Varicose Veins Specialist

Jacksonville Vein Specialists

Vein Specialist located in Jacksonville, FL

Varicose veins are a common problem that affects up to 35% of all Americans. Whether you’d like to get rid of varicose veins because they’re so unsightly, or you need to remove them because they’re painful or causing venous complications, Mark Matey, DPM, provides the treatment you need at Jacksonville Vein Specialists. To learn more about highly effective therapies that permanently remove varicose veins, schedule an appointment online or call one of the three offices, with two locations in Jacksonville and one in Palm Coast, Florida.

Varicose Veins Q & A

What causes varicose veins?

The veins in your legs work against gravity to move blood up your legs and back to your heart. The muscles in your legs have an important role in this process, as they force blood upwards every time they contract. However, one-way valves in the veins are essential for ensuring blood flows in the right direction.

The valves open to let blood go up the vein, then close so it can’t go back down. When a valve becomes weak or injured, it lets blood flow backward. As a result, blood builds up in the vein and, over time, the veins take on the classic appearance of enlarged and twisted varicose veins.

What increases my risk for varicose veins?

Varicose veins are hereditary. If others in your family have varicose veins, chances are higher that you’ll also develop the problem. Aging also has an impact, as muscles weaken over time.

Anything that places pressure on your veins increases your risk for varicose veins. Being overweight or pregnant, and standing or sitting for an extended time are examples of things that increase pressure on your leg veins.

What symptoms develop due to varicose veins?

Some patients won’t have symptoms, while others develop:

Leg pain and aching
Legs that feel tired or heavy
Burning or itching in their legs
Swollen legs
Skin inflammation and itching
Restless legs syndrome

Varicose veins are associated with chronic venous insufficiency, which means they can lead to potentially serious complications, such as venous ulcers and superficial venous thrombosis.

How are varicose veins treated?

Dr. Matey has extensive experience treating varicose veins using several techniques, including:

Endovenous ablation

During endovenous ablation, Dr. Matey uses ultrasound to see your veins and to guide a small catheter through the veins to the targeted varicose vein. The catheter contains a device that sends out radiofrequency or laser energy to heat the targeted vein. The heat closes the vein, a scar develops, and your body gradually eliminates the cellular waste. As a result, the treated varicose veins are permanently eliminated.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting a medication into the varicose vein. The medication makes the vein collapse, then the area forms a scar that’s absorbed by your body. After your treatment, you’ll temporarily wear compression stockings to ensure the treated vein walls remain together while the scar forms.

To have your varicose veins safely eliminated, call Jacksonville Vein Specialists or schedule an appointment online.

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