Varicose Veins – Definition
Varicose veins are unhealthy veins that can occur anywhere on your body. They are bulging, blue or purple veins that run beneath the surface of the skin. Whilst they can appear anywhere, they are most common in the legs and feet. Varicose veins can be disfiguring, painful and tender to touch. They can also cause circulation problems.
Spider veins differ from varicose veins because they tend to be smaller than varicose veins. They can be red, purple or blue and can appear as twisted. They are easily visible under the surface of the skin.
Reticular veins tend to be smaller than varicose veins, but larger than spider veins. Reticular veins are flatter and less twisted than spider veins and varicose veins. They can also feel tender to touch and cause burning and itching sensations.
Vein disease is often underdiagnosed and can cause significant symptoms if left untreated. You might think that surgery is the only treatment option. Surgery is risky, requires lengthy recovery periods, and can lead to reliance on medication. A varicose vein specialist has experience of treating varicose veins and uses minimally invasive procedures to achieve successful outcomes. Some examples include VenaSeal and Sclerotherapy to relieve discomfort and the risks associated with surgery. There are many non-invasive procedures available using advanced technology and the best vein specialists in the country. We’ll look at the causes of varicose veins, the best treatment options, and symptoms of varicose veins to help you.
Varicose Veins: Causes
Now let’s take a look at the causes of this discomfort. The most common vein affected by varicosity is the great saphenous vein and it is one of the main veins in the leg. Veins are important blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. This means that veins rely on the surrounding muscles and networks of one-way valves to help push blood along the vein and back to the heart. As blood flows, the valves in the veins alternately open to allow the blood through to stop blood from flowing backwards.
If you have varicose veins, it means the valves in the vein are not working properly. This causes blood to pool in the vein. The blood continually collects in the vein instead of moving from valve to valve. This causes pressure on the veins and can create bulging, disfigured and twisted veins.
Varicose Veins Treatment Options
You might believe that varicose veins can only be treated via surgery. However, surgery is risky, requires reliance on medication and means longer recovery periods. Before visiting a surgeon, you should consider having a consultation with a highly-trained and experienced varicose vein doctor who offers varicose vein treatment with minimally invasive treatment options. Vein doctors use advanced technology and are experienced in the treatment of varicose veins without the need for surgery or long-term use of narcotics. Some examples include:
- Radiofrequency Ablation – when radiofrequency energy is used to seal closed a varicose vein and redirect blood to healthy veins
- VenaSeal – a safe vein glue is used to merge the varicose vein wall together and seal the diseased vein. Blood is then redirected to healthy veins in the leg.
- Sclerotherapy – a sclerosant medicine is inserted into the vein. This causes the vein wall to stick together so that blood is re-routed to healthier veins without any damaged valves in the vein.
Varicose vein treatment is easy and convenient. Before committing to surgery, you should consider visiting a vein specialist for a screening and to get more information about treatment options. Our team of Ivy League vein specialists at the Vein Treatment Clinic and Pain Management Specialists are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and spider veins.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Venous disease is often underdiagnosed and can cause significant symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, consider seeing a vein doctor for a health screening. Treatment is easy and convenient without the need for long-term use of narcotics or surgical solutions. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Large, bulging or twisted veins
- Raised and/or swollen veins
- Red, blueish-purple color
- Leg pain
Any condition that puts more weight on the lower abdomen and extremities can lead to varicose veins. Some risk factors include:
- Pregnancy
- Jobs that require you to stand or sit for long periods
- Weight gain
- Family history
- Age
Sometimes, people mix up varicose veins and spider veins.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure you visit a specialized vein doctor. Our highly-trained team of Ivy League doctors can provide a thorough consultation and explanation of treatment options for both varicose veins and spider veins.
Contact us today!
At the Vein Treatment Clinic and Pain Treatment Specialists, you will receive an extremely high level of patient care. We offer excellent facilities, triple Board Certification and a team of Ivy League vein doctors who have a wealth of experience in venous disease.
We have locations in New Jersey and New York. Our website provides more information about what to expect when you visit and may answer any questions you have.