Taking the pain out of varicose veins
They bulge. They're blue. And they really hurt. Varicose veins are usually not a serious ailment, but they can be a real pain in the leg, causing aches and pressure, not to mention making it difficult for someone to stand or walk.
Common causes
Diagnosis
Different treatments
Common causes
Varicose veins are veins that have come to the surface of the skin because of too much pressure from the venous system, the one that carries blood throughout the body. The distended leg veins then pool with blood, bulge and pain results.
Varicose veins affect both men and women, although women are much more likely to have them treated for cosmetic reasons. Heredity plays an important role in whether or not an individual develops varicose veins. A prior history of phlebitis is also an important factor.
Diagnosis
If not treated some varicose veins can rupture and bleed, so it's important to see a physician to evaluate the condition. When a patient with varicose veins comes to see Constantine Andrew, MD, Virtua vascular surgeon, he starts with a series of tests. First, to determine the flow of blood in the veins of the leg, then to see exactly what the veins look like.
Different treatments
In treating varicose veins, Dr. Andrew opts for the most conservative treatment first, suggesting that a patient wear surgical support stockings for as many hours as possible. This special hosiery helps to compress the veins so they don't stretch out as much and fill with blood.
A more aggressive treatment approach is to inject an irritant into each varicose vein and collapse it. If neither of these treatments alleviates the pain, Dr. Andrew recommends surgical excision of the veins. Unlike older surgical methods where larger incisions were made, a newer technique using a PIN stripper with hook phlebectomy means incisions are tiny. The benefit to the patient includes faster healing time along with better cosmetic results.