Varicose veins are very common. In the United States alone, the vascular issue affects about 35% of people, with women outpacing men by two to one. In many cases, these veins pose only cosmetic concerns, but some can lead to discomfort, skin changes, and more.
Dr. Farhad Aduli and the team of vascular experts here at Louisiana Heart and Vascular have extensive experience helping clients with problematic varicose veins, and we can do the same for you.
In the following, we explain what varicose veins are and the top four reasons why people seek to have them removed.
Veins send blood back to the heart and, to accomplish this, they have tiny one-way valves that keep blood from flowing backwards. If any of these valves malfunctions, this can allow blood to pool in the area. This condition is called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and it can be progressive, meaning the problem can grow worse over time.
It also means that, as the blood pools, this can cause your veins to bulge and rise to the surface, creating a varicose vein.
Many people come to us to have their varicose veins removed and here are the top four reasons why people seek treatment:
The most common reason people seek treatment for varicose veins is cosmetic. Many people find these ropey, bulging veins to be unsightly, marring the otherwise smooth surface of their legs.
Some people with varicose veins develop discomfort in their legs. This discomfort can present itself in several different ways, such as:
This discomfort can come and go with your activity levels or remain a constant, unwelcome, companion.
With more advanced cases of CVI, you can develop changes in your skin. At first, it may take on a red hue, but as the red blood cells break down, your skin can become darker and darker.
In addition to the change in color, you may experience itchiness in the area, as well as swelling.
If your CVI is advanced, and you’ve not only developed varicose veins, but discoloration and skin changes as well, you may be on the road to venous ulcers. These ulcers are a sign of poor circulation in your lower legs (advanced CVI).
This issue can be quite serious, because the same poor circulation that’s causing the ulcer can keep the ulcer from healing.
If you want to get rid of varicose veins before they lead to more serious conditions, or you simply don’t like their appearance, we have the treatment you need to eliminate the veins — sclerotherapy.
With this minimally invasive technique, we inject a foam into your vein, which seals the blood vessel and causes it to collapse. This, then, forces the blood that normally flows through it into healthier vessels. And, over time, your body reabsorbs the collapsed blood vessel, eliminating it forever.
Sclerotherapy is a quick and easy outpatient procedure that can help relieve your symptoms and prevent larger ones from developing down the road.
For expert evaluation and treatment of your varicose veins, book an appointment online or over the phone with Louisiana Heart and Vascular today. We’re located in Covington and Franklinton, Louisiana, and we also serve patients from Mandeville, Hammond, and Slidell.
