Varicose veins are usually a symptom of some problem in your circulatory system. However, they can also be a result of poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Major causes of varicose veins are unhealthy or weakened valves inside the veins. The valves stop blood from flowing backward through the veins. Damaged or weak valves cause blood to collect in the legs.
The pressure builds up, resulting in large, twisted, weak veins. The veins will raise and stand out, looking like colored ropes under the skin’s surface. These are varicose veins and usually appear rear of knees and calves. The vulva is another likely place you can varicose veins in in expectant mothers.
Varicose veins are common in the United States, with almost a third of all adults affected; just below fifty percent of females, and forty percent of males.
Risk Factors
The risk factors include;
- Age. Almost 50% of people aged 50 and above
- Family or documented records of vein disease
- Hormonal changes, e.g., in pregnant women
- The pressure inside the vein from prolonged sitting or standing
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Wearing tight clothing that restricts blood flow
If you are at risk of vein disease, look for any subtle changes in your legs. Constantly assess yourself and see a vascular specialist in case of warning signs.
Treatment that We Provide
Varicose veins can be unsightly, painful, or itchy but not dangerous for most people. However, if left untreated, it can cause various health complications. Varicose veins, like many other conditions, come in stages.
You may experience pain and heaviness in the leg, tingling, and itching during the initial stages. In the later stages, varicose veins may cause skin discolorations and swelling of the legs and ankles. Venous leg ulcers on the skin will occur in severe cases.
Varicose veins may also damage your lymphatic system. A damaged lymphatic system can lead to lipid accumulation and more damage to the walls of your veins. Seeking help, therefore, is a step towards a healthy vein and lymphatic system.
At MG Heal, we have, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and certified vascular specialists who understand vein problems. These MG Heal specialists have successfully treated patients with painful to complicated varicose veins for years. Talk to us for safe and minimally invasive varicose vein treatments.
Our specialists will prescribe treatment depending on the stage of your vein disease. For minor cases, at-home remedies and lifestyle changes can suffice. For severe cases, doctors may advise minimally invasive treatments. These will happen in MG Heal’s comfortable and safe outpatient environment.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
- Compression stockings. These stockings support the legs and help the weakened veins and leg muscles move blood more effectively. This is commonly the first approach to varicose veins treatment.
- Medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications to fight inflammation or infection. These could be topically and orally.
- Surgeries or other procedures
In severe varicose veins cases, our health care provider may recommend the following:
Sclerotherapy is an injection into the varicose veins to reroute blood flow to healthier veins. The problematic veins then close, are reabsorbed into the body, and finally, fade. The veins may need more than one injection, and Sclerotherapy doesn’t require anesthesia.
Laser treatment sends intense bursts of light onto problematic veins. The veins thus slowly fade and finally disappear.
Catheter-based procedures is the most preferred procedure if you are experiencing larger varicose veins. Your healthcare provider will insert a catheter into the vein and heat the tip using laser energy or radiofrequency. The doctor will afterward remove the catheter, and the heat will destroy the vein. The vein then collapses and seals.
- High ligation and vein stripping
Your doctor will tie off the problematic vein before it joins a deep vein and remove it through minor cuts. Veins found deeper in the leg take care of the larger volumes of blood. Therefore, removing the varicose vein won’t keep blood from flowing.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy involves removal of smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures.
When you first notice the symptoms, taking action against varicose veins is best. Contact GM Heal for an appointment with one of our qualified vascular specialists. You will experience an easy and flexible schedule process. Our medical professionals provide excellent services for a safer and quick recovery.