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Chronic Pain RFA Treatments
Advanced Ablation Therapy Near You in New Jersey
Varicose veins affect millions of people, and they are often more than a cosmetic concern. For many patients, they signal an underlying condition called chronic venous insufficiency, a breakdown in the one-way valves inside leg veins that normally push blood upward toward the heart. When those valves fail, blood pools in the lower legs, pressure builds, and veins stretch into the twisted, bulging shapes visible beneath the skin.
At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we treat the root cause of varicose veins using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) at locations near you in New Jersey. This minimally invasive procedure is safe and has a fast recovery that is measured in days, not weeks. Learn more about this treatment for varicose veins.
Key Takeaways
- Varicose veins can cause significant physical symptoms, including pain, swelling, and fatigue in the legs.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that closes faulty veins using controlled heat delivered through a thin catheter.
- Most patients return to normal daily activities within one to two days, with continued improvement over several weeks.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins?
Radiofrequency ablation closes the specific vein responsible for venous insufficiency. Rather than surgically removing the vein, a thin catheter delivers radiofrequency energy from the inside, causing the vein walls to contract, collapse, and seal shut. Once closed, blood naturally reroutes through nearby healthy veins. This improves circulation throughout the leg. Over time, the treated vein shrinks, and the body absorbs it entirely.
Symptoms and When RFA Is Recommended for Varicose Veins
Vein disease often develops gradually. Many patients adapt to early symptoms without realizing they have a treatable condition. Common signs of venous insufficiency include:
- Persistent aching, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs
- Swelling that worsens throughout the day
- Burning, itching, or tenderness near visible veins
- Skin discoloration or thickening near the ankles
- Bulging veins visible beneath the skin
Left untreated, venous insufficiency can progress to chronic swelling, skin ulcers, or vein inflammation.
Who’s a Candidate for RFA to Treat Varicose Veins
Not every patient with visible veins needs a procedure. In fact, mild cases often respond well to lifestyle adjustments and compression therapy alone. However, RFA may be the right next step if:
- Vascular ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency
- You regularly experience symptoms like pain, swelling, or leg fatigue
- Compression therapy hasn’t provided enough relief
- The affected vein is large enough to respond to ablation
At Kurdali Spine & Pain, our team evaluates each patient individually. We conduct a detailed ultrasound exam to identify which veins are malfunctioning and to determine whether RFA is the most appropriate treatment.
How Does RFA Work?
RFA works by closing the faulty vein from the inside. During the procedure, Dr. Basil Kurdali will make a small incision in the skin and insert a thin catheter into the affected vein. The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy in controlled segments along the length of the vein. This heat causes the vein walls to contract, collapse, and seal permanently. Because the vein was already failing to carry blood efficiently, this closure improves your overall circulation.
Ultrasound imaging is central to the process. Not only can it help diagnose the problem, but it also helps treat varicose veins. Before your treatment, Dr. Kurdali uses an ultrasound to map the venous system and pinpoint the exact source of valve failure. During the procedure, real-time imaging guides the catheter into position and monitors treatment as it progresses. This precision protects surrounding tissues and ensures the procedure targets only the malfunctioning vein.
What Should I Expect Before, During, and After the RFA Procedure?
RFA is an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia, so you’ll remain awake and comfortable throughout it. Most people experience minimal disruption to their daily lives.
Before the procedure, patients undergo a comprehensive vein evaluation that includes ultrasound imaging and a review of their symptoms and medical history. On the day of treatment, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid applying lotions or oils to your legs. Because the procedure uses local rather than general anesthesia, you won’t have to fast, unless Dr. Kurdali tells you to.
During your procedure, the treatment area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, Dr. Kurdali will insert a catheter through a small incision in the skin, guide it into position using live ultrasound imaging, and deliver radiofrequency energy along the vein in segments. The entire procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of veins that we’re treating.
