What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when the superficial leg veins become enlarged and overfilled with blood. The condition affects approximately 30 percent of all adults with a greater presence in women. Symptoms may include the following:
- Leg pain
- Heaviness
- Leg cramps
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration or leg ulcerations
In severe cases, ulcers form over diseased veins that can become infected or bleed. It is important to understand that varicose veins are not always visible and long term effects from untreated disease can still be serious. Because of this concern, varicose veins should be evaluated by a qualified vein specialist in Paramus NJ.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Blood is returned to the heart by a network of veins throughout the body. There are both superficial and deep veins within this network, however superficial veins are vulnerable to the chronic stress of being on our feet so much. Within all types of veins, blood is prevented from falling backwards with gravity due to muscle function and valves. When the valves in your veins become dysfunctional, the blood accumulates in the legs causing swelling, pain, and heaviness. The potential risk factors for varicose veins include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time
- Aging
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
Who Treats Varicose Veins?
A vein specialist is a doctor that specializes in treating spider and varicose veins and the underlying condition, venous insufficiency. The most qualified vein doctors in Paramus have completed formal training in endovenous procedures during either a residency or fellowship in vascular surgery or interventional cardiology. These specialties are formally recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and proficient doctors are awarded board certifications in their field of expertise. Board-certifications are available in various specialties including internal medicine, anesthesia or family medicine are well deserved, however not in the treatment of varicose veins.
Varicose Veins Treatments
Varicose vein removal and treatment of venous insufficiency has evolved from the days of vein stripping. Instead, today’s procedures are minimally-invasive and suited for all types of vein conditions. Best yet, they are done without the need for sedation (unless requested by the patient) and are performed in under 1 hour.
Treatment is essential if you are experiencing symptoms such as leg pain, leg swelling, skin discoloration or restless legs. The treatment can be as simple as appropriate lifestyle changes and compression stockings. However, for some patients, conservative measures can be insufficient and additional treatments may be warranted. Vascular treatments including those for veins should only be performed by a board-certified vein specialist.
Minimally Invasive Varicose Veins Treatments
These minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins include:
- VenaSeal: Like most other vein treatments today, VenaSeal is also catheter-based technology. However, unlike ablation, the catheter is used to inject a medical adhesive that fuses the diseased vein closed. Over time, the vein is reabsorbed by the body.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Catheter-based technology that delivers radiofrequency generated heat to the blood vessel walls. The procedure is done with only small amounts of local anesthetic and can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
- Sclerotherapy: A medicated solution is injected in either liquid or aerated form (foam sclerotherapy). This medication acts as a sclerosant and disrupts the walls of diseased veins causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This requires the most skill and patience, but still is minimally invasive. Tiny incisions are made over large, protuberant veins so that they can be directly removed. Unlike stripping, these procedures are done within the office and patients do not require any downtime. The best part, any large visible varicose veins are immediately removed leading to dramatic skin improvements.
- Clarivein: Another catheter-based technique with some special uses in certain varicose vein anatomy. In this case, mechanical force and sclerosant are used to eliminate diseased veins.
