As warmer weather approaches, our thoughts turn to gardening and yard work, to cookouts and hiking, to the beach and pool — and to shorts and swimsuits.
People who are self-conscious about varicose veins might be tempted to cover their legs, but they may also be hesitant to seek treatment for what they perceive as merely a cosmetic flaw.
Since varicose veins and their smaller counterparts, reticular veins and spider veins, are not tender to the touch, they may seem to be an inevitable part of life, like freckles or gray hair. However, in many cases they are manifestations of a deeper problem that causes pain, discomfort and skin ulcers. Getting rid of the problem also minimizes the symptoms.
Our hearts pump blood through the arteries, and veins carry the blood back. Muscles and tiny valves in the veins keep the blood flowing toward the heart, though sometimes the veins and valves become weak and blood can slosh back. When this happens, blood pools in the vein, causing pressure, swelling and tiny leaks — a medical problem manifested in cosmetic and comfort symptoms. Gravity makes legs and feet particularly susceptible.
This problem is sometimes genetic and is more likely to affect women than men. It can be exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing, injury, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
There are several options for treating varicose veins, including sclerotherapy needle injections, lasers and light therapy. All are outpatient procedures with little down time and typically require multiple sessions.
In sclerotherapy, the physician uses a tiny needle to inject a solution into a vein, which collapses it. The procedure might cause mild, momentary discomfort, and itching and minor skin discoloration, usually only for a few days.
Ablation techniques generally work better on larger varicose veins. A catheter is placed in the affected vein and a laser generates heat, collapsing the vein.
To treat smaller blood vessels, a physician uses pulsed lasers and light sources to heat the tissue, causing thermal injury for targeted results. The patient will briefly sense a slight sting or pinch. Short-term side effects include discomfort, redness, swelling, bruising and itching.
Each of these treatments has benefits. Since sclerotherapy and ablation generally work better on larger varicose veins, and laser and light therapy on smaller spider veins, they are complementary procedures.
As with many other health conditions, a healthful lifestyle can reduce the development of varicose veins, moderate the severity and lessen the symptoms. Exercise can improve circulation and muscle tone, and combat obesity. Other helpful measures include changing standing or sitting positions regularly, avoiding high heels and tight hosiery, and elevating your legs.
People who are self-conscious about varicose veins might be tempted to cover their legs, but they may also be hesitant to seek treatment for what they perceive as merely a cosmetic flaw.
Since varicose veins and their smaller counterparts, reticular veins and spider veins, are not tender to the touch, they may seem to be an inevitable part of life, like freckles or gray hair. However, in many cases they are manifestations of a deeper problem that causes pain, discomfort and skin ulcers. Getting rid of the problem also minimizes the symptoms.
Our hearts pump blood through the arteries, and veins carry the blood back. Muscles and tiny valves in the veins keep the blood flowing toward the heart, though sometimes the veins and valves become weak and blood can slosh back. When this happens, blood pools in the vein, causing pressure, swelling and tiny leaks — a medical problem manifested in cosmetic and comfort symptoms. Gravity makes legs and feet particularly susceptible.
This problem is sometimes genetic and is more likely to affect women than men. It can be exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing, injury, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
There are several options for treating varicose veins, including sclerotherapy needle injections, lasers and light therapy. All are outpatient procedures with little down time and typically require multiple sessions.
In sclerotherapy, the physician uses a tiny needle to inject a solution into a vein, which collapses it. The procedure might cause mild, momentary discomfort, and itching and minor skin discoloration, usually only for a few days.
Ablation techniques generally work better on larger varicose veins. A catheter is placed in the affected vein and a laser generates heat, collapsing the vein.
To treat smaller blood vessels, a physician uses pulsed lasers and light sources to heat the tissue, causing thermal injury for targeted results. The patient will briefly sense a slight sting or pinch. Short-term side effects include discomfort, redness, swelling, bruising and itching.
Each of these treatments has benefits. Since sclerotherapy and ablation generally work better on larger varicose veins, and laser and light therapy on smaller spider veins, they are complementary procedures.
As with many other health conditions, a healthful lifestyle can reduce the development of varicose veins, moderate the severity and lessen the symptoms. Exercise can improve circulation and muscle tone, and combat obesity. Other helpful measures include changing standing or sitting positions regularly, avoiding high heels and tight hosiery, and elevating your legs.
If varicose veins are bothering you, consult your physician.
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