What You Should Know about Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins visible on your skin’s surface. Varicose veins are very common in the legs since walking and standing for extended periods tends to increase the pressure in the veins of your lower body. They also develop when the valves in the veins are not working properly and with poor blood flow. While varicose veins are considered a cosmetic concern, immediate treatment is needed if it is accompanied by aching, painful, and swelling legs. If left untreated, varicose can rupture or become varicose ulcers on your skin. Fortunately, there are various effective treatment solutions for varicose veins. In this post, we will look at the possible treatments for varicose veins Upper East Side.

Symptoms

Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of varicose veins:

  • Changes in skin color around a varicose vein
  • Worsened pain after standing or sitting for an extended period
  • Throbbing, swelling, muscle cramping, and burning in the lower legs
  • Itching around one or more of your veins
  • A heavy or achy feeling in your limbs

Causes of Varicose Veins?

One of the main triggers of varicose veins is damaged or weakened valves. Your arteries help transport blood from the heart to other organs in your body, while veins return blood from other body organs to the heart. Muscle contractions in your lower legs serve as elastic vein walls and pumps that transmit blood back to your heart. If these valves are damaged, blood can flow backward and accumulate in your veins, causing the veins to twist or stretch. The following are some of the other causes of varicose veins:

  • Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases. While this helps support the growing child, it can enlarge the veins in your legs.
  • Age. Aging leads to the wear and tear of the valves in your veins that help regulate blood flow. With continuous use, the valves become worn out, allowing some blood to flow back into the veins, where it pools.
  • Genetics. If your family members have varicose veins, you are at a greater risk of having varicose veins.
  • Obesity. Being overweight increase your risk of developing varicose veins
  • Sex. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men. This is because women experience hormonal changes during pregnancy. Before a menstrual period or menopause.

Diagnosing varicose veins

When diagnosing varicose veins, your healthcare provider will first examine your legs and check for visible veins while standing or sitting. Your doctor may also perform an ultrasound to check your blood flow. This test is usually non-invasive and involves high-frequency sound waves to monitor how blood is flowing in your veins. Moreover, a venogram may also be done to assess blood flow in your veins further. Here, your provider will inject a special dye in your legs and take X-rays of the targeted area.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

Generally, healthcare providers opt for conservative options for treating varicose veins. They include:

·       Maintaining a healthy weight

·       Avoid standing or sitting for long periods

·       Endovenous ablation therapy

·       Sclerotherapy

·       Laser surgery

·       Use compression stockings or socks

·       Endoscopic vein surgery

·       Exercising to improve blood circulation

Dr. Satjit Bhusri, MD, is a board-certified well-experienced, and highly skilled cardiologist of Upper East Side Cardiology. Together with his team of medical experts, they guarantee to provide you with comprehensive and personalized treatment solutions for your varicose veins problems. Take the initiative today and schedule an appointment online or call us today at 212-752-3464.

William Thomas

William Thomas