Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists Blog

Stay informed with the latest news from our Board Certified Doctors.

A man holding his leg with a ruptured varicose vein.

Ruptured Varicose Veins: Causes and Treatment

Often, those with varicose veins complain about their appearance. But veins can be more than just cosmetic. Occasionally, varicose veins can burst. While a burst varicose vein is not necessarily a medical emergency, you do need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to help resolve the issue and prevent it from getting worse. […]

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A vascular surgeon using a medical device on a patient with varicose veins.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Varicose Veins?

When you have varicose veins and are thinking about treatment, one of your first questions will probably be what kind of doctor treats varicose veins. This is important to know as there are plenty of choices to consider.  However, when it comes to the best varicose vein doctor, you’ll want to choose a vascular surgeon. […]

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Legs and feet of a family of three.

Are Varicose Veins Genetic or Hereditary?

Your grandma gave the best hugs and always made the most delicious apple pie. She had so many good qualities you remember about her, but you might also remember the purple and blue varicose veins that covered her legs. A question on your mind might be, if your grandmother and mother had varicose veins, would […]

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A doctor's hands holding a pen and a vial of blood.

Can Varicose Veins Cause Blood Clots?

The flow of blood throughout the body is an essential and delicate system responsible for nourishing tissues from head to toe. Any threat to regular blood flow has the potential to disrupt normal activities, cause pain, or create critical health issues. While varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins resulting from malfunctioning vein valves, blood clots […]

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A woman sitting on a bed and touching her legs that have varicose veins.

What Are the Stages Of Varicose Veins and Vein Disease?

Varicose veins are known as being unsightly, often bulging veins that may be blue or purple, and are often located in the lower extremities. While sometimes they’re just a cosmetic complaint, varicose veins can become uncomfortable and even painful. For some, they can eventually have more serious consequences that require medical attention.  How do varicose […]

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A woman sitting on a chair and touching her foot.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins: Tips and Expectations

While you can’t change the genetic factors that predispose you to have varicose veins, there are many actions you can take that can help prevent existing varicose veins from getting worse. To motivate you, the same lifestyle habits that can help prevent varicose veins will improve your health in a variety of other ways.  What […]

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A person touching their leg that has spider veins.

Do Spider Veins Go Away on Their Own?

If you have purple, red, or blue spider veins on your legs or other parts of your body, you may hope they go away on their own. But is it possible for them to heal over time? Can spider veins go away on their own? Or do you need treatment? There are some ways to […]

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A pregnant woman sitting and touching her leg that has varicose veins

Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: What to Know

Varicose veins are common during pregnancy because of increased pressure on the circulatory system and poor blood flow. Unlike other types of vein conditions, varicose veins during pregnancy tend to resolve on their own within a few weeks to months after delivery.  If you are currently struggling with varicose veins or want to know how […]

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A woman putting compression socks on her legs

How Long Should You Wear Compression Socks?

Compression socks are used in compression therapy, a non-invasive treatment that helps manage the symptoms of poor blood circulation in the legs. Compression therapy uses snug-fitting socks or stockings to put pressure on the legs to improve blood flow. This is often a recommended first step in managing uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, or […]

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A woman with varicose veins holding her thigh

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and even painful. They can make it harder to sit or stand for prolonged periods, travel, or engage in certain activities that exacerbate them. But what is the cause of varicose veins?  Many factors are involved, and if you’re struggling with them, you’re not alone. Understanding what causes varicose […]

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Woman with varicose veins holding her leg

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous or Harmful?

Varicose veins are a common health problem that affects more than half of the population[1]. They’re predominantly a cosmetic issue, but symptoms of varicose veins can include pain, swelling, and discomfort for some people. So, are uncomfortable or itchy varicose veins dangerous? While not inherently dangerous, varicose veins can lead to complications like blood clots, […]

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An older woman holding her swollen ankle

Varicose Veins Ankle Swelling: Causes and Treatment

After spending some time on your feet, you look down and notice your ankles feel uncomfortable and appear significantly bigger than they did this morning. What’s going on?  If you have varicose veins anywhere on your legs, this can be a common cause of ankle vein swelling. What are the underlying reasons for varicose vein […]

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