Varicose veins can have deep impacts on your self-esteem and everyday comfort. Besides your aesthetic concerns, this condition could also have several complications that affect your health.
Here’s a guide into what varicose veins are and the different ways they can be addressed.
Varicose Veins Overview
Varicose veins occur when veins swell, twist and enlarge. They commonly appear on the legs because of the pressure we put on our limbs during our everyday activities, by standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Varicose veins tend to be a cosmetic concern because they become visible and affect your appearance. However, they can also cause complications such as blood clots, skin ulcers, nerve damage, infections, and more.
You might have also heard the term “spider veins”. While somewhat similar, they are not the same. Spider veins are thinner and usually not painful at all. Varicose veins can be darker, bigger, and cause discomfort.
Why Do I Have Varicose Veins?
They happen because of weakened vein walls. When these walls aren’t strong, they expand with increased levels of blood pressure. If your valves don’t work correctly either, they can’t keep blood moving in the right direction. These two factors can cause the blood to accumulate and therefore swell, stretch, and twist the vein.
Some risk factors that make you prone to developing varicose veins are:
- Family history.
- Obesity.
- Aging.
- Pregnancy.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Sex (women are more likely to develop varicose veins because of hormonal fluctuation).
When your job or lifestyle involves wearing very tight clothing or sitting or standing for long periods of time without moving a lot, varicose veins might also appear because of the added pressure.
What Are the Symptoms?
Visible signs on your legs present as veins that are:
- Twisted.
- Bulged.
- Enlarged.
- Dark purple or blue.
In many cases, this condition won’t cause initial pain. If they do, your symptoms can include:
- Itching.
- Aches and a heavy feeling on your legs.
- Soreness behind your knees.
- Swelling and throbbing.
- Pain after periods of sitting or standing.
- Changes in skin color around the veins.
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins
In most cases, the diagnosis is simple. Since this condition affects superficial veins, they are easy to see. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to assess your condition and sensibility when in sitting and standing positions.
Sometimes, providers will recommend an ultrasound or other similar techniques. This could be done to have a clearer image of your veins and valves, and identify possible complications such as blood clots.
How to Treat Them?
Treatments for varicose veins are varied and will depend on the status of your condition. A healthcare provider will evaluate your case and determine the best path to move forward to healthier legs and a stronger confidence. Some of the treatments that they can recommend are:
Lifestyle Changes
Varicose veins can be managed through some routine adjustments that will improve your overall health and prevent them from developing further issues. Your doctor can recommend:
- Certain exercises
- Weight management strategies
- Leg elevation exercises
- Dietary plans
Non-Surgical Options
- Sclerotherapy: your doctor will inject a solution directly into the affected vein, and the chemicals will cause the vein walls to stick together and eventually close off. This treatment can be done without anesthesia and takes between 30 and 45 minutes. It works well for fading spider veins or smaller varicose veins.
- Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT): also known as laser therapy for varicose veins, EVLT redirects blood flow to healthier veins by closing off affected ones. This is done through laser or high-frequency radio waves. This is a great outpatient option for medium to large varicose veins.
Surgery for Varicose Veins
If your veins have grown and become very visible, your doctor can perform surgery to remove them. At Women’s Health Institute, we offer a microphlebectomy procedure. This consists of an outpatient surgery in which tiny incisions are made to remove the affected veins. It is done under local anesthetics and gives immediate results and relief with minimal scarring.
Aftercare for a microphlebectomy is simple but essential. You will need to rest for a few days from sitting or standing for long periods of time, keep your legs elevated as possible, take care of your scars, and wear compression stockings.
Preventing Varicose Veins
Whether you already went through varicose vein treatment or you’re looking to prevent them, there are several measures that can help you maintain healthy functionality and aspect of your legs and skin. We recommend you:
- Implement exercise into your routine.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Correct your everyday posture.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Stay hydrated.
- Use compression stockings.
- Elevate your legs when lying on your back.
- Avoid using high heels.
If you are becoming worried about the aspect of your veins and have tried self-care techniques unsuccessfully, pay a visit to your healthcare provider. Starting your treatment as early as possible will avoid future problems and ensure better results.
Let Your Legs Take You to a Cheerful Life
And take the first step to a mirror reflection that fills you with happiness. At Women’s Health Institute, we offer comprehensive treatment options for addressing your varicose veins so you can walk confidently again. We believe in a holistic, forward-thinking approach to those problems that bring you down. Combining advanced medical technology with a personal touch, we ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
If you would like to learn more about our services and how we can help you, book a confidential one-on-one appointment with Dr. Umerah. Send us an online message or call (478) 746-2888 to schedule a consultation at our Macon or Warner Robins offices.