Varicose veins are veins that can be disheartening and concerning. These veins protrude beneath the skin’s surface and most often appear from the legs, feet and ankles. While varicose veins can potentially be unsightly and uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous for most people. However, they pose the risk of developing into a severe medical concern if left untreated and can potentially impact an individual’s self-esteem.
You don’t need to settle if you have varicose veins. Many treatments are available to remove unwanted varicose veins, improving your appearance and health in the long term. If you are a Norfolk, MA resident or surrounding cities, including Boston, Norwood or Franklin, and you struggle with varicose veins, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Specialty Vein Care to schedule a consultation.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that may become gnarled and twisted over time. The valves in these veins stop working, which interferes with normal blood flow resulting in the pooling of blood inside the veins. The condition is most commonly found in the legs, where blood flow has to work against gravity to move back up to the heart. However, varicose veins also can occur in other areas of the body.
Varicose veins appear as enlarged veins, or networks of veins, under the skin’s surface. Veins may appear to twist and protrude, creating bumps and ridges on the surface of the leg. In many cases, varicose veins appear without accompanying symptoms, creating nothing more than a cosmetic concern. However, many patients do experience uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins, including:
In most cases, varicose veins do not pose a serious medical concern. However, rare instances may progress to more severe problems like skin ulcers and the formation of blood clots – a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. Patients with these developments require prompt medical attention to minimize the risk of a dangerous and even life-threatening situation.
At Specialty Vein Care, we have many office-based treatment options available. During a consultation, Dr. John Frasca can determine what treatment is best for your individual personal and medical needs. The treatments he performs in the office include:
Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is a treatment that involves injecting a sclerosing medication into the targeted vein. The solution causes the walls of the varicose vein to close, causing blood to redirect to other healthier veins. Gradually, the body naturally absorbs the treated varicose vein.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy – While the overall process for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is similar to traditional sclerotherapy, the treatment is most successful for more prominent veins that are deeper below the skin’s surface. The procedure utilizes ultrasound to visualize the varicose vein and allow insertion of medicine into the varicosity.
Radiofrequency Endovenous Ablation – This minimally invasive office treatment utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to treat varicose veins. Utilizing ultrasound guidance, a catheter is inserted into the varicose vein, which applies a direct, uniform heat treatment. This causes the collagen in the vein walls to contract and eventually collapse and close. The symptoms in the legs decrease because the pressure source has been alleviated. The body naturally reabsorbs the closed vein and reroutes the blood to healthier veins.
VenaSeal Closure Procedure – VenaSeal is the newest minimally invasive office treatment for varicose veins. A specially formulated medical adhesive is applied through a catheter into the targeted vein while using ultrasound guidance. The adhesive closes the vein and the blood is rerouted into healthier veins. The symptoms in the legs decrease because the pressure source has been alleviated, and the closed vein is reabsorbed naturally by the body over time.
Ambulatory Microphlebectomy – This is a traditional procedure for removing varicose veins. The procedure involves making strategically located tiny incisions into the skin just above the enlarged veins. A small device is then used to remove the vein. Compression stockings are often used after this treatment to accelerate the healing process and minimize bruising.
The formation of varicose veins can be dependent on several factors. Although genetics may play an important role, you can make certain lifestyle changes to prevent or stave off their formation. Leading an active, healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep varicose veins from forming. This lifestyle includes the following:
Many factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins. However, there isn’t one singular factor that will determine if you will develop varicose veins. You can be exposed to all the risk factors and never develop varicose veins. Factors contributing to varicose vein development include age, genetics, obesity, injury, gender, pregnancy and lifestyle.
While varicose veins may be thought of as only a cosmetic concern, they potentially can develop into a serious health issue if left untreated. Over time, varicose veins can lead to increased leg swelling, leg throbbing and leg pain. You may notice an increase in the number and size of varicosities in your legs. In the most severe cases, untreated varicose veins can potentially develop into venous ulcers, which might take months to heal.
Compression stockings are a very effective treatment for varicose veins. The direct pressure applied to the legs promotes healthier blood flow, reducing inflammation and ultimately preventing blood from pooling. However, compression stockings are best utilized in tandem with other modalities for more permanent effective treatment.
Since varicose veins potentially can result from genetic predisposition and your lifestyle, the chance for them to recur is possible. Dr. Frasca will work with you to evaluate your legs and provide you with a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs. Current thorough treatment is the best way to decrease the possibility of future vein issues.
Patients often confuse these types of veins. Spider veins are defined by their very superficial location. They are tiny, often red-blue-purple in color, and have a spreading appearance. They may develop in one area or in multiple areas on one or both legs and can cause significant localized pain. However, they may or may not be associated with an underlying varicose vein issue. It is best to have your legs completely evaluated prior to spider vein treatment for the best long-term result.
Varicose veins can develop into a troubling concern, but the good news is that they can be treated effectively to eliminate their appearance and painful symptoms. There are many effective office-based varicose vein treatment options, varying from traditional sclerotherapy, to ablation involving radiofrequency waves or closure with adhesive medical glue, to simple removal. If you are ready to say goodbye to those unsightly veins, or if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms in your legs, contact Specialty Vein Care Norfolk, MA, today to learn more about your options to receive personalized, effective varicose vein treatment.
