Varicose veins are unattractive in appearance, but they can cause a bigger problem. Untreated varicose veins cause swollen, painful legs and can also lead to health issues such as non-healing ulcers. Vein specialist in Yonkers are well experienced in treating varicose veins using advanced, proven treatments, and minimally invasive treatments.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, large veins that appear on the feet and legs. They appear when the valves in the veins do not work effectively, causing a blood pool. Ageing contributes to their formation because they lose stretch, weaken over time, making it difficult for blood to flow back to the heart.
Vein valves and weak veins usually cause varicose veins. The walls of the veins stretch and lose elasticity, making the valves weaken. This can cause blood leakage and flow backwards if it happens the blood clots in the veins, which become enlarged and swollen.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
If the patient has no discomfort by the sight of varicose veins, treatment is not necessary. But, if there are symptoms, treatment is needed to reduce addressed complications, discomfort and pain. Types of treatment include:
Surgery: If the varicose veins are large, they may need to be surgically removed. This is done by using a general anaesthetic.
Endovenous laser treatment: A catheter (flexible tube) is inserted in the patient’s veins, and a laser is threaded through it and then positioned at the top of the target. The doctor threads the laser with the help of ultrasound burning and sealing the vein.
Stripping and Ligation: Two incisions are made, one is made down the leg, either at the knee or ankle, and another is made at the top of the vein near the patient’s groin. The top of the vein is then sealed, and a thin wire is sewed through the bottom of the vein. Compression stockings are worn during recovery.
Risk factors
The following factors increase the risk of getting varicose veins:
Age. Risk of getting varicose veins increases as you age. Ageing leads to tearing and wearing of the valves in the veins that regulate blood flow. That wear allows the blood to flow back into the veins where it clots instead of flowing to the heart.
Sex. Women are the most affected. Hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy can be a factor because female hormones relax vein walls. Birth control pills can also increase the risk of having varicose veins.
Complications
Ulcers. Painful ulcers show up on the skin near the varicose veins, mostly near the ankles. Before the ulcers form, a discolored spot forms on the skin. You should see your doctor immediately before it gets worse.
Blood clots. Veins found deep in the legs become enlarged. In this case, the affected leg can be painful and swell. If the pain doesn’t seize, seek medical attention because it can be a sign of blood clot.
Bleeding. In most cases, veins near the skin can burst. This causes minor bleeding, but any bleeding needs medical attention.
Having to live with varicose veins normally can be difficult. This forces you to change your lifestyle so that you can manage the pain. If you are tired of the ugly veins, and want to eliminate them, book an appointment with premier vascular and learn how you can eliminate the painful symptoms.
