Many Long Island residents live with visible varicose veins for years, assuming they are a cosmetic issue. Bulging, ropy veins on the legs are common and often dismissed as a normal part of aging. But varicose veins can signal an underlying circulation problem that, left untreated, may lead to symptoms that affect daily life.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Medical Vein Problems
Spider veins (small, web-like veins close to the skin surface) are usually cosmetic. They rarely cause symptoms beyond their appearance.
Varicose veins are larger, raised veins that may appear blue or purple and often feel lumpy under the skin. When varicose veins are caused by venous reflux (malfunctioning valves that allow blood to pool in the legs), they can produce symptoms that go well beyond appearance.
Signs that varicose veins may be a medical problem include: legs that feel heavy or tired after standing, aching or throbbing that worsens through the day, swelling in the ankles or calves, skin that itches or feels warm near the veins, brownish discoloration around the ankles, and in advanced cases, open sores or ulcers near the lower leg.
Why Long Island Residents Are at Higher Risk
Prolonged standing is one of the biggest risk factors for vein disease. Teachers, nurses, retail workers, restaurant staff, and tradespeople across Nassau and Suffolk counties spend hours on their feet daily. The Long Island commute adds time sitting in cars or on trains, which also slows leg circulation.
Family history plays a major role. If your parents had varicose veins, your risk is significantly higher. Pregnancy increases risk due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Age, obesity, and prior leg injuries also contribute.
How Vein Problems Are Diagnosed
At M&S Vascular in Great Neck, Dr. Amir Salem uses duplex ultrasound to look beyond what is visible on the surface. This painless imaging test shows how blood flows through your leg veins and identifies which valves are leaking. Surface veins may look concerning, but the real question is whether deeper veins are functioning properly.
The ultrasound takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is performed in the office during your visit. Results are available immediately, so diagnosis and treatment planning can happen in one appointment.
Treatment That Fits Your Schedule
Modern varicose vein treatment is performed in the office, under local anesthesia, with minimal downtime. Most Long Island patients return to work within a day or two.
Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation close the damaged veins using heat delivered through a thin catheter. The body naturally redirects blood through healthy veins. Sclerotherapy treats smaller varicose veins and spider veins with an injected solution. These procedures are well-established, covered by most insurance plans when medically necessary, and have high success rates.
When to Get Checked
If your varicose veins cause symptoms beyond appearance, a vein evaluation is a reasonable step. Early treatment can prevent progression to skin changes, chronic swelling, or wounds. The M&S Great Neck office serves patients from Manhasset to Massapequa to Huntington. Call (516) 960-1954 to schedule.