Varicose veins are the unsightly dark purplish veins that occur due to blood pooling in your legs. Over time these veins may cause a dull ache or even rupture and cause ulcers on the affected leg. If you are looking for varicose veins treatment, you can consult your Evergreen Park nurse practitioner at Vascular Specialist.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are large, twisted, and swollen veins that occur at the back of your legs. They are usually purplish or bluish and form protruding pathways behind your legs. If left untreated, varicose veins can worsen, causing chronic pain and discomfort that may limit your mobility. This disorder rarely requires medical attention, but it may be necessary to swell and cause excruciating pain. A varicose vein can swell and rupture in some cases, leading to varicose ulcers that cannot resolve without medication. Varicose veins can affect any part of the body. However, the condition mostly appears behind the legs.
What causes the occurrence of varicose veins?
Varicose veins usually occur in weak or damaged valves. The valves help prevent the backflow of blood and control blood flow. When your valves are not working correctly, a backward blood flow accumulates, causing your veins to enlarge and form varicose veins. Over time varicose veins can deteriorate and cause life-threatening complications such as venous ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, and skin conditions. Some of the signs and symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Dark purple or blue veins
- Bulging, twisted, and ropelike veins
- Itching around the affected veins
- Muscle cramping, throbbing, and burning sensation in your legs
- Pain that worsens after standing or sitting for an extended period
- Skin discoloration
Spider veins are a smaller version of varicose and are usually blue or red. They occur closer to the skin surface and look like a spider’s web.
What are the available treatments for varicose veins?
The experts at Vascular Specialists offer a wide range of slightly invasive treatment procedures for varicose veins. Each treatment is unique, subject to your condition’s severity. All the available treatments eliminate the unsightly veins by collapsing their walls and turning them into scar tissue. Gradually, your body naturally absorbs the scar tissue, removing the veins eventually. Afterward, your body redirects your blood to flow through healthy veins, restoring healthy blood circulation. Some of the treatments for varicose veins are:
Sclerotherapy
During your treatment, your doctor injects a solution into the affected veins to make them shrink. The team at Vascular Specialists uses ultrasound to get a clear view of your veins and a medication known as Varithrena to perform sclerotherapy.
VenaSeal
Your provider may recommend VenaSeal to seal the walls of the affected veins using a moderate amount of medical adhesive.
Endovenous ablation
During this procedure, the team makes tiny incisions in your varicose veins and inserts a catheter. They use real-time imaging to direct the catheter to the walls of the vein. They then withdraw the catheter while transmitting laser or radiofrequency energy to seal the vein.
To eliminate your varicose veins, call the Vascular Specialists office or schedule an appointment online.
