consistently heavy or tired
• Cosmetic concerns that affect your confidence or quality of life

Early evaluation can help identify chronic venous insufficiency before symptoms become more severe.

Can Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

Although genetics and aging cannot be controlled, healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk or slow the progression of vein disease.

Helpful habits include:

• Walking or exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Elevating your legs after prolonged standing or sitting
• Avoiding sitting or standing in one position for long periods
• Wearing comfortable shoes instead of high heels whenever possible
• Staying hydrated
• Eating a heart-healthy, balanced diet

These simple lifestyle changes can support healthy circulation and improve overall vascular health.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, the health of your veins, and whether chronic venous insufficiency is present. Many patients benefit from a stepwise approach that begins with conservative care before considering minimally invasive procedures.

Lifestyle Modifications

Many mild cases improve with healthy lifestyle changes, including:

• Regular exercise
• Weight management
• Leg elevation
• Frequent movement throughout the day
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting

Conservative Treatment

Your provider may also recommend:

• Compression stockings
• Activity modifications
• Ongoing monitoring

Minimally Invasive Vein Procedures

If symptoms persist or imaging shows damaged veins, advanced outpatient procedures may be recommended.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a specialized solution directly into the affected vein. The solution causes the vein to collapse and gradually fade over the course of several weeks. It is commonly used to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins.

Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT/ELAT)

Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT), also known as ELAT, uses laser energy delivered through a small fiber inserted into the diseased vein. The heat seals the vein from the inside, allowing blood to naturally reroute through healthier veins. This outpatient procedure requires only a small incision and typically involves minimal recovery time.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation uses ultrasound guidance to place a thin catheter inside the affected vein. Heat generated by radiofrequency energy causes the vein wall to shrink, seal shut, and eventually be absorbed by the body. This procedure effectively treats larger varicose veins while minimizing discomfort and downtime.

Venefit™

Garden State Pain & Orthopedics also offers Venefit™, an advanced radiofrequency ablation system designed to treat varicose veins without the need for general anesthesia.

The procedure typically takes 45–60 minutes and allows most patients to return to normal activities the same day. Compression stockings are usually worn for approximately two weeks afterward to support healing and help achieve the best cosmetic and clinical results.

Many patients notice significant improvement within just a few days, although the treated veins may continue to fade over the following weeks depending on their size and severity.

How Garden State Pain & Orthopedics Can Help

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, patients experiencing varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency receive specialized care from Dr. Jahnna Levy, who is experienced in diagnosing and treating vein disease using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.

Rather than simply treating the appearance of enlarged veins, Dr. Levy takes a comprehensive approach by identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms and developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Her goal is to improve circulation, relieve discomfort, and help prevent vein disease from progressing.

Depending on your condition, Dr. Levy offers a variety of innovative treatment options, including sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT/ELAT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and Venefit™. These minimally invasive outpatient procedures are designed to reduce symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, and leg fatigue while allowing most patients to return to their normal daily activities with little to no downtime.

Whether you're seeking relief from painful varicose veins or treatment for bothersome spider veins, Dr. Jahnna Levy is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps patients achieve healthier legs, improved circulation, and a better quality of life.

Don't Ignore Aching or Heavy Legs

Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern. Persistent aching, swelling, heaviness, itching, or visible enlarged veins may be signs of chronic venous disease that deserve medical attention.

If you're experiencing symptoms of varicose veins or spider veins, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jahnna Levy and the team at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics. Through a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan, Dr. Levy can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment to improve your circulation, relieve discomfort, and help you get back to living comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Most varicose veins are not dangerous, but they can progress over time and lead to complications such as chronic swelling, skin changes, venous ulcers, bleeding, or superficial blood clots if left untreated.

What's the difference between varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins are larger, swollen veins that may cause pain or discomfort, while spider veins are much smaller, closer to the skin's surface, and are often considered primarily a cosmetic concern.

Can varicose veins go away without treatment?

Varicose veins generally do not disappear on their own. Lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms, but medical treatment is often needed to eliminate the affected veins.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Options range from compression stockings and lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy, EVLT, radiofrequency ablation, and Venefit™. Dr. Jahnna Levy will recommend the treatment plan that's most appropriate for your condition and goals.

How long does recovery take after vein treatment?

Most minimally invasive vein procedures require little downtime, and many patients return to normal activities the same day. Your provider may recommend wearing compression stockings during the recovery period to promote healing and optimize results.