Your veins play an integral role in the body, carrying blood to and from the heart. Reduced blood flow or circulation due to damaged vein valves can leave you feeling weak and lethargic. In severe cases, it can cause blockages or blood clots to form, putting your overall health in serious jeopardy. The location of the particular vein in question and the extent of the damage to the vein valves will determine the course of treatment. At Advanced Vein Therapy, we offer a variety of safe, effective treatments for damaged veins in the legs, feet, and other areas, which can result in varicose veins.
Damaged Vein Valves: What It Means For You
Vein valves are flaps within the veins that act to regulate and control the direction of blood flow throughout your body. Damaged vein valves can occur as a result of aging or hereditary factors. This can also result from sitting or standing for extended periods, leading a sedentary lifestyle, or being overweight.
When vein valves become damaged or weakened, the blood can no longer flow properly. As a result, it is likely to pool within the vein. This is a condition known as venous insufficiency. It can happen in various areas of the body, posing serious health risks. When it occurs in the legs, it can cause the veins to swell or bulge below the skin, these are known as varicose veins.
Varicose veins can make you self-conscious about your appearance and may cause you to refrain from wearing swimming suits, skirts, shorts, or similar types of apparel in public. Cosmetic concerns are one of the most common reasons for clients to seek treatment at Advanced Vein Therapy. However, when the underlying venous insufficiency that causes varicose veins is left untreated, it can result in uncomfortable physical symptoms. These may include:
- A feeling of heaviness or swelling in the legs;
- Cramping and pain;
- Numbness and tingling;
- Skin changes, including skin ulcers and bleeding.
Patients who suffer from varicose veins have a variety of treatment options to choose from. These treatments focus on sealing the vein and preventing the blood from pooling within. Once the vein is closed, your body automatically diverts blood to other, healthier veins. In addition to preventing potentially uncomfortable symptoms, this also reduces the appearance of varicose veins. Treatments available for damaged vein valves at Advanced Vein Therapy include:
- Venaseal, in which a type of medical glue is injected, closing the vein and encouraging blood flow to other, undamaged areas.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which uses radio waves to close damaged veins so that blood can be rerouted;
- Sclerotherapy, in which a sterile, foamy medical solution is used to seal varicose veins.
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), which is a treatment that uses light waves to close and seal the damaged vein.
All of the above procedures can be performed safely by our experienced, board-certified, and trained radiologists on an outpatient basis in our Boise office. Most procedures take only a small amount of time, and patients experience minimal discomfort or downtime after. In the majority of cases, you can go back to work or resume your other routine, daily activities shortly after treatment is completed.
Contact Us Today for Help
When it comes to varicose veins in the legs or feet caused by damaged vein valves, the best solution is to reroute the blood flowing through these areas to other, healthier veins. In addition to improving your overall health and circulation, treatments at Advanced Vein Therapy can reduce the visibility of varicose or spider veins and help prevent them from returning. Our experienced radiologists are leading providers of varicose vein treatment in the Boise area. To schedule a consultation regarding your options, call or contact AVT online today.