Varicose veins are a common condition, especially if you’re over 40. They are twisted blue veins that can become larger and more swollen over time in an unsightly network. They are usually more than three millimeters in diameter, and are easily felt under the skin.
Varicose veins can cause itchiness, pain and discomfort and even lead to more serious problems. Thankfully, at Vein MD, we offer several successful treatments, including EVLT, VenaSeal™, sclerotherapy, and surgical stripping, so that you can bare your legs once more with confidence and be beach-ready … in fact, ready for anywhere and anything!
Varicose veins occur when valves inside veins stop working as they should. In healthy veins, blood flows smoothly to the heart through one-way valves to prevent “back-flow”. If valves are weak or damaged, blood can’t flow properly (a problem known as venous insufficiency) and will accumulate inside the vein. The faulty vein will then swell and continue to enlarge under the pressure of gravity, appearing lumpy and twisted.
This is why varicose veins are more likely to be present in your legs because walking and standing for a long time allows blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently.
Varicose veins can worsen slowly and progressively over time: the disease can eventually lead to skin damage if left untreated.
Genetics: a history of varicose veins in your family can play a role in your likelihood of developing them too.
Increased estrogen hormones: hormonal changes, such as when pregnant or on the contraceptive pill, can cause vein walls to thin. Pregnant women often develop varicose veins in the first trimester: the higher volume of blood and the extra weight put on the legs increase pressure on the blood vessels.
Age: varicose veins tend to increase in frequency as we get older because the valves in our veins weaken over time.
Lack of physical activity, heavy lifting, prior vein clots and obesity can also cause varicose veins.
● Aching, tired, heavy legs
● Swollen feet and ankles
● Throbbing in your legs
● Cramps in your lower legs, especially at night
Varicose veins can indicate an underlying health problem, which is why it is essential to have the root cause diagnosed and receive medical treatment.
At Vein MD, we therefore take a holistic approach in assessing your condition, identifying your concerns, and providing the ideal treatment plan with the highest standards of technology and clinical care. You will receive a detailed consultation by a vascular surgeon (which is free of charge), which may include an ultrasound scan to check for venous insufficiency (when there is a problem with how blood flows from your veins to your heart).
Please don’t hesitate to ask about anything you’re unsure of: we want you to always feel completely comfortable and at ease, knowing that you’re in expert medical hands.
At Vein MD, varicose veins are treated with EVLT (Endovenous laser ablation therapy), VenaSeal™ or foam sclerotherapy (vein injections). You may require a combination of treatments to achieve the desired results.
These treatments are all minimally invasive and you can return to your day-to-day activities right away. We will take you through all the details of the procedures – and explain our recommendation, the recovery, potential outcomes, and cost in full at your initial consultation.
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