Varicose veins are very common in the United States and around the world. Veins become swollen, dilated, and overfilled with blood. They’re often painful, and make your legs look unsightly and unattractive. You can hide them under long pants, but you don’t have to live with them if you don’t want to! At Santa Fe Vein Clinics , we offer a number of different treatment options for varicose veins that can help you get rid of them fast and efficiently with minimal pain or downtime.
What causes varicose veins?
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of varicose veins, including:
-Heredity: If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them as well.
-Age: As you age, your skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. The valves inside your veins also become less effective. The combination of these two effects leads to blood pooling in your veins, which causes them to stretch and enlarge. These enlarged vessels are what we call varicose veins. Women typically experience this condition more often than men because women have lower levels of estrogen which reduces vein tone and impairs vein valves.
-Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a common cause for developing varicose veins because it increases the pressure on leg muscles and other tissues in the body.
How to recognize them
There are a few things to look for when trying to identify varicose veins. Firstly, they are often swollen and raised, and can have a bluish-purple or red color. They may also be painful. In addition, varicose veins often appear in clusters, and are usually found on the legs. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. You may want to schedule an appointment with your family physician, or if you suspect something more serious, schedule an appointment with a specialist like a vascular surgeon. Varicose veins can be treated using medication such as aspirin or blood thinners; however, surgical procedures like vein stripping and sclerotherapy are also sometimes used.
There are several treatments that exist that help get rid of varicose veins. There are surgical procedures such as vein stripping and sclerotherapy which will help get rid of them over time by removing excess tissue from the leg’s vein walls which will increase the space between them; thereby making them more elastic so they’re not constantly being pressed up against other tissues in your leg.
What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?
The most common symptom of venous insufficiency is a feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs. Other symptoms include:
-Aching or throbbing pain in the legs
-Burning, itching, or tingling sensation in the legs
-Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
-Restless legs syndrome
-Skin changes, such as dryness, discoloration, or ulcers
When do I need to seek treatment for my varicose veins?
If your varicose veins are causing pain, heaviness, or aching in your legs, it’s important to seek treatment. Other signs that you should see a doctor include:
In most cases, varicose veins can be treated with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, if these treatments don’t work, there are other options available, such as sclerotherapy and surgery.
Do I need surgery for my varicose veins?
If your varicose veins are causing pain or other symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them. However, in many cases, the benefits of surgery may not outweigh the risks. Additionally, there are several nonsurgical treatments that can effectively improve the appearance and symptoms of veins. If you’re considering surgery for your veins, be sure to discuss all your options with your doctor first. In some cases, such as when the veins are very large and painful, surgical removal is recommended. The success rate of removing veins depends on the size and location of the vein as well as its cause. Smaller less painful varicosities might require only injections with a sclerosing agent like tetracycline (a form of antibiotic) if they don’t disappear on their own over time.
What should I look out for after treatment has been completed?
After treatment for varicose veins, it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any new or worsening symptoms. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and warmth around the treatment site. Also, be on the lookout for fever, chills, or increased pain. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on your skin for changes in color or texture. If you notice any of these changes, please contact your doctor right away. Do not self-medicate with over-the-counter medications because they may worsen your condition.