Varicose veins are not always symptomatic – and when they are, symptoms tend to be associated with other ailments like too much exercise or even dry winter skin. But in general, you should see your doctor when you experience frequent heaviness and pain in your calves and ankles along with swelling, especially after prolonged standing. If you see visible signs of varicose veins in your legs, or other parts of your body. They will appear close to the surface of the skin and often ropy and bulging.

Your initial visit will be an exam that will help establish the precise nature of your condition and give your doctor a chance to discuss treatment options with you. The doctor will perform a physical exam and an Ultrasound, which is a completely non-invasive and pain-procedure, and then consult with you to answer questions.

Current technology has allowed for treatments that are minimally invasive, outpatient procedures. They can be managed with a local anesthetic for an experience that is no more painful than having a cavity filled at the dentist. You don’t need to spend more than 2-3 hours in the hospital and will be able to walk immediately afterward. 

Nowadays with outpatient procedures like sclerotherapy, laser therapy and radiofrequency, you can not only be in and out of your doctor’s office in an hour or two, but you can get back to work and regular activities immediately.

Usually not. Surgery is a defunct method of removing varicose veins that should almost never be considered as a modern treatment option. You can avoid the overnight stay, the anesthesia, pain, and recovery with a painless and fast outpatient procedure that will be even more effective than surgery.