When do you need to visit a vein doctor? A top vein expert shares some advice.
Varicose veins are a common vein problem that affects almost half of all Americans. If you are among them, you are probably concerned about how ugly these bulging, tortuous veins look. But there is more to these veins than just the esthetics –they can affect your quality of life. Read on to know more!
Why do I need to visit the vein doctor?
Varicose veins rare merely the outward reflection of a complex vein condition underneath, called chronic venous insufficiency. This is a condition where the main superficial veins of your legs, called the saphenous veins, do not function efficiently. These veins are responsible for carrying a large quantity of blood from the legs back to your heart. When they don’t do their job properly, blood stagnates in the leg veins, which expand under great pressure. from the main veins, blood can get pushed into smaller leg veins, which expand, twist and bulge outwards. These are what you see externally as varicose veins. If you don’t see a vein expert, these veins can cause further health complications. The skin over the defective vein can become swollen, discolored and prone to ulcers. The stagnant blood in the leg veins can clot, and if the clot breaks off, it can travel to and block vital arteries, which can have potentially fatal consequences.
What are the signs that indicate that I need varicose vein removal treatment?
The excess fluid in the legs can result in painful symptoms, which you might not connect with varicose veins. If you do have varicose veins though, you are likely to experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Aching, heavy legs that feel worse at night
- Swollen ankles
- Leg cramps, which might give you an irresistible urge to keep your feet on the move
- Itchy or burning skin over the leg veins
If you have the above signs, it is definitely time to meet a vein doctor. Getting your varicose veins treated will not only improve the appearance, but will also help improve the above symptoms, making you feel a lot better!
What are the varicose vein removal procedures?
A decade ago, ‘vein stripping’ or ambulatory phlebectomy was the standard method of varicose vein removal. This meant invasive surgery, that required hospital stay and a long period of recovery. Thankfully, today, varicose vein removal is achieved through minimally invasive procedures. These procedures work by blocking blood from flowing through the defective vein. once this is achieved, venous blood finds its way back to the heart through healthier veins, and no longer stagnates in the legs. Since the defective vein is sealed and is now non-functional, it eventually gets digested by the body’s own enzymes.
Do I need laser ablation vein treatment?
When people talk about how to get rid of varicose veins, laser ablation is the first option that comes up. While laser ablation can seal off varicose veins effectively, there are other, more comfortable treatment options. Radiofrequency ablation is the gold standard for effective varicose vein removal in this method, the vein doctor numbs the skin and makes a small cut over the defective vein, exposing it. A radiofrequency catheter is then inserted into the vein. heat delivered through the catheter causes the vein walls to melt and fuse together, sealing the vein off. Laser ablation is exactly the same, except that a laser fiber is sued instead of a radiofrequency catheter. Because laser energy is more intense, however, there may be more discomfort during the procedure than with radiofrequency ablation.
What is varicose vein removal injection?
Recent advancements in varicose vein treatment have made it possible to make the process even more comfortable. Varithena, a new varicose vein removal injection, eliminates even the need for an anesthetic and incision. In this cutting edge procedure, medical grade glue is directly injected into the varicose vein. The glue seals off the vein and it hardens over time. Studies have shown that this method is as effective as radiofrequency ablation for varicose vein removal, and a lot more comfortable.
How do I choose a varicose vein specialist doctor near me?
Now that you know why you need a vein doctor and what kind of treatment to expect, the next step is choosing your ideal vein doctor. While this may not be an easy task, a few pointers must be kept in mind when you look for a vein doctor:
- Choose a trained phlebologist: While any physician can treat vein disease, phlebologists are experts who have received special training in the diagnosis and treatment of vein diseases. Therefore, they would be better qualified to evaluate your veins, and offer you the right choices for treatment.
- Choose a doctor who is skilled in minimally invasive vein treatment: A vein doctor who is skilled in minimally invasive vein treatment would always prefer that over vein stripping. This would make treating your varicose veins a quick, convenient and comfortable process!
- Choose an experienced vein doctor: It goes without saying that a doctor who has performed the same procedure thousands of times is likely to give you better results. Choose a doctor who has treated several patients with vein conditions similar to yours!
The Vein Treatment Clinic has on board the nation’s foremost vein experts. Our vein doctors are board-certified physicians with accredited training in vein medicine, and are highly skilled in the latest and most advanced forms of vein treatment. To set up an appointment with one of our vein experts, click here, or call 855-386-0195.