Winter in Boise typically brings frigid temperatures. Packing away shorts, sandals, swimsuits, and other summer attire, long pants, sweater, jackets, boots, and other bulky items will be needed over the long months ahead. If you suffer from varicose veins, those twisting, bulging red, blue, or purple lines commonly found on the thighs, calves, and feet, the season provides a way to cover up the problem. However, rather than settling for this temporary fix, why not seek a more permanent solution? At Advanced Vein Therapy, our clients often find winter the best time to treat varicose veins. Addressing the issue now can help ensure you are ready once warmer weather – and more revealing attire – returns.
When Should I Be Concerned About Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins appear just below the surface of the skin. They occur due to problems within the blood vessels, in which the tiny valves that help regulate blood flow get damaged. This causes the blood to pool, resulting in twisting, rope-like lines on the legs and feet. Some sufferers are mainly concerned about cosmetic issues posed by varicose veins, but they can also be a sign of underlying venous disease.
You should be concerned about varicose veins and consult with a medical provider if you experience any discomfort, feelings of heaviness in the legs and feet, or symptoms such as tingling or numbness. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to more serious health conditions, such as blood clots, skin ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Risk factors that make you more likely to suffer varicose veins include:
- Your age:
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle;
- Being overweight;
- For women going through pregnancy or changes in hormone levels;
- Having a family history of varicose veins;
- Having a job that either requires you to stand on your feet or remain seated for extended periods of time.
Seeking Treatment for Varicose Veins This Winter
Over the summer months, the days are longer, and people tend to be active, spending more time outdoors. While the appearance of varicose veins is likely to make you self-conscious when wearing shorts, skirts, sandals, swimsuits, and other summer attire, you may be too busy to consider what you could do to address the problem.
As the days get shorter over the winter, things generally slow down, and people spend more time indoors. This provides more time to become aware of nagging problems and chronic health issues. It also provides more time for considering the various options in terms of treatment for varicose veins. Among the procedures we offer at Advanced Vein Therapy include:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which rely on radiofrequency waves to deliver short bursts of energy, causing varicose veins to collapse and disappear from view;
- Sclerotherapy: which involves injecting a foamy medical solution that shrinks varicose veins;
- Venaseal: which uses medical glue to seal varicose veins and keep them from returning in the future.
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT), which uses lasers and light energy to close varicose veins and reroute blood to healthier areas.
- Phlebectomy, in which small incisions are made in the skin, allowing us to remove the varicose vein.
Setting a goal to seek treatment for varicose veins this winter is a smart idea. Not only will it make it easier to fit into your schedule, but it will also ensure you are ready once the warmer weather returns. In many cases, varicose vein treatment is covered by insurance. Getting it done by the end of the year allows you to take advantage of insurance deductibles you have already met and to use up any funds remaining in health savings plans.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Varicose Vein Treatment?
At Advanced Vein Therapy, we pride ourselves on providing varicose vein treatments that are safe, highly effective, and minimally invasive. Performed by our team of experienced interventional radiologists and Advanced Practice Providers, you will experience only minimal discomfort during the actual procedure and little to no downtime afterward.
Patients can generally walk out of our office and resume all of their normal daily activities right after their procedure. There are precautions to take, such as avoiding strenuous exercise and wearing compression stockings, but you can generally expect to recover in as little as several weeks.
Contact Us Today for Help
Make it your goal this winter to get rid of your varicose veins. To discuss your treatment options, contact Advanced Vein Therapy to schedule a consultation in our Boise office today.