At least 20% of adults develop varicose veins in their lifetime. If you have bulging leg veins—and the uncomfortable symptoms that go with them—quadruple board-certified vein specialist Jeff Widmeyer, MD, can help at Widmeyer Optimal Wellness. Over his over 25 years of extensive vein care experience, Dr. Widmeyer has developed the most effective leading-edge strategies to successfully treat your varicose veins with a minimal chance of recurrence. Treatments are office-based with little downtime and few recovery restrictions, so learn more by calling the Lynchburg, Virginia, office or clicking the online scheduler now.
request an appointmentWhat are varicose veins?
Normal healthy leg veins carry blood up to your heart, and one-way valves stop the blood from flowing back toward the feet. In someone with faulty vein valves, gravity pulls the blood down. The excess blood stretches the veins in the legs, leading to bulging varicose veins.
Varicose veins may run in families, and they’re more common as you age. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, and extra weight is a common risk factor too.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins look like ropy or knotted cords that stand out from the legs. They’re usually blue or purple. Varicose veins can cause many symptoms in the legs, including:
- Swelling
- Aching
- Discomfort
- Heaviness
- Burning
- Throbbing
- Cramping
If untreated, varicose veins can lead to the worsening of these issues and problems like deep vein thrombosis, in which a blood clot develops in a deep leg vein.
How are varicose veins treated?
At Widmeyer Optimal Wellness, Dr. Widmeyer has over 22 years of experience treating varicose and spider veins effectively. He customizes varicose vein treatments for the individual, always keeping your whole-body health and wellness in mind. The two main approaches for varicose veins are:
Endovenous laser ablation
In endovenous laser ablation, Dr. Widmeyer seals varicose veins with laser heat. The blood moves into healthy veins, and you’re left with smooth skin. Over time you absorb (and dispose of) the withered vein tissue.
Dr. Widmeyer was one of the first doctors in the state of Virginia to use endovenous laser technology to treat varicose veins. He’s successfully treated over 5000 patients with the procedure. Varicose veins treated with endovenous laser ablation are unlikely to recur.
Ambulatory microphlebectomy
Ambulatory microphlebectomy is a procedure in which Dr. Widmeyer creates small nicks in the skin and removes your varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosant, a substance that irritates the vein lining and causes it to close over time.
Endovenous laser ablation is generally best for underlying incompetent veins, and microphlebectomy and sclerotherapy treat smaller veins. Dr. Widmeyer may recommend combining the procedures for optimal results.
Dr. Widmeyer performs all procedures in the state-of-the-art, comfortable, and welcoming Widmeyer Optimal Wellness facility. Vein treatments involve little or no downtime and few activity restrictions.
To learn more about varicose vein treatments at Widmeyer Optimal Wellness, call the office or book your appointment online now.