What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are bulging veins at the surface of the skin. They affect up to 35% of people in the United States, women, women who have had children and obesity increases your risk.
What are the symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Symptoms may be absent, however, pain, itching, swelling leg heaviness and discoloration may occur. Some symptoms may be partially relieved by the use of compression socks or stockings.
If skin tears occur, it can indicate a very severe case. Minor trauma can cause a varicose vein to burst and bleed.
How are varicose veins treated?
Ablation therapy can be used to treat the vein, it is typically painless and can be performed in 20 minutes or so. If the vein is twisted and not straight, sclerotherapy may be used to treat the vein. This is done with a small needle injecting sclerosant, a chemical that causes the vein to spasm and clot. The vein will then disappear. After treatment, patients are asked to wear compression socks to decrease recovery time and to help prevent new varicose veins from forming.
Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment here.
