Enlarged veins arise when the valves that control blood flow in your veins stop working, during significant weight gain or pregnancy, or when the veins are stressed. The good news is that there minimally invasive treatments that can diminish or erase varicose veins. Check out what our experts have to say so you can stop averting your eyes from your thighs!
Varicose vein causes
Factors that contribute to the formation of varicose veins include obesity, hormonal changes (women), family history of varicose veins and venous stasis ulcers and male parent with varicose veins and venous reflux disease, among others.
Varicose veins can occur in isolation or can result from associated venous reflux disease, which is present in approximately 10% of patients with varicose veins. It is important when treating varicose veins to determine if the patient has venous reflux disease.
Varicose vein treatment
Treatment options include the following:
- Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (injection of a sclerosant solution).
- Ultrasound guided endovenous laser treatment
- Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins
- Surgical Vein Stripping
Among these, the first three are considered to be minimally invasive, have fewer complications and a faster recovery time. Although ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is a faster outpatient procedure and can actually be done without anesthesia, multiple treatments are often required.
Ultrasound guided endovenous laser treament (EVLT) probably has the highest cure rate of the three minimally invasive procedures and an excellent safety profile.
When considering such treatments, it is wise to consult with a vascular surgeon or someone who specializes in treating venous diseases.
If venous reflux disease is found, it is treated now with VNUS Closure or EVLT (endovenous laser therapy). Once VNUS Closure is performed, the varicose veins that are still present are treated with microphlebectomy, and rarely with traditional sclerotherapy. Microphlebectomy involves making a small puncture wound and removing varicose veins through it. This is typically done as an outpatient, office procedure using local anesthesia. Patients are discharged and can resume all activities immediately.
Preventing varicose veins
- Always elevate your legs when you are sitting (recliners help).
- Wear compression stockings when you plan to sit or stand for long periods of time.
- Lose weight and lower your body mass index.
- Exercise helps get blood out of the legs - the 'second heart' is the calf muscles which pump blood out of the legs.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Related Links
- What causes varicose veins?
- Treatment options for varicose veins
- How to prevent varicose veins
- What is microphlebectomy?