Do you have veins that are visible to the naked eye? Do they look like they would jump out from the skin at any moment? What you have is a condition called varicose veins.
You should visit a vascular specialist to get rid of it, preferably those who use minimally invasive technology to treat superficial and deep venous diseases.
Almost 23% of the adult population in the USA is affected by this disease. Women outnumber men with this condition, and most that do are between 40 to 80 years of age.
You must also learn about this problem from authentic sources to help you develop a comprehensive idea about it, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods.
The reasons behind having this issue treated goes beyond aesthetics because if left untreated, it leads to various complications such as inflammation, deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis, and chronic venous insufficiency.
These are some details about it you will find helpful.
What are varicose veins?
They are formed by the weakened valves inside the veins, causing blood to collect in them rather than traveling to the heart. Valves ensure the normal movement of blood through your vital organs, preventing them from going backward.
However, when the valves weaken, they cause the blood to accumulate inside the veins, causing them to become twisted and enlarged. The veins have a bluish or dark purplish appearance and stand out clearly against your skin on the legs and ankles.
The reasons behind it
Varicose is caused by various factors other than an accumulation of blood. Other reasons behind this condition are leg injury, deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, excessive weight gain, age, genetics, sitting in one place without moving, genetics, and a history of vascular diseases within the family.
What are some of the symptoms?
Besides bulging veins, you might experience skin discoloration, tiredness in the legs, itching around the affected area, pain behind your knees, and even nerve damage. Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet are other symptoms.
How do specialists diagnose them?
The diagnosis for this disease is pretty straightforward, as the swollen veins are visible to the naked eye. The specialist conducts a physical examination, during which they examine your veins while asking you to stand and sit.
Sometimes, they might take the help of venous ultrasound testing to look for damaged valves and restricted blood flow. The entire process does not cause discomfort and takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
A look at some treatment methods
Compression stockings
Compression stockings, usually made of rubber or elastic fibers, encourage blood stimulation around the leg. They are tighter around the ankles rather than the calf. Your doctors would probably recommend you wear them during the day and remove them before going to bed.
Ultrasound sclerotherapy
Doctors perform the procedure using a combination of ultrasound waves and a foaming solution. After identifying a problematic vein using ultrasound, they inject a solution into it, causing it to collapse and unable to carry blood. Resultantly, it becomes invisible to the naked eye.
Some of its benefits are instant relief from varicose, minimal bruising, long-term results, and minimum time away from work. The process is not painful as the doctor applies an anesthetic before the procedure.
Radiofrequency vein ablation
You should consider finding a cardiovascular and vein center that offers radiofrequency vein ablation because it is the most advanced technology for treating this disease.
After giving you local anesthesia, the doctor injects a catheter into the affected vein, which they identify using an ultrasound technique. The catheter releases heat into the vein wall, resulting in its collapse.
Besides having a minimum recovery time, this procedure has other benefits, including zero incisions, minimally invasive outpatient procedures, and excellent long-term results.
You should learn more about varicose veins if you have this condition and seek treatment from an experienced vascular specialist as soon as possible. It is advisable to seek treatment from a trained cardiologist and advanced peripheral vascular specialist specializing in minimally invasive procedures while guaranteeing the best results.
