Terri Ramsey Beavers Varicose veins are twisted, and enlarged veins that are caused by the excess pressure exerted in the vein on your lower body when you stand or walk. For many people, this condition is simply a cosmetic concern but, for others, varicose veins can lead to severe pain, discomfort or even result in chronic health problems. This article will inform you why it is vital to have your varicose vein problems handled by an El Paso vein surgeon.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Blood moves towards the heart through one-way valves. Therefore, if these valves become damaged or weakened, blood can collect in the veins causing them to become enlarged. For example, varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the superficial vein, especially in the leg vein, due to walking or standing for long.
Varicose Veins Risk Factors
In addition to genetically inherited varicose vein problems, other factors that can trigger an increase in blood pressure in superficial veins include:
- Old age
- State of inactivity
- Obesity or overweight
- Being female
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Severe leg injury
- Hormone replacement or taking oral contraceptive pills
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Despite the fact that varicose vein symptoms may vary from person to person, the following are the most common symptoms of this condition:
- Skin discoloration
- Rash
- Sores on the legs
- Sensations in the legs, including a heavy feeling of burning or aching
Severe symptoms of varicose veins may eventually result in long-term mild swelling that can lead to severe skin and tissue problems such as non-healing sores and ulcers.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
The type of treatment your doctor will prescribe for your varicose vein problems will be based on:
- The extent of your condition.
- Your medical history, age, and overall health.
- Your initial varicose–related signs and symptoms.
- Your tolerance to specific therapies, procedures, or medicines.
- Your expectations after your surgery.
- Your preferences or opinion.
If your varicose vein symptoms worsen, your healthcare provider may decide to provide you with additional medical treatments that include:
- Leg Elevation – Your doctor may instruct you to raise your feet above your heart level 3-4 times a day for about 15 minutes at a time or, instead, guide you to flex your legs to allow blood circulation occasionally.
- Sclerotherapy – This treatment involves injecting a chemical or saline solution into your varicose veins as a treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.
- Compression stockings – Your doctor may provide you with these elastic stockings that you should wear every day to squeeze the veins and prevent blood from accumulating.
- Microphlebectomy – This involves making incisions on your body to insert special tools used to remove varicose veins.
- Vein stripping – This is a surgery aimed at removing all your varicose veins.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, about 35 percent of American adults have varicose veins. Nonetheless, varicose vein treatment has proven incredibly effective in minimizing and controlling all varicose-related symptoms such as burning and itching. Anwar S. Gerges, MD, a vein and vascular surgeon, and the I-Vascular Center of El Paso team provide minimally invasive treatments for your varicose veins problem. For more information about their services, call the nearest office or book an online consultation today.