Varicose Veins: Everything You Need to Know

Varicose veins are so common that almost everyone older than 50 has had them. They are swollen, unsightly veins near the surface of your skin caused by problems with valves in your legs. Doctors aren’t yet sure why some people develop these while others don’t, but several factors contribute to varicose vein development.

They often look blue or dark purple and may be lumpy or bulging. Varicose veins commonly first develop as a cosmetic problem, but can become painful if they swell enough to press on nerves near the surface of your skin. The medical term for varicose veins is “varix,” and the condition is known medically as “varicosity.”

While varicose veins rarely cause any health problems, you may want to get treatment from the best vein & vascular in Weston, FL specialist for cosmetic reasons.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are just one possible outcome of several different factors that may contribute to their development. While they commonly occur in people over the age of forty, factors such as pregnancy and genetics may also play a role.

Many experts believe that varicose veins are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but no one is sure of the exact causes yet.

The four main factors that may lead to varicose veins include:

• Deoxygenated blood (blood that is low in oxygen)
• Increased pressure in veins
• Changes to the walls of veins
• Reduced Blood Flow and Hemodynamic Factors

Varicose veins develop when one or more of these factors prevent enough blood from reaching your legs. This problem is called “venous insufficiency” because it occurs when valves in your leg veins aren’t able to function correctly.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

There are several types of treatment for varicose veins today, but most doctors recommend sclerotherapy as the first option.

This relatively simple outpatient procedure involves injecting a solution into the veins to collapse and close them. Since varicose veins don’t damage your body, this is usually one of the best options for treating mild to moderate varicosity without causing too much harm.

More advanced treatments include thorough vein stripping, laser ablation, and sclerotherapy with foam or an infusion pump. Sometimes, more invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation may be an option for people with severe varicosity.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure and involves inserting a catheter into the veins to deliver energy. Once the vein closes, it will disappear within 1-2 weeks.

Laser ablation can also treat varicose veins, but it is only for selective treatment of the most prominent bulging.

Vein stripping is a surgical procedure and the only method that can effectively treat large veins. It is one of the most efficient procedures for removing varicose veins on your legs, although it may leave a scar after surgery that takes a few months to fade.

In summary, the varicose vein is a huge problem affecting many people, especially those over 50. They appear dark purple but rarely cause any pain. While the leading cause remains unknown, it results from increased blood pressure in the veins, changes to the walls of the veins, and decreased blood flow. Common treatments include laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, vein stripping, and sclerotherapy.