Varicose Veins
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Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins are most common in the legs because standing and walking increase pressure in your lower extremity veins. It’s more than a cosmetic issue as painful symptoms can range from aching and heaviness to burning and throbbing.
Even more common than varicose veins, spider veins are a smaller form of varicose veins and appear as red or blue tracings near the skin’s surface. They can eventually become more severe.
Any vein that is close to the surface of the skin can become varicosed. This occurs when weakened or damaged vein walls allow blood to pool, increasing pressure on vein walls. This causes them to stretch and may damage valves.
Common Signs/Symptoms
- Bluish, bulging veins
- Aching or pain
- Swelling
- Heaviness or tiredness
- Restlessness
- Cramping
- Itching or sores or ulcers
- Skin changes or discoloration
Complications
- Inflammation called phlebitis
- Blood clots which are considered deep vein thrombosis
- Ankle sores or skin ulcers
- Bleeding
Risk factors
- Family history
- Smoking
- Current or previous pregnancy
- Obesity or excessive weight
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Leg injury or trauma
- Lack of exercise
- Blood clots
Prevention
Preventive measures can offer relief from varicose vein symptoms and prevent other varicose veins from occurring. Your provider may advise you to:
- Prop up your feet
- Avoid crossing your legs
- Avoid sitting/standing for long periods
- Wear elastic support stockings
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Get regular exercise
- Lose weight
- Eat a low-salt, high-fiber diet
Because varicose veins have an underlying cause, they usually worsen and get larger over time. Signs that you need treatment include swelling, pain, heaviness, burning and tenderness.
Treatment
A new procedure called VenaSealTM makes it possible to treat longer segments in the leg and still expect less recovery time. Advantages include:
- No general anesthesia needed
- Both legs can be done in the same appointment
- Faster recovery time than thermal procedures
- Many people can return to normal activity immediately after the
procedure (based on what your doctor determines) - No compression socks needed after the procedure
Very effective treatment with closure rate of 94.6% at five years
People who qualify for treatment must have:
- Is showing reflux/varicose vein disease
- Pain related to varicose veins, showing disease
- Tried compression socks (20-30mmHg) for 3 months