Varicose veins are usually caused by diseased valves that lead to an abnormal flow of blood. Your veins normally distribute blood from your tissue to your heart and back to the lungs to receive oxygen. Mild varicose veins are often considered cosmetic concerns, but severe cases often result in pain and discomfort. If left unchecked for long periods, it can lead to further health complications. In this guide, we will look at the possible treatments for Warner Robins varicose veins.
Symptoms
Varicose veins are often confused with spider veins, but they are bigger. Spider veins are only found on the legs, while varicose veins can be found anywhere in your body. The most notable sign of varicose veins is bulging or twisted veins that appear purple or blue. Below are some of the other indicators of varicose veins:
- Itching around the affected veins
- Muscle cramping, especially at nighttime
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Aching in your lower legs
- A heavy, abnormal feeling in the legs
- Increased leg pain after extended periods of sitting or standing
- Changes in skin tone around the diseased vein
What are the Potential Risk Factors for Varicose Veins?
Several factors can increase your chances of having varicose veins. The following are some of the potential risk factors for varicose veins:
- Age. Older patients are at increased risk of developing varicose veins. This is because your valves tend to naturally wear and tear with age which can eventually result in blood accumulation and valve malfunction.
- Sex. Due to the significant hormonal changes among women during menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy, they are more at increased risk of having varicose veins than men.
- Genetics. If any of your family members have had varicose veins, you are at increased risk of having varicose veins too.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods. Sitting or standing in one position for a long time causes blood to accumulate in one area.
- Obesity. People who are overweight often exert excessive pressure on their veins, particularly the veins in their legs which can lead to varicose veins.
- Lifestyle. Limited physical activity can potentially increase your risk of developing varicose veins.
Treatment
Treatment solutions for varicose veins can be grouped into two categories: home care and professional treatments. Home-care treatments effectively manage pain and prevent your varicose veins symptoms from worsening. Some of these self-care treatments include; wearing loose-fitting garments, losing excess weight, avoiding extended periods of sitting or standing, and regularly exercising. On the other hand, professional treatments are designed to help get rid of your varicose vein problem. They usually require minimal doctor visits, local anesthesia, and reduced downtime. Some of these professional varicose vein treatments include;
- Ultrasound-guided foam Sclerotherapy. Here, your doctor will use ultrasonography to direct a needle into the diseased vein.
- Radiofrequency ablation. Your doctor will inject a catheter into the damaged vein, and the radio waves emitted will help heal the damaged vein.
- Laser ablation. Your doctor will inject a small fiber to apply heat to the affected vein causing it to close and naturally re-route accumulated blood to other healthy veins.
At Middle Georgia Vascular Surgery Center & Vein Solutions, we mainly focus on providing the resident living in and around Warner Robins, Georgia, with patient-centered treatment solutions for pelvic congestion syndrome, varicose veins, and peripheral arteries. Led by Dr. Allison Burkett, MD, and the team of highly-skilled medical specialists, you are guaranteed to receive long-lasting solutions for your varicose vein problem. Get started today and book an appointment or contact us at 478-779-1920.
