Many people have varicose veins and spider veins that are unsightly and have minimal or no medical consequence. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to complain of chronic pain, burning, aching, cramping or tiredness in their legs. Chronic exposure to venous insufficiency leads to high pressure in the veins. This often causes swelling, and many skin changes including dry cracked skin, discoloration, and chronic ulcers.

In the past there have been many methods of determining the underlying source of vein problems. However, in recent years the Duplex ultrasound has become the standard method of elucidating the nature of vein disorders. A complete Duplex ultrasound examination of a leg will allow the doctor to determine which veins are working properly and those that need to be treated in order to manage venous insufficiency.

Other methods such as transillumination and polarized light may also be used for finding veins during treatment sessions.