Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins filled with stagnant blood. Most often occurring in the legs and lower extremities of women, everybody and all body areas may be susceptible. Everyday standing and walking cause downward pressure in the veins, which are trying to return blood upward to the heart. Sometimes the pressure is too much, and the tiny valves that keep the blood moving may fail. Consequently, the blood pools in the vein, causing it to swell and engorge. The onset of varicose veins can be hastened or aggravated by pregnancy or obesity, a blockage or blood clot, or by a congenital condition of defective valves.

In most instances, varicose veins are a benign occurrence with an aesthetically undesirable appearance, although they can create a great deal of pain and throbbing for some sufferers. Diagnosis is typically accomplished through a visual evaluation, as the enlarged veins are often readily visible. However, other measures may be taken if the vein is not apparent or if the doctor wants to rule out a blood clot or other more serious condition that could be contributing to the symptoms. Other symptoms may include heaviness and soreness in the legs, swollen ankles, brown discolored skin at the ankles, or sometimes even skin ulcers in the ankles, in advanced cases.

Although varicose veins are not usually medically significant in the early stages, they may become worse over time without treatment. Left unattended, varicose veins can lead to complications such as phlebitis (which is a serious chronic inflammation of the vein), leg ulcers, or even a ruptured vein. Methods of self-care are available to lessen the associated discomfort and to slow the progression of varicose veins. Simple solutions such as wearing elastic support hose to compress the leg, sitting when possible, and keeping the legs elevated when relaxing or sleeping are very helpful in keeping the malady under control. For many people, this is all the treatment that is ever required.

If the condition becomes severe, painful, or causes complications, however, your doctor may recommend surgery. Ligation involves tying off the vein, while stripping is actual removal. There are protocols to pull the vein out through a small opening in the skin, which can be done as an in-office or outpatient procedure with local anesthetic. Vein stripping is usually used as a treatment of last resort for cases that have resisted remediation with traditional techniques, or have developed into skin ulcers or are causing chronic severe pain.

Sclerotherapy is used to shrink the vein. This method has been evolving and advancing for 150 years. Usually, a medicine or chemical is injected into the vein to start the shrinking process. Techniques such as laser ablation can accomplish a similar end by irradiating the vein to evaporate or sublimate the blood. Other popular treatments involve inserting fine catheters to collapse or drain the vein. Sclerotherapy and related treatments are not appropriate for some kinds of varicose veins.

Removal of varicose veins may be the best choice to achieve optimum cosmetic results, and is often covered by insurance. Removal of spider veins, which are a milder version of the problem showing up as fine threads of color beneath the skin, is typically not covered by insurance, as it has no significant medical value. There are many treatments for varicose veins available, ranging from mild and non-invasive to more radical surgical techniques. It is always wise to start with the simplest and lowest risk options. Work with your doctor to determine the best medical and cosmetic solution to your varicose vein problem.

Varicose Veins

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