After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the incision. You’ll receive compression stockings to improve your circulation during healing, and we’ll encourage you to walk around before going home. In most cases, you’ll be able to return home the same day.
Results and Timeline for Treating Varicose Veins with RFA
After RFA, you’ll notice a gradual improvement. Most patients notice less aching, heaviness, and swelling within one to two weeks after the procedure. However, the vein won’t disappear right away; it can take a few weeks or months for your body to absorb the vein.
We’ll schedule a follow-up ultrasound four to six weeks after the procedure to confirm that the treated vein has closed properly and that blood flow has rerouted. This visit is an important part of your treatment. Imaging allows Dr. Kurdali to identify any other varicosities that may need further attention.
Recovery and Aftercare
One of the major advantages of RFA over traditional vein surgery is a significantly shorter recovery period. Most patients return to their normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.
However, you may need to make a few minor adjustments to your routine for a few weeks as you’re recovering, including:
- Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Wear compression socks for one to two weeks to reduce swelling and support healthy blood flow
- Take short, regular walks to lower the risk of blood clot formation and support faster healing
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Varicose Vein RFA?
In general, RFA is a low-risk procedure. However, every procedure comes with some degree of risk, which Dr. Kurdali will go over with you during your consultation appointment.
Common Side Effects
After RFA, you may experience temporary side effects, such as:
- Bruising, tenderness, and mild swelling along the treated vein
- A pulling or cord-like sensation under the skin as the treated vein closes and the body begins to absorb it.
- Temporary skin numbness near the treatment site
These minor effects often resolve on their own within a few days to a few weeks.
Less Common Risks
As with any procedure, there is a risk of serious side effects. These can include:
- Deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the deeper leg veins
- Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis, where a small clot extends from the treated vein toward a deep vessel.
- Skin burns, infection, and significant nerve injury
While these risks are rare, they can be serious. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we perform routine post-operative imaging to catch these side effects early, so you can get back to living pain-free. If you notice increasing redness, warmth, or swelling that concerns you, call our office immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to help catch anything that’s wrong before it becomes a major issue.
Are There Alternative Treatments for Varicose Veins?
Compression Stockings and Lifestyle Changes
For many patients, especially those with mild symptoms or who aren’t ready for a procedure, graduated compression socks are a great starting point. When you wear them consistently, they reduce venous pressure, ease aching and heaviness, and slow the progression of the condition. We also recommend elevating your legs, walking regularly, managing your weight, and avoiding standing for prolonged periods. When you pair these minor changes with compression therapy, you may start to notice a meaningful improvement in your quality of life.
Foam Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins (also known as a Varithena procedure) involves injecting a solution directly into a varicose vein to cause it to scar closed. The foam is effective for medium-sized veins, displacing blood and ensuring good contact with the vein wall. It’s a great option for:
- Small varicosities
- Veins that aren’t large enough for catheters
- Surface veins that remain after RFA
Like RFA, this treatment doesn’t require anesthesia and has a fast recovery.
Endovenous Laser Ablation and Phlebectomy
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) uses the same principle as RFA but uses a laser rather than radiofrequency heat. Ambulatory phlebectomy removes prominent surface veins through a tiny puncture. It can be done alongside RFA or on its own for veins that are too large and close to the surface for other approaches.
Get Treatment for Varicose Veins Near You in New Jersey
If you need varicose vein treatment, turn to Kurdali Spine & Pain. Led by board-certified pain management specialist Dr. Basil Kurdali, what sets us apart is how we approach every patient who walks through our doors. We don’t walk into a consultation with a procedure already in mind. Instead, we listen, review your imaging, and build a picture of what’s causing your symptoms before we make any recommendations.
If compression socks and lifestyle changes are the right answer for now, that’s what you’ll hear. If RFA is indicated, we’ll explain why, walk you through what to expect, and make sure you feel confident before moving forward. Are you ready to find out whether radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins is right for you? Schedule a consultation at one of our locations near you in New Jersey today.
