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About Varicose Vein Treatment

Sep 26, 2016
Do you live in the Murfreesboro area and suffer from varicose veins? Today’s update is all about varicose vein treatment. Come see Dr. Thomas at Murfreesboro Vascular & Interventional for a full evaluation!
What are varicose veins and spider veins?


Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.



Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spiderwebs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.



What causes varicose veins and spider veins?


Varicose veins can be caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body through the arteries. Veins then carry the blood from the body back to the heart. As your leg muscles squeeze, they push blood back to the heart from your lower body against the flow of gravity. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to prevent blood from flowing backwards as it moves up your legs. If the valves become weak, blood can leak back into the veins and collect there. (This problem is called venous insufficiency.) When backed-up blood makes the veins bigger, they can become varicose.



Spider veins can be caused by the backup of blood. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries.



How common are abnormal leg veins?


About 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some type of vein problem. Varicose veins affect half of people 50 years and older.



What factors increase my risk of varicose veins and spider veins?


Many factors increase a person’s chances of developing varicose or spider veins. These include:



  • Increasing age. As you get older, the valves in your veins may weaken and not work as well.
  • Medical history. Being born with weak vein valves increases your risk. Having family members with vein problems also increases your risk. About half of all people who have varicose veins have a family member who has them too.
  • Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also may contribute to the forming of varicose or spider veins.
  • Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose veins and spider veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy.
  • Obesity. Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your veins. This can lead to varicose veins.
  • Lack of movement. Sitting or standing for a long time may force your veins to work harder to pump blood to your heart. This may be a bigger problem if you sit with your legs bent or crossed.
  • Sun exposure. This can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person.

Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in the legs?


Most varicose and spider veins appear in the legs due to the pressure of body weight, force of gravity, and task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart.



Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the one-way valves in the veins.


What are the signs of varicose veins?


Varicose veins can often be seen on the skin. Some other common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:



  • Aching pain that may get worse after sitting or standing for a long time
  • Throbbing or cramping
  • Heaviness
  • Swelling
  • Rash that’s itchy or irritated
  • Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
  • Restless legs

Are varicose veins and spider veins dangerous?


Spider veins rarely are a serious health problem, but they can cause uncomfortable feelings in the legs. If there are symptoms from spider veins, most often they will be itching or burning. Less often, spider veins can be a sign of blood backup deeper inside that you can’t see on the skin. If so, you could have the same symptoms you would have with varicose veins.



Varicose veins may not cause any problems, or they may cause aching pain, throbbing, and discomfort. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems. These include:



  • Sores or skin ulcers due to chronic (long-term) backing up of blood. These sores or ulcers are painful and hard to heal. Sometimes they cannot heal until the backward blood flow in the vein is repaired.
  • Bleeding. The skin over the veins becomