Swollen blood vessels in the legs that are visible through the skin are called varicose veins. These veins have numerous kinks in them and are bluish or purple in color. Some people can live with this condition without suffering any adverse affects. Other people seek varicose vein treatments Somerville, NJ residents can rely on to eliminate symptoms, treat complications, or for cosmetic reasons.
More women than men seem to develop this condition but anyone can have varicose veins. When the blood attempts to flow away from the heart instead of towards it, it pools. Tiny valves keep blood flowing in the right direction but they wear out over time. Sometimes the blood vessel walls are weak due to age or the effect of certain female hormones. Some evidence indicates excess pressure caused by obesity can deform veins.
While most patients do not experience pain, some do. Symptoms include aching and itching. Some patients will experience complications later in life, as the varicose veins get worse. Ulcers in the veins, bleeding, and skin pigmentation changes are possible in individuals who develop more serious cases.
The good news for patients is most treatments for varicose veins are minimally invasive. This means they can be done on an outpatient basis eliminating the need for costly overnight hospital stays. Many times the physician can perform the procedure in the doctor's office.
Most physicians will take a cautious approach to treatment. They will advise the patient to wear compression stockings, adopt a healthy diet, and make certain lifestyle changes. Wearing loose clothing, elevating the legs whenever possible, and avoiding sitting in one place or standing up for long periods can be helpful. Compression stockings keep pressure on the legs to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting foam that scars the damaged blood vessels and seals them shut. This procedure requires a local anesthetic and may be the best option if the patient is not a good candidate for endothermal ablation. It takes a few weeks for healthy veins to take over and the varicose veins to fade. Some patients require more than one treatment and the veins reappear in some cases.
For severe cases, surgeons can offer a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping. This procedure takes place in a hospital setting but rarely requires an overnight stay even though the patient must have a general anesthetic. Patients should consult with a qualified physician for a complete physical examination and review of the various treatment options before deciding if they want to undergo treatment to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is crucial before agreeing to any medical procedure.
More women than men seem to develop this condition but anyone can have varicose veins. When the blood attempts to flow away from the heart instead of towards it, it pools. Tiny valves keep blood flowing in the right direction but they wear out over time. Sometimes the blood vessel walls are weak due to age or the effect of certain female hormones. Some evidence indicates excess pressure caused by obesity can deform veins.
While most patients do not experience pain, some do. Symptoms include aching and itching. Some patients will experience complications later in life, as the varicose veins get worse. Ulcers in the veins, bleeding, and skin pigmentation changes are possible in individuals who develop more serious cases.
The good news for patients is most treatments for varicose veins are minimally invasive. This means they can be done on an outpatient basis eliminating the need for costly overnight hospital stays. Many times the physician can perform the procedure in the doctor's office.
Most physicians will take a cautious approach to treatment. They will advise the patient to wear compression stockings, adopt a healthy diet, and make certain lifestyle changes. Wearing loose clothing, elevating the legs whenever possible, and avoiding sitting in one place or standing up for long periods can be helpful. Compression stockings keep pressure on the legs to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting foam that scars the damaged blood vessels and seals them shut. This procedure requires a local anesthetic and may be the best option if the patient is not a good candidate for endothermal ablation. It takes a few weeks for healthy veins to take over and the varicose veins to fade. Some patients require more than one treatment and the veins reappear in some cases.
For severe cases, surgeons can offer a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping. This procedure takes place in a hospital setting but rarely requires an overnight stay even though the patient must have a general anesthetic. Patients should consult with a qualified physician for a complete physical examination and review of the various treatment options before deciding if they want to undergo treatment to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is crucial before agreeing to any medical procedure.
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