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» 19035 West Capitol Drive
Suite 101
Brookfield WI 53045
tel: 262-780-8445
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» 121 East Silver Spring Suite 203
Whitefish Bay WI 53217
tel: 262-780-8445
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While some people seek medical treatment for cosmetic reasons, many seek relief from pain. Help is available.
This overview contains useful information about the evaluation and treatment of varicose and spider veins.
What are Varicose Veins?
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the extremities, veins, which have one-way valves, channel blood back to the heart. If the valves don't function well, blood doesn't flow efficiently. The veins become enlarged because they are congested with blood. These enlarged veins are commonly called spider veins or in its advanced form varicose veins. Spider veins are small red, blue or purple veins on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are larger distended veins that are located somewhat deeper than spider veins.
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I was a little skeptical of the outcome and a bit nervous. But after all was said and done, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
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Pain in the legs is frequently related to abnormal leg veins. Symptoms, often made worse by prolonged standing, include feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, and restlessness of the legs. Leg swelling can occur. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg.
Vein disorders are not always visible; diagnostic techniques are important tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. In addition to a physical examination, non-invasive ultrasound is often used.
What causes Varicose Veins?
Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from abnormal leg veins. More than 50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone affect the disease. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.
When and how are veins treated?
The most commonly asked questions are: Do veins require treatment and What treatment is best? Veins that are cosmetically unappealing or cause pain or other symptoms are prime candidates for treatment. There are two general treatment options: conservative measures, such as compression stockings, and "corrective" methods such as endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy, and minimal surgery. In some cases, a combination of treatment methods works best.
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The procedure went very smooth. The staff of the Vein and Vascular Treatment Center was very professional in every step. The entire procedure took about one hour.
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Endovenous Laser Ablation treatment
Endovenous Laser Ablation Treatment is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. A small laser fiber is inserted, usually through a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. The procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg. Vigorous activity should be limited for some time after the procedure. For several days after the procedure anti-inflammatory medication has to be taken. Endovenous Laser Ablation Treatment is FDA-approved for the treatment of the greater and lesser saphenous vein.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a medication that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed. The surface veins are no longer visible. Sclerotherapy relieves symptoms due to varicose and spider veins in most patients. With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage, helping to prevent further complications.
You may need anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated you may have one to many injections per session. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after sclerotherapy. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins. The procedure, performed in the doctor's office, usually causes only minimal discomfort. Bruising and pigmentation may occur after sclerotherapy. Bruising typically disappears within 1-2 weeks. Although pigmentation almost always fades, it can last for several months. Scarring and other complications are rare.
Surgery
Surgical techniques to treat varicose veins includes ambulatory phlebectomy (removal of veins through tiny incisions, SEE SECTION BELOW). Surgery may be performed using local anesthesia in the office. Most patients return home the same day as the procedure. Surgery is generally used to treat large residual varicose veins after endovenous laser ablation.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method of surgical removal of surface varicose veins. This is usually done in the office using local anesthesia. Incisions are tiny (stitches are generally not necessary) and typically leave nearly imperceptible puncture mark scars. After the vein has been removed by phlebectomy, a bandage and/or compression stocking is worn for a short period.
What results can you expect?
With the evaluation and treatment methods available today, spider and varicose veins can be treated at a level of effectiveness and safety previously unattainable. Regardless which treatment method is used, its success depends in part on careful assessment of the problem by a knowledgeable interventional radiologist specializing in venous diseases.
More information:
www.greatlakesir.com
www.phlebology.org
www.elvslaser.com
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