What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by damaged valves in the veins. When you are standing, the blood in your veins must travel upwards, against gravity, towards your heart. Veins carry blood to the heart through a series of valves that open to push blood up toward the heart. When these valves weaken or weaken, blood flows downward and pools, causing the veins to widen.
Varicose veins occur most often in the legs due to increased blood pressure inside the superficial veins. The veins in your legs have to work very hard to push blood up to the heart. This elevated blood pressure, in addition to other risk factors, causes the veins to weaken and become damaged.
Risk factors that contribute to the appearance of varicose veins are:
- Age over 50 years
- Family history of vein problems
- Hormone changes
- Overweight or obesity
- Sedentary life
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
Many of these risk factors can be reduced or eliminated by changing your lifestyle.
Prevention of varicose veins
It is impossible to completely avoid phlebitis. Certain risk factors such as age and family history are difficult to avoid. However, improving your body’s blood flow and muscle tone can reduce your risk of varicose veins. Here are some measures to treat the discomfort of varicose veins and prevent further injury:
- Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Choose clothing options that increase blood circulation
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Heavy, tired, or restless legs that get worse when you stand or sit for long periods of time
- Night cramps or leg pains
- Changes in the skin on your feet, including discoloration or sores
- Serrated veins or veins that appear in a cluster
You should consult your doctor if you notice that the veins have become red or tender to the touch, if you experience skin changes, or if one of your veins starts to bleed. Any symptom that interferes with your daily life should be evaluated.
Diagnosing Varicose Veins in the State of Ohio
Your doctor will do a history and physical, which includes questions about your health and an assessment of your symptoms. You may also undergo diagnostic tests.
The following tests can be used to diagnose varicose veins:
- Duplex ultrasound – A painless, non-invasive test that shows how blood is moving through your arteries and veins. It examines the structure of your blood vessels and indicates whether there are blockages in your arteries.
- Venography – A test performed by injecting x-ray material into a vein in your upper leg. The material mixes with blood and flows to your heart. An X-ray of your leg and pelvis will show any blockages in the calf and thigh.
Varicose Vein Treatment in Ohio State
Varicose veins can sometimes be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as elevating your legs, losing weight, or avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. Compression stockings can be worn to apply even pressure to the affected area, relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Varicose veins can also be treated with various procedures and surgeries.
Procedures
- Sclerotherapy is the most common non-invasive treatment for varicose veins. A liquid chemical is injected into the vein to stop the blood flow. After a few weeks, the vein turns into scar tissue and is eventually absorbed by the body. The vein may need more than one injection. Another form of sclerotherapy called ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy uses ultrasound images to guide the needle.
- Ablation sends electrodes into a varicocele through a catheter (small, thin tube). The electrodes destroy the vein, which is eventually absorbed into the body.
- Surface laser treatments can be used for smaller varicose veins. Powerful bursts of light are applied to the vein, fading its appearance. Although non-invasive, laser treatment can cause pain that can be reduced by cooling the area.
- Radiofrequency and laser techniques are used on larger varicose veins in the legs. A small catheter is inserted into the vein through a catheter (small, thin tube). The closure of the vein is performed using radio frequencies or a laser.
Varicose vein surgery
- Surgical ligation or stripping removes varicose veins by closing off the veins and then removing them through small incisions in the skin. The remaining veins then take over blood circulation. This procedure requires general anesthesia.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy uses hooks to pull the vein out of the leg through small incisions in the skin. This procedure can be done along with surgical ligation or stripping.
Why Choose Ohio State Treatment?
Because Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is an academic medical center, our patients benefit from innovative research, depth of medical expertise, and the latest technologies and treatment techniques available.
We offer all available minimally invasive techniques to treat varicose veins, including intravenous laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy. We perform these procedures on many patients in our outpatient clinic, allowing for convenience, a quick visit and a short recovery time.
