Vein Care Results

Varicose veins aren't just a cosmetic problem, but can cause pain and lead to more serious medical conditions. The condition is caused when the walls of the veins weaken and the valves that keep blood flowing in one direction lose their function. The weakened veins then become bigger, and the veins appear twisted, swollen and bumpy under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can lead to blood clots, which can be dangerous and require Center For Advanced Vein Care.

Health experts aren't sure what causes the walls of the veins to stretch and the valves to become faulty. But it's known that female hormones and birth control pills can play a role, as can being overweight or being obese. Other risk factors include age and having family members with varicose veins.

Symptoms of varicose veins can include an itchy sensation in the legs or feet, a heavy feeling or a burning sensation. Occasionally, the veins can rupture, which is considered a medical emergency. Varicose veins also can create sores, which are called varicose ulcers. In addition, varicose veins may prevent blood from moving properly through the leg veins, which can lead to a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Treatments for varicose and spider veins include elevating the legs several times a day, using compression stockings, getting regular exercise such as brisk walking and taking a herbal supplement such as horse chestnut extract (Aesculus hippocastanum L.).

A health care provider can diagnose varicose veins with a physical examination and by asking questions about symptoms. A Doppler ultrasound test is often performed, which uses sound waves to produce pictures of the blood vessels and how well they're working. The test can be gray scale B-mode ultrasound or color flow Doppler ultrasound, which gives a more detailed picture of the veins and how blood flows through them.

Center For Advanced Vein Care campuses offer vein care from board-certified doctors in vascular medicine, vascular surgery, and interventional radiology and experienced nurses and vascular technicians. Patients can get a full range of treatment options, from home treatment to minimally invasive procedures.

For small varicose and spider veins, a doctor can inject a chemical into the vein, which scars it and closes it. This procedure is called sclerotherapy. It can be done in the office, and doesn't usually require a hospital stay.

More severe varicose and spider veins are treated by ligation and stripping, which involves making cuts over the veins and then tying off and removing them. Another procedure is endothermal ablation, in which a special laser heats the walls of the vein and makes it seal. Larger varicose veins can be surgically removed through a technique called ambulatory phlebectomy. For these larger veins, the patient is given general anesthesia and a hospital stay is sometimes necessary.