Varicose Veins Treatment
Quick Relief Near You in New Jersey
Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern. They can cause discomfort, limit your daily activities, and signal underlying circulation problems that require medical attention. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we offer treatment for varicose veins at locations near you in New Jersey. Our goal is to relieve your symptoms using the least invasive options available, including radiofrequency ablation and Varithena foam injections, so you can get back to living your life.
Key Takeaways
- Varicose veins develop when the valves inside your leg veins weaken and stop working properly.
- Risk factors include age, family history, prolonged standing, and pregnancy.
- Minimally invasive procedures, including sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), are highly effective and require little to no recovery time.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear just beneath the surface of the skin. They most often develop in the legs and feet. Healthy veins contain one-way valves that push blood upward toward the heart. When those valves weaken or fail, blood flows backward and pools in the vein. Over time, the vein stretches and becomes visibly bulging. If you have varicose veins, you may notice:
- Ropey, blue, or purple veins
- A heavy or aching feeling in your legs
- Cramping
- Restless leg syndrome
- Swelling around your ankles
Spider veins, which are smaller, web-like clusters, are a milder version of the same problem.
What Are Common Causes and Risk Factors of Varicose Veins?
Most varicose veins are caused by failing vein valves. Your leg veins must push blood a long way uphill against gravity. Tiny one-way valves open to let blood through and then snap shut to keep it from sliding back down. When those valves weaken, blood pools in the vein, and that pooling causes the vein to stretch and bulge. Anything that adds extra pressure to that already demanding system can accelerate the growth of varicose veins, such as:
- Weakened vein valves: Valves that no longer close fully allow blood to pool.
- Increased pressure: Conditions that raise pressure in the veins put extra strain on the vein walls.
- Prolonged standing or sitting: Staying in one position for long periods forces your veins to work harder against gravity.
Varicose veins can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to develop them than others. Common risk factors include:
- Age: Vein walls and valves naturally weaken with age.
- Family history: Varicose veins often run in families.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, partly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or from hormonal contraceptives.
- Pregnancy: Increased blood volumes and pressure on pelvic veins can lead to varicosities.
- Obesity: Excess body weight adds pressure to the veins.
- Occupation: Jobs that require long hours of standing, such as nursing, teaching, or retail, increase your risk.
When Should I Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins?
Not every varicose vein requires immediate medical intervention. However, some symptoms indicate that you should schedule an evaluation sooner rather than later.
You should seek prompt care if you notice:
- Skin changes around the ankle or lower leg, such as darkening, thickening, or hardening
- Open sores or ulcers that won’t heal
- Sudden, severe swelling in one leg, which may indicate a blood clot
- Bleeding from a varicose vein, even from minor trauma
- A vein that feels warm, red, or tender to the touch
You should also seek treatment if varicose veins are interfering with your everyday life. This includes persistent aching or heaviness that worsens throughout the day, nighttime leg cramps or restless legs, swelling that makes it difficult to stand or walk comfortably, or ongoing itching or burning along the vein. You deserve relief. There is no reason to wait until your symptoms become severe to pursue it.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Diagnosing varicose veins is relatively straightforward, and at Kurdali Spine & Pain, we make it as comfortable as possible. Dr. Basil Kurdali will combine a physical examination with imaging to fully understand what is happening inside your veins.
Dr. Basil Kurdali will visually inspect your legs while you are standing. He will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history of vein problems. He will also gently press along the veins to check for tenderness and assess your skin for any early signs of damage.
A duplex ultrasound is the standard imaging tool for varicose veins. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create a picture of blood flow inside your veins. This procedure doesn’t require needles or contrast dye, so it is safe and pain-free. It helps Dr. Kurdali see exactly which valves are failing and where blood is pooling. This information guides your treatment plan.
What Varicose Vein Treatment Options Are Available?
At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we offer several varicose vein treatment options. We always begin with the most conservative option and progress only if we need to. Many patients find relief without any procedures at all. When we recommend treatment, we use minimally invasive techniques that work with your body rather than requiring surgery. Options include:
Medications and Conservative Measures
Before we recommend any procedure, we explore conservative strategies such as:
- Compression stockings: Graduated compression socks apply gentle pressure to the legs, helping veins push blood upward. Wearing them consistently can reduce swelling, aching, and fatigue.
- Lifestyle modifications: Regular walking, elevating your legs when resting, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting all support your vein health.
- Topical and oral medications: We may prescribe certain medications to help reduce inflammation, manage discomfort, or support vein tone. Dr. Kurdali will discuss whether medication is appropriate for you.
Injection Options: Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a popular, minimally invasive treatment for varicose and spider veins. Dr. Kurdali injects a small amount of a medical solution, called a sclerosant, directly into the affected vein. This solution irritates the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. This vein is gradually absorbed by your body and fades over several weeks.
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins, also known as Varithena foam injection, requires no anesthesia and no incisions. Most patients describe a mild stinging sensation during the injection, which passes quickly. You can return to normal activities the same day. However, you may need multiple sessions depending on the size and number of veins involved.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is another minimally invasive procedure used to treat larger varicose veins and the deeper trunk veins that cause them. During RFA, Dr. Kurdali inserts a thin catheter, or flexible tube, into the vein through a very small incision. The catheter delivers controlled heat using radiofrequency energy, which causes the vein wall to collapse and seal. Once the vein is sealed, your body naturally redirects blood to healthier veins nearby.
RFA is performed with local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. Most patients experience minimal bruising and are back on their feet the same day. Unlike traditional vein stripping surgery, RFA leaves no significant scarring and carries an extremely minimal risk of complications.
What Should I Expect During Varicose Veins Treatment?
We understand that starting any new treatment can feel intimidating. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we want you to be as informed as possible, so you can walk in feeling confident. Dr. Basil Kurdali’s process includes:
- Initial consultation: The medical team will review your symptoms, examine your legs, and order an ultrasound if needed. Together, you will discuss your goals and choose the most appropriate treatment plan.
- Before your procedure: You may be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing. In most cases, you won’t need to fast beforehand. However, Dr. Kurdali will give you specific preparation instructions based on your treatment and current medications.
- During the procedure: We perform both sclerotherapy and RFA in an outpatient setting. You will be awake and relaxed through the entire procedure, and we’ll apply a local anesthetic to help minimize your discomfort.
- After the procedure: You will be able to walk and resume most normal activities the same day. The provider may recommend wearing compression stockings for a period to support healing.
- Follow-up care: We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and confirm the vein has responded to treatment. When you choose us, your care does not end when your procedure does.
Get Varicose Veins Treatment Near You in New Jersey
Living with varicose vein pain or discomfort is not something you have to accept. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we are committed to helping you find lasting relief through personalized, conservative care. We specialize in non-surgical relief for neck, back, nerve, muscle, and joint pain, and we bring that same philosophy to vein care. Our team takes the time to understand your unique situation, answer your questions honestly, and build a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Our board-certified specialist, Dr. Basil Kurdali, has expertise in minimally invasive pain and vascular care, and uses evidence-based treatment protocols to help you find lasting relief. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey today.