Varicose veins are those twisting, raised lines that appear just below the skin’s surface. They can appear in other areas of the body, but generally run through your feet and legs. They indicate damaged areas where the blood fails to flow properly and instead pools in the veins, which is why they are typically dark blue or purplish in color. When should you worry about varicose veins? While people often seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, varicose veins do indicate an underlying problem. At Advanced Vein Therapy, we offer safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatments that can help eliminate these veins, keeping them from becoming worse over time.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves within the vein itself. Muscle contractions within the legs help the veins to pump blood to and from the heart and to other areas of the body. When these valves fail to work properly, the blood tends to pool in the vein. This blood causes the veins to stretch and twist, creating the appearance of varicose veins below the skin’s surface.
Referred to as venous insufficiency, there are numerous factors that can cause varicose veins to appear. Age and heredity are two of the most common. Vein valves tend to weaken with time, which is why varicose veins often appear in older adults. If your parents, grandparents, or others in your family suffered from varicose veins, there is a stronger chance that you will as well. Other common causes of varicose veins include:
- A sedentary lifestyle: Regular exercise encourages healthy blood flow. Sitting for long periods of time without moving can cause blood to pool, making varicose veins more likely to appear.
- Standing for long periods: Standing on your feet for long periods of time can also cause blood to pool and increases the likelihood of varicose veins.
- Being overweight: Carrying excess weight puts pressure on the veins and can increase your chances of suffering from varicose veins.
- Pregnancy: While men get varicose veins as well, they are more common in women and the extra weight and pressure due to pregnancy can often cause them to appear.
When Should I Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins?
You do not need to suffer with the appearance of varicose veins or let them keep you from wearing certain clothing items or enjoying the activities you love. At Advanced Vein Therapy, we offer safe, convenient, and highly effective treatment options that can eliminate varicose veins and keep them from returning in the future. Treatment can begin at any time, but generally the earlier you speak to your doctor about your varicose vein issues, the easier it will be to eradicate the problem.
When ignored or left untreated, there are situations where varicose veins can prove dangerous. You should immediately notify your doctor in the following situations:
- You are experiencing discomfort due to varicose veins, keeping you from your regular activities;
- You are noticing color changes in the areas around varicose veins, which often appears in the calves or ankles;
- One of your varicose veins begins to bleed or you notice sores forming around them on your legs and feet;
- The vein becomes very swollen, red, painful, or warm to the touch, which could indicate a blood clot, a potentially life threatening condition.
What Can I Expect From Varicose Vein Treatment at AVT?
At Advanced Vein Therapy, our team of board certified Interventional Radiologists are highly trained and skilled in the latest procedures for eliminating varicose veins. Prior to treatment, we use ultrasound, to accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of action. Varicose vein treatment options we offer include:
- Venaseal, which involves using a type of medical glue to treat varicose veins that are close to the surface of the skin.
- RadioFrequency Ablation (RFA), which uses radiofrequency energy to seal the damaged vein and reroute blood to healthier veins.
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), which uses light waves to seal the damaged vein and reroute blood to healthier areas;
- Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting medication into varicose veins, causing them to shrink;
These varicose vein treatments can be performed quickly in our office, with little downtime or aftercare required.
Discuss Your Treatment Options With Advanced Vein Therapy
With the variety of treatment options available at Advanced Vein Therapy, we can eliminate varicose veins in the early stages, before they become a bigger problem for you. To find out more about varicose veins and how we can help, call or contact AVT online and request a consultation today.