Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Vein Specialist in Las Vegas

If you've noticed bulging, rope-like veins on your legs, you're far from alone. Varicose veins affect an estimated 1 in 3 adults, and for many people in Las Vegas's heat, they're more than a cosmetic concern — they're a source of aching, swelling, and discomfort that gets worse as the day goes on. Below, we answer the questions patients ask most often about varicose veins, including what causes them, which symptoms matter, and when it's time to see a vein specialist.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that appear just beneath the surface of the skin, most commonly on the calves, thighs, and ankles. They develop when the small one-way valves inside your leg veins weaken or stop closing properly. Instead of flowing efficiently back toward the heart, blood pools in the vein, causing it to stretch, bulge, and take on that characteristic blue or purple, "rope-like" appearance.

Varicose veins are different from spider veins, which are smaller, flatter, red or purple veins that sit closer to the skin's surface and typically don't cause physical symptoms.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins develop when vein walls and valves weaken, but several factors make that breakdown more likely:

• Genetics – a family history of varicose veins is one of the strongest risk factors
• Age – vein valves naturally weaken over time
• Prolonged sitting or standing – jobs that keep you on your feet or seated for long stretches increase pressure in the leg veins
• Pregnancy – increased blood volume and hormonal changes put extra pressure on leg veins
• Obesity – added weight increases pressure on the veins in the lower body
• Sex – varicose veins are more common in women, partly due to hormonal factors

What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Not everyone with varicose veins experiences discomfort, but common symptoms include:

• Visible, bulging, dark blue or purple veins
• Aching, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs, especially by evening
• Swelling in the ankles or feet
• Itching or a burning sensation around the vein
• Muscle cramping or restless legs at night
• Skin discoloration or dryness near the ankles in more advanced cases

If symptoms consistently worsen after standing or sitting for long periods and improve when you elevate your legs, that pattern is a strong sign your veins — not just fatigue — are the cause.

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

For most people, varicose veins are primarily a comfort and cosmetic issue rather than an emergency. However, left untreated, they can progress to a condition called chronic venous insufficiency, where blood flow is chronically impaired. This can lead to complications such as skin changes, venous ulcers, bleeding, or inflammation of the vein (phlebitis). Getting evaluated early makes treatment simpler and helps prevent these complications down the road.

When Should You See a Vein Specialist?

You don't need to wait until varicose veins become severe to get evaluated. It's a good time to schedule a consultation with a vein specialist in Las Vegas if you notice:

• Veins that are painful, swollen, or warm to the touch
• Leg heaviness or aching that interferes with daily activities
• Skin discoloration, hardening, or sores near the ankles
• Veins that are getting more visible or numerous over time
• Symptoms that don't improve with compression stockings or leg elevation

Early evaluation by an experienced interventional cardiologist and vascular specialist can identify whether your varicose veins are a cosmetic issue or a sign of a larger circulation problem, such as peripheral arterial disease or venous insufficiency related to vascular intervention needs.

How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam of your legs while standing and sitting, along with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Your provider may also recommend a duplex ultrasound, a painless, noninvasive imaging test that evaluates blood flow and checks how well your vein valves are functioning. This is often paired with broader cardiology diagnostic testing to rule out related vascular concerns.

What Treatment Options Are Available in Las Vegas?

At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants, Dr. Zia Khan, MD, FACC, FSCAI, offers minimally invasive, in-office treatment options tailored to the severity of your varicose veins, including:

• Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) – uses laser energy to close off the affected vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins nearby
• Radiofrequency or laser ablation – heat-based techniques performed through a small catheter, typically with minimal downtime
• Sclerotherapy – a solution is injected into the vein to close it, often used for smaller or residual veins
• Compression therapy – supportive, non-invasive management of symptoms for milder cases

Most procedures are performed right in the office without the need for general anesthesia, and many patients return to normal activity the same day.

Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Legs

Varicose veins rarely improve on their own, but you don't have to live with the discomfort or wait for symptoms to worsen. The team at Desert Cardiovascular Consultants provides comprehensive, compassionate vein care for patients throughout Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, Spring Valley, and Centennial.

Ready to find relief? Schedule a consultation online or call us at 725-726-3162 to have your varicose veins evaluated by a board-certified specialist.