Varicose Veins
Varicose veins, or “varicoceles,” occur when the valves controlling blood flow in and out of veins fail to work properly and blood pools in the legs or elsewhere. Valve failure in the legs appears as twisted, dark blue vessels just beneath the skin.
Women between ages 30 and 70 are most often affected by varicose veins. Treatment is usually not required. While most treatment is done for cosmetic reasons, some varicose veins are painful and require treatment for medical reasons. In the scrotum, varicose veins can cause infertility in men. In the veins of the ovaries, varicose veins can cause chronic pelvic pain in women.
Behavioral changes can prevent the formation of varicose veins. These include:
- Crossing the legs at the ankles instead of knees when sitting
- Avoiding high heels (they limit use of calf muscles)
- Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
- Avoiding restrictive clothing that restricts blood flow in the calf or groin
- Taking breaks to elevate the legs or walk around to keep blood moving
- Wearing pressure stockings if prescribed by physician
What are the symptoms?
Usually there are none, other than the appearance of purplish or blue knotted veins on the skin surface. However, contact your physician if you experience any of these symptoms:
- pain or heaviness in the leg, feet and ankles
- sores or ulcers on the skin
- swelling
- severe bleeding if vein is injured
How are varicose veins treated?
Generally, with rest, elevation of the leg and elastic wraps, support hose or elastic stockings. Other treatment options include:
- Laser treatment: a laser fiber heats and seals the main vein causing the problem.
- Radiofrequency energy: RF energy heats the vein from the inside to shrink it, and nearby veins take over.
- Sclerotherapy: a catheter is directed to the vein and a substance injected that causes the veins to scar and close, rerouting the blood to healthier veins. The treated vein forms scar tissue that is gradually absorbed by the body.
- Phlebectomy: varicose veins are removed through a series of small holes made in the skin under local anesthesia.
- Vein stripping: removal of long vein trough small incisions in the skin.
- Endoscopic repair: used in advanced cases of vascular disease involving sores or ulcers on legs. An endoscopic camera is inserted into the varicose vein through small incisions to visualize and treat the problem.
