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Varicose Veins

Lee Health: Your Trusted Healthcare Partner in Treating Varicose Veins

Lee health is committed to providing the best vein and vascular care in Southwest Florida. Known for providing exceptional care, our trained experts are here for you every step of the way. That means extra support and guidance when patients are ready to make the transition to adult or specialty care.

What are varicose veins?

A common problem for people from ages 15 to 90, varicose veins are large dilated veins in the legs, part of a disease called venous insufficiency, in which veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.

In some cases, varicose veins — which some patients may notice on their legs or feet — have no symptoms and may merely be a cosmetic concern. Other times, varicose veins can be painful and even cause swelling in the ankles and feet after standing.

Symptoms also include:

  • Throbbing in the veins
  • Leg achiness
  • Leg heaviness
  • Leg and foot Itching

Patients may develop advanced venous insufficiency and notice color skin changes in the lower leg and even ulcers. Varicose veins are often genetic, but patients can develop them if they stand or sit for too long. If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to serious pain and skin changes.

Vein Treatment Centers Serving Fort Myers and Cape Coral


Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, also known as varicoses, can occur when veins aren’t functioning properly. Veins have one-way valves to ensure blood only travels in only one direction. When these valves fail, blood begins to collect in the veins causing the veins to enlarge. Often varicose veins affect the legs. Since the veins in the legs are farthest from your heart, gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow upward.

Some potential causes for varicose veins include:

  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Standing for long periods of time
  • Age over 50
  • Family history of varicose veins

Find a Varicose Vein Specialist Near You

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Most vein treatment is nonsurgical, resulting in minimal discomfort and a faster recovery. Our goal is to get you back to your regular activities as quickly as possible.

  • Compression stockings
  • Laser therapy and ablation
  • Cosmetic treatments to remove spider veins (smaller versions of varicose veins)
  • Injections

Why get treatment for Varicose Veins?

Varicose vein therapy may be recommended for the following:

  • Leg pain, often described as heavy or tired
  • Ulcers or sores that are caused by poor blood flow in the veins
  • Improving the appearance of the leg
  • Lipodermatosclerosis - fatty tissue under that skin that hardens over time from high blood pressure in a vein

EVLT® is a non-surgical endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. A thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein and seals the faulty vein.

  • Treatment takes less than an hour
  • Minimal Pain
  • Performed in the office with local anesthesia
  • Return to work the next day
  • No scars
  • Symptoms alleviated by procedure
  • Usually covered by insurance if veins are symptomatic

Noninvasive diagnostic tests give you results the same day to let you know if you are a candidate for vein treatment.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

Request an appointment with a Vein Specialist

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