What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose Veins are large, ropey, and twisting blue vessels, which appear in the skin anywhere from the thigh to the foot. The actual cause of varicose veins is inefficient, faulty vein valves. These valves don’t close properly, allowing blood to leak back with gravity and pool in the vein. They are most often the result of leaking and incompetent valves in the superficial saphenous veins.
These abnormal valves allow blood to flow retrograde back down the legs and into all of the skin veins.
The repeated reflux causes high vein pressures, resulting in veins, which enlarge and twist over time. Leg pain associated with varicose veins is usually due to swelling of the veins and of the surrounding tissues. Phlebitis develops when one or more of these veins develop a blood clot, usually when the patient is inactive. A painful and red lump where varicose veins are located is nearly always a sign of phlebitis.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic disorder. The veins bulge and stretch and result in many unpleasant side effects such as:
- Heavy and tired legs
- Aching and throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Itching
- Leg cramps
- Restless Leg Syndrome
Heredity is a primary factor in over 80% of varicose vein cases. Other contributing factors may include pregnancy, obesity, hormone therapy, standing or sitting for long periods of time, and injury.
With a variety of varicose vein treatments to choose from, there is an option that may be ideal for just about anyone. Early on in treatment, most people manage the progression of varicose veins by wearing compression stockings. This step may be a prerequisite outlined by most insurance companies for them to consider covering medical varicose vein treatment like sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation, so it is advantageous to start wearing compression right away. Doing so will not correct varicose veins. Once they have developed, treatment will eventually become necessary. Candidates for varicose veins are in good health and are not pregnant or breastfeeding. The patients who visit our Fort Worth vein center may have multiple varicose veins that are bulging and painful or, conversely, may have newer varicose veins that they want to have treated before they become significantly distended and symptomatic. Regardless of where you are on this spectrum, Dr. Oswalt and our team can help you determine how to progress toward a life without varicose veins.
Untreated varicose veins are risky to your appearance, comfort, and overall health. The distention in the veins will not improve. Over time, swelling worsens and the veins may become even more visible and painful. Potential consequences of untreated varicose veins include:
- Skin discoloration or hardening due to pooling blood in the vein.
- Skin ulcers or wounds that will not heal.
- Spontaneous bleeding of a varicose vein near the surface of the skin.
- Blood clots may form from the blood that has accumulated somewhere along the varicose vein.
Vein treatments all work toward the same goal, to eliminate existing nonfunctional veins. The benefit is that the treatments performed today are very effective. The downside is that vein treatments can only treat veins that are already visible. Visible varicose veins are an indication of chronic venous insufficiency. This chronic condition can produce more vein problems in the future. For this reason, it is beneficial to support your circulation in the healthiest possible ways. After vein treatment, work to maintain a weight that fits your body frame. Also, move your body on a daily basis. If you tend to sit for long periods of time, get up every 60 to 90 minutes for a short walk and some calf raises. This bit of extra movement in the lower legs helps press blood up and out of the lower extremities. After a long day of sitting or standing, elevate the legs by placing them up against a wall or resting on the seat of a chair or sofa while lying on your back on the floor. Like compression, elevation helps move blood out of the legs.
Vein treatments work by closing off veins in which the valves are unhealthy. Blood circulation then transfers to nearby veins in which the valves are working properly. The closed veins are gradually absorbed. Dr. Oswalt performs a number of varicose vein procedures, including ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, and VenaSeal. Each of these treatments has been around for years and has consistently achieved outstanding clinical results. Varicose vein treatments have very minor risks for bleeding, infection, skin discoloration, and, in some cases burns. Performed by a board-certified specialist, the vein treatments that are recommended for varicose veins generally incur mild, temporary side effects like redness and subtle soreness or tenderness. To ensure that the right treatment is selected, the doctor performs a thorough consultation and medical history with each patient
Recovery and Aftercare for Varicose Veins Treatment
After your vein treatment, the doctor may apply compression bandages or stockings. Regardless of the method of vein removal that has been performed, compression may need to be worn for at least a few days. The stockings help reduce post-treatment inflammation and also support the recirculation of blood through nearby veins. To reduce the risk of exaggerated redness and swelling after varicose vein treatment, it is necessary to avoid exposure to heat. Keep showers on the lukewarm side as much as possible, and avoid the use of saunas and hot tubs for a few days. If needed for comfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Finally, balance rest time with physical activity. While you mustn't engage in strenuos exercise while your veins are healing, it is beneficial to walk for short periods of time once or twice a day. Doing so supports the new direction of blood flow and also reduces the risk of blood clots that can occur due to inactivity.
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
At Fort Worth Vein Center, we treat vein issues using a stepwise approach. We start by identifying the problem with an ultrasound study of the legs. Once the bad veins are identified, we discuss the various treatment options and tell you which ones we think are the best for you.
Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose veins and their underlying cause are quite treatable. We offer patients a variety of varicose vein treatment procedures that seal off veins with unhealthy valves. Blood circulation then returns to the veins with properly working valves, and closed veins are eventually absorbed back into the body. Following treatment, the leg must be supported to allow the vein walls to stick together. This is accomplished by using compression bandages or graduated support stockings. Newer stocking designs have greatly improved the comfort associated with their use.
What People Say About Us!
"I highly recommend Fort Worth Vein Center. Dr. Oswalt and his staff are extremely comfortable to speak with and are very caring. Dr. Oswalt and his assistant have a very calming demeanor during the procedures as they take the time to explain and tell you what to expect and what is being done during each procedure. I have always had problems with my legs and have dealt with varicose veins, pain with the tired heaviness it can cause. There has been such a huge difference in just a matter of weeks. I am incredibly happy with the results. I cannot thank Dr. Oswalt and his staff enough. THEY ARE THE BEST!"
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Schedule a Consultation Today
If you're interested in learning more about varicose veins please contact us for a consultation with Dr. Oswalt at 817-536-9600 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
