Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels in the legs. To have an understanding of the problem and treatments available, you must first understand the anatomy of the vein. Blood flows through the arteries downward to the legs. But when blood flows back up the legs to the heart through the veins, gravity makes this difficult. The veins accomplish this by using one-way valves that direct blood toward the heart. Healthy valves open and close normally and provide your blood with a foothold to climb up the leg. Sometimes these valves weaken, and the blood will flow back down the leg. This backwards flow of blood is called “venous reflux.” This causes the blood vessels to become permanently diseased and dilated, and they can no longer carry blood back to the heart efficiently. Eventually, the backflow of blood will cause the veins to overstretch and bulge.

Some causes of varicose veins include heredity, pregnancy, estrogen medications, prolonged standing or sitting, sedentary lifestyle, and injury to the legs. They are not only unsightly and embarrassing, but they can also affect your health in a negative way. Untreated varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, skin ulcers, and blood clots. Treatment for varicose veins should not be delayed in order to protect your circulation.

One safe, comfortable and cost-effective alternative to surgery is called Endovenous Ablation. With this procedure, a slender catheter is inserted into the staphenous vein at the knee through a tiny needle. A laser fiber and or foam medication is placed into the diseased vein. This foam causes the vein to contract and close which allows the blood flow to be re-routed to healthy veins. The treated vein becomes harmless tissue that is absorbed by the body. Since these veins were defective, getting rid of them is not harmful. Without them blood flow to your heart will become more efficient. This procedure causes little discomfort and no downtime.

You can enjoy pain-free, healthier, and more attractive legs. Once the veins are treated most will not come back, but because varicose veins can be a chronic condition, new ones can form in the future. However, because the initial treatment is so thorough, any new veins tend to be less severe. Touch-up treatments can help you enjoy your life free from problem veins.

The best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to conduct a thorough evaluation. One part of the evaluation will include an ultrasound imaging test. The test is painless, non-invasive, lasts about 30 minutes, and is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans. The scan will pinpoint the location of the damaged veins. Once we have this information, your treatment plan, estimated cost and outcome can be determined.