Varicose Veins

Definition

Varicose veins are the swollen veins most often found in the legs. Varicose veins typically appear blue, bulging, and twisted; however, this is generally considered a cosmetic condition. If left untreated, varicose veins may worsen over time. Spider veins are a milder form of varicose veins and are commonly found just under the skin.  

Should your condition become severe, the odds of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) increase and would require immediate medical attention. DVT can cause leg pain and swelling, and in some cases, sudden death from a Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

As many as 40 million Americans, mostly women, have varicose veins.

The symptoms of varicose veins can make legs feel achy, tired, heavy, or restless. Plus, standing or sitting too long may worsen symptoms, in addition to causing night cramps. 

Small clusters of veins in a winding pattern may appear on your leg or as a soft, slightly tender knot of veins. Plus, the skin on your legs may change color, become irritated, or even form sores.

When you sit or stand for long periods, high blood pressure inside your leg veins causes varicose veins. Other factors that can increase your risk for varicose veins:

  • Being overweight

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis

  • Family history of varicose veins

  • Lack of exercise

  • Sedentary lifestyle 

 Varicose veins affect people ages of 30 and 70, and more women than men. Pregnant women have an increased risk, but the veins often return to normal within one year of childbirth. Multiple pregnancies may result in permanent varicose veins.

There are many underlying causes of varicose and spider veins, therefore, successful treatment is not a guarantee against of future occurrences. 

Ambulatory Microphlebectomy – A moderately non-invasive outpatient procedure where surface varicose veins are removed through small knicks in the skin. Performed with a local anesthesia, the physician “hooks” and effectively remove the vein. This treatment produces immediate cosmetic results with minimal residual pain. There is a potential for some bruising, but compression therapy, elevation of the leg, and mild exercise can lessen this side effect.

Chemical Sclerotherapy – This treatment injects a chemical that irritates and scar the veins from the inside out so abnormal veins can no longer fill with blood. These damaged veins will eventually be absorbed by the body, and your blood will divert to other veins to continue flowing to the heart.

Compression Stockings – For more severe cases of varicose veins, compression stockings are worn to squeeze the veins and stop excess blood from flowing backward. For many patients, compression stockings are an effective treatment and can help heal skin sores and prevent them from returning. 

Laser Ablation – Using laser is another way to treat varicose veins. Your physician inserts atiny fiber into a varicose vein through a catheter. The fiber sends out laser energy that kills the diseased portion of your varicose vein. The vein closes, and the body eventually absorbs it.

Non-Surgical – For mild or moderate varicose veins, non-surgical methods may be recommended first to relieve varicose or spider vein symptoms:

  • Elevate legs above heart level for 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day, to reduce swelling and other symptoms

  • When standing for long period, flex legs occasionally to keep blood moving toward the heart

Radiofrequency Ablation – Ablation uses a catheter (thin, flexible tube) inserted into a varicose vein. Tiny electrodes at the tip of the catheter heat the walls of your varicose vein and destroy the vein tissue. As with chemical sclerotherapy, the treated vein is eventually absorbed by the body.

You can depend on the expert team of medical professionals at Vascular Tyler to help you determine your best treatment options, based on your test results.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 903.533.8702.

Testimonials

The Patient Experience

Dr. Robbins looked at my imaging and made an appointment that same day for me to come in. At Vascular Tyler, it’s just like a family environment every time I come in here. If I have to go the doctor’s (office), this is where I want to go.
L. Cunningham, Patient
We don’t want to spend a whole lot of time with rehabilitation or in some sort of medical facility, so it was great discovering that there’s only little or no downtime. It was a matter of hours instead of days or weeks.
B. Finch, Patient
I had excruciating pain and was told I needed a knee replacement. But Dr. Robbins said I just need vascular surgery. They gave me relief from my pain, and they’re kind and interested in you as a patient and a person. This is the place to come.
M. Finch, Patient

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