Varicose Veins And Vein Care

Varicose veins develop when the walls of the vein weaken, allowing it to stretch. Over time, the weakened walls allow blood to back up or pool in the vein, causing it to swell and look blue, purple, or bulge out under the skin. These twisted and enlarged veins are known as varicose veins and can be unsightly and uncomfortable for many people.

Center For Advanced Vein Care include medical procedures, compression therapy and self-care at home. Varicose veins often occur in the legs, but can affect other areas of the body. Symptoms of the condition may include itchiness or itching, swelling and redness, pain when standing for long periods of time, tired legs, and cramping.

Medical treatment for varicose veins is usually recommended when symptoms are severe or if the underlying cause of the condition is unknown or untreated. Varicose veins can prevent proper blood flow, resulting in blood clots that can break off and travel to the lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is also more common in women than men because of changes to female hormone levels during pregnancy, childbirth, or while taking birth control pills or going through menopause.

Treatment options for vein disease are more advanced than ever, and many treatments can be performed in the doctor's office or clinic. In most cases, no downtime is needed for the procedure, and patients can return to work or other regular activities immediately. The older surgical method of removing varicose veins through incisions under general anesthesia is now mostly replaced by minimally invasive techniques, such as endovenous laser ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy.

In addition to treatment, patients should try to avoid prolonged sitting or standing and take short breaks from sitting or standing throughout the day. Exercise, including brisk walking, can improve circulation and help to tone leg muscles that aid the movement of blood through the veins. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, may help reduce mild discomfort.

Herbs and dietary supplements can be used to decrease inflammation and strengthen the walls of the veins, but patients should always consult their health care provider before trying any herbal or dietary supplement. Some herbs, such as horse chestnut extract (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), are believed to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, but patients should consult their health care providers to ensure that these substances do not interact with any medications they are taking.

The physicians at Center For Advanced Vein Care have years of experience treating venous diseases and can evaluate your veins, perform ultrasound diagnostic tests, and curate a personalized TOTAL VEIN CARE plan just for you. We will even handle all the insurance paperwork and pre-certification, if necessary, to ensure you receive the best vein treatment available for your unique condition. Call us today to schedule your appointment.