Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can range in severity from a minor cosmetic issue to a painful condition that leads to serious complications, including deep vein thrombosis. The expert team at American Vascular Specialists in Mesa, Arizona, offers a variety of treatments for varicose veins, including radiofrequency ablation. If you suffer from symptomatic varicose veins, call or book an appointment online today.
Varicose Veins Q & A
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, discolored, and enlarged veins that you can see through the surface of your skin. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in your body, but they most often affect your legs.
Although not considered a serious medical condition, varicose veins can cause discomfort and potentially lead to more dangerous complications. Additionally, some people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable by the appearance of varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Sometimes, varicose veins don’t cause any pain or symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Aching or heaviness in your legs
- Burning, throbbing, or cramping pain
- Pain that worsens after long periods of sitting or standing
- Swelling in the lower legs
- Skin discoloration around the vein
- Itching around the vein
Signs of varicose veins include the appearance of dark purple or blue veins that resemble twisted, bulging cords on your legs.
What causes varicose veins?
While arteries pump blood away from your heart to your organs and tissues, veins move blood from your body back to your heart. Because your veins don’t have the power of your heart to move blood, they contain tiny valves.
Varicose veins happen when the valves weaken and allow blood to flow backward in the vein. This causes blood to pool in the vein, which stretches it out over time.
Your risk of developing varicose veins increases with age. This is because the valves in your veins sustain wear-and-tear damage over time. Sitting or standing for long periods also increases your risk of varicose veins because blood doesn’t flow as well when you aren’t active.
How are varicose veins treated?
First, your American Vascular Specialists provider carefully evaluates your condition and reviews your symptoms and medical history. Then, they develop a personalized treatment plan for your varicose veins.
Depending on your needs, the team at American Vascular Specialists may treat your varicose veins with minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation. This procedure uses a catheter to close off the vein with heat from radiofrequency energy.
Other treatments for varicose veins include lifestyle changes like weight loss and endoscopic vein surgery.
If you struggle with bothersome varicose veins, call American Vascular Specialists or book an appointment online today.