If your legs feel heavy, achy, swollen, or tired by the end of the day, it may be more than just getting older. These symptoms are often caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition where the valves inside your leg veins stop working properly, allowing blood to pool instead of flowing back toward the heart.
The good news? Vein disease is highly treatable, and most patients don't need surgery.
At Coastal Heart Medical Group, Dr. Shah uses advanced venous ultrasound imaging to diagnose vein disease and determine whether you're a candidate for minimally invasive treatments like Varithena®.
The first step in treating vein disease is a simple, painless venous ultrasound.
This specialized ultrasound allows us to evaluate how blood is flowing through the veins in your legs. Healthy veins contain one-way valves that keep blood moving in the right direction. When those valves become weak, blood flows backward and collects in the veins, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, heaviness, fatigue, and varicose veins.
A venous ultrasound gives Dr. Shah a detailed map of your vein health and helps determine which treatment option will provide the best results.
The exam is completely non-invasive, performed right in our office, and typically takes less than an hour.
Varithena® is an FDA-approved microfoam treatment used to close unhealthy veins without surgery.
Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Shah carefully injects a specialized foam into the diseased vein. The foam gently seals the vein, allowing blood to naturally reroute through healthier veins. Over time, your body absorbs the treated vein.
The procedure is performed entirely in the office, requires no hospital stay, and most patients are back to their normal routine the same day.
Patients often choose Varithena® because it's quick, effective, and requires very little downtime.
Benefits include:
Same-day outpatient procedure
No surgery or stitches
No general anesthesia
Minimal discomfort
Quick recovery
Improved circulation
Relief from aching, swelling, heaviness, and leg fatigue
Reduction in the appearance of varicose veins
Many patients notice gradual improvement in both their symptoms and the appearance of their legs over the weeks following treatment.
Every patient's vein disease is different.
Your venous ultrasound helps Dr. Shah determine whether Varithena® is the best treatment for your specific condition or whether another minimally invasive treatment, such as venous ablation, may provide better long-term results.
Because treatment is personalized, a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation is one of the most important parts of your care.
You may benefit from a vein evaluation if you experience:
Varicose veins
Spider veins
Leg swelling
Aching or throbbing legs
Leg heaviness
Fatigue when standing
Burning or itching around veins
Nighttime leg cramping
Restless legs
Skin discoloration around the ankles
Slow-healing wounds or venous ulcers
Many people assume these symptoms are simply part of aging, but they're often signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
Vein disease usually doesn't improve on its own. Without treatment, symptoms can gradually worsen and may eventually lead to chronic swelling, skin changes, bleeding varicose veins, or difficult-to-heal leg ulcers.
Treating the underlying problem early can improve circulation, relieve symptoms, and help prevent future complications.
If you're experiencing leg pain, swelling, or varicose veins, don't wait for your symptoms to get worse.
A simple venous ultrasound can determine whether you're a candidate for Varithena® or another minimally invasive vein treatment.
Dr. Shah and the team at Coastal Heart Medical Group are committed to helping patients find lasting relief from chronic venous insufficiency using the latest technology and personalized treatment plans.
Schedule your vein evaluation today and take the first step toward healthier legs.
Want to learn more about vein disease and the latest treatment options? Explore our educational resources below:
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)? Learn how this minimally invasive procedure uses heat to close unhealthy veins and improve blood flow.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): What to Expect Discover how laser vein treatment works and who may be a candidate.
What Is a Venous Ultrasound? Learn why a venous ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosing chronic venous insufficiency and creating a personalized treatment plan.
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins: What's the Difference? Understand the differences between these common vein conditions and when treatment may be recommended.
What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency? Learn why vein valves fail, the symptoms to watch for, and how early diagnosis can help prevent complications.
Do Compression Stockings Really Work? Find out when compression therapy can help, when it may not be enough, and what your next treatment options might be.
Whether you're dealing with leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or varicose veins, Dr. Shah and the team at Coastal Heart Medical Group are here to help you find lasting relief with personalized, minimally invasive vein care.
