Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists Blog

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

Varicose veins come with a slew of symptoms that can be mildly annoying or downright disruptive to everyday life. Many people with vein disease complain of discomfort in their lower limbs, but do varicose veins cause leg cramps? Let’s explore the relationship between varicose veins and leg cramps and, most importantly, what you can do […]

Countless people experience leaky veins in their legs, especially as they get older or through certain seasons of life. Perhaps you inherited vein-related issues from your parents or are dealing with the residual effects of an old injury. Either way, if you’re living with symptoms of leaky veins in your legs, you’re not alone — […]

At Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists, we understand that your needs and goals for treating your varicose or spider veins are as individual as you are. We create individualized treatment plans by matching your desires for how you want to look and feel with the most effective treatments for your individual needs. The cost of […]

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common, progressive condition in older adults in which blood flow in the arteries of the legs becomes increasingly restricted. If left undiagnosed and untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications may range from cramping and pain in the legs when walking to non-healing wounds and even amputation. In […]

What are Vein Valves? Interspersed throughout your veins are small crescent-shaped flaps of tissue, known as valves, that help prevent a backflow of blood. These valves project from the innermost layer of the vein wall to the center of the vein and are angled towards the heart in the direction of venous blood flow. Lacking […]

Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) refers to the blockage of the aorta or the iliac arteries. The aorta divides into branches called around the level of the navel to supply blood to the legs and the pelvic organs. This blockage typically occurs due to a buildup of plaque within the walls of the blood vessels. Patients […]

Aortic dissection occurs when the blood enters the arterial wall between the inner and middle layers of the aorta. This condition may occur when the inner layer of the aorta tears, allowing blood to flow from the main area of the artery into the wall. This risk is that the aortic dissection could channel blood […]

An ultrasound on legs is the gold standard for evaluating varicose veins. It is safe, painless, and uses sound waves to create real-time images that help your specialist check vein function. A varicose vein ultrasound shows if valves are working, detects reflux (backward blood flow), and identifies blockages or clots that may cause symptoms. Your […]

Symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins can range from barely noticeable to incapacitating and may include sensations such as pressure, heaviness, fatigue, stiffness, aching, and itching. These symptoms can wax and wane depending on various factors and can vary from person to person. Varicose vein and spider vein symptoms can also be confused with […]