Varicose Veins 101: Everything You Need to Know!

For the uninitiated, varicose veins are swollen blood vessels that are visible through the skin. Appearing raised and distended, varicose veins typically develop in the legs. One may also find smaller and more-bluish blood vessels (not as swollen), which are spider veins. People usually seek treatment for varicose veins for aesthetic reasons, but complications are not uncommon either. Some patients may experience considerable swelling and pain. If you are looking for vein treatment in Frisco, below is an overview that may come in handy. 

What Causes Varicose Veins?

There can be many potential causes and risk factors for varicose veins. The problem may run in the family, and therefore, genetics could be a possible reason. People who need to stand for long hours are more predisposed to varicose veins. Risk factors include hormonal changes (in women), obesity, and the use of oral contraceptives. In some cases, varicose veins are often seen as a result of an injury or trauma. 

What Are the Common Symptoms?

It is easy to spot varicose veins because these veins look swollen and bulging. Besides aesthetic concerns, there can be cramps and pain in the legs. Also, if someone is injured in the same area as varicose veins, the bleeding can continue. Patients often have other complications like swollen ankles, stasis dermatitis, and skin discoloration. Women can have varicose veins during pregnancy. In rare cases, varicose veins can cause complications, such as thrombophlebitis. 

What Are the Treatment Options?

If you have pain because of varicose veins, you definitely need to see a doctor who will explain the treatment options in detail. When the problem is not severe, your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings. Lifestyle changes like losing weight and exercising more may help in treating varicose veins. Other treatments include:

1. Sclerotherapy- The procedure involves injecting a saline solution in the targeted vein, which causes it to collapse and disappear within a few weeks. The procedure is simple and doesn’t have any downtime. 
2. Endovenous laser treatment- In this procedure, your doctor will use a laser fiber, which will be inserted into the targeted vein. Laser light is then used to collapse the vein. Endovenous laser treatment is a safe treatment that doesn’t have any downtime. You will need local anesthesia, though. Radiofrequency occlusion is a similar procedure that relies on radiofrequency energy. 
3. Surgery- For selected cases, doctors may consider surgery, such as ambulatory phlebectomy. It depends on the symptoms at hand and if the patient is willing to go for surgery for aesthetic reasons. 

Meeting a Doctor

If you are concerned about the appearance of varicose veins, consult your doctor for options. Insurance often covers the cost of treatment, but that’s typically for varicose veins only. It is possible to fix varicose veins, and some of the advanced laser options are quite reliable. A radiofrequency ablation is also a treatment option for some patients. Most of these treatments are considered safe with almost no or little side effects. Every case is unique, and therefore, an individual evaluation is absolutely important.