Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a common vascular condition characterized by swollen, twisted veins that often appear blue or dark purple. These veins usually occur in the legs, where they may cause discomfort and affect the overall appearance of the legs. Varicose veins develop due to venous insufficiency, in which veins are not able to pump blood back into the heart; this causes blood to pool in the veins so they become enlarged, or varicose, over time.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The most common symptom of varicose veins is the visibly swollen, twisted, or enlarged veins just under the skin’s surface. Other symptoms may include:
Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop when the walls of your vein weaken and valves in the vein malfunction, causing blood to flow backward and pool within the vein. This is known as venous insufficiency. Vein walls and valves can become weak for several reasons, including:
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
The risk of varicose veins increases as you age due to wear and tear on the veins.
Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, often due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Having family members with varicose veins increases your risk.
Being overweight or obese puts additional pressure on veins, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
The following treatments can be used to treat most cases of varicose veins:
Effective for smaller varicose veins, this procedure involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to collapse and gradually fade.
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Varithena is a foam-based medication injected into the affected vein, which collapses and seals the vein, rerouting blood flow.
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Radiofrequency ablation uses heat from radiofrequency energy to seal the veins, allowing healthier veins to take over blood flow.
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Endovenous laser ablation uses laser energy to close the vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
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This involves the use of a medical adhesive to seal the vein, rerouting blood flow.
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For more severe cases or larger veins, Dr. Tawfik may recommend:
Used for larger veins, this procedure involves physically removing the varicose veins through small incisions
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FAQs
Varicose veins can lead to complications like ulcers, blood clots, and skin changes. Seeking treatment can help prevent these complications.
Minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins at Premier Vein & Vascular are generally well-tolerated and involve minimal discomfort. Anesthetics are often used to manage any pain during the procedure.
Most patients can resume regular activities on the day of the procedure and with minimal limitations.
