What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged, twisted, and often discolored. The majority of varicose veins affect the superficial vein system in the legs, although on rare occasions they can occur in the deep veins and in other parts of the body. Varicose veins are not usually harmful, but many people don’t care for the way they look, and in some cases, they may cause pain, discomfort, cramping, or swelling in the affected area. Some people experience a burning or itching feeling around the veins, and they can be tender to the touch when inflamed.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Most varicose veins are caused by excess pressure on the tissues of the legs or abdomen. This can happen as the result of pregnancy, obesity, or sitting or standing in the same place for long periods of time on a regular basis. Office and factory workers are at greater risk of developing varicose veins than those whose occupations involve more physical mobility. Gender also plays a role — women are more likely to develop varicose veins than their male counterparts. Age and genetics factor in as well, with older people and those with a genetic history of varicose veins being more likely to experience them.
As noted, most people don’t suffer from complications after they develop varicose veins. However, there is a slight risk of potential problems if varicose veins are left untreated, including the following:
- Blood clots
- Skin ulcers
- Surface bleeding
For some patients, wearing compression stockings may be all that’s necessary for them to live comfortably with this condition, while others prefer to explore medical procedure options. Thanks to advances in medical technology, several vein treatments exist that accommodate a variety of individual needs and preferences.
Treatments for Varicose Veins
Vein procedures offered by Vein & Vascular Institute in New Jersey included the following:
Sclerotherapy
Used primarily on minor varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting affected veins with a sclerosing solution, causing the vein to collapse and eventually be absorbed by bodily tissues.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
This option is the same as sclerotherapy with the addition of ultrasound technology to pinpoint the exact location of the damaged vein tissues.
Microphlebectomy
Varicose veins that are too large for sclerotherapy treatment can be treated with this technique, which diverts blood to nearby healthy veins using a series of tiny punctures.
ClosureFast.
A less invasive option than traditional vein stripping, this treatment involves delivering radiofrequencies to abnormal veins via catheters, resulting in the closing of the vein.
Clarivein®
This procedure treats varicose and spider veins without laser technology, using a specialized catheter with a rotating tip on one end.
VenaSeal™
Another non-laser option, this treatment uses a medical adhesive to close the affected veins.
Polidocanol Injectable Foam
The only FDA-approved injectable foam for the treatment of varicose veins, this minimally invasive technique primarily treats venous reflux but can also minimize the appearance of varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Laser therapy is a quick, painless alternative to vein stripping surgery. It usually takes under an hour to perform.
Veinwave™
This revolutionary European treatment has recently become available in the U.S. It also uses radiofrequency energy rather than lasers.
Contact Us at Vein & Vascular
Please feel free to contact us to meet Our Vein Physicians in Vineland, Voorhees, Sewell and Lumberton New Jersey. For your convenience, you can schedule a consultation using our online form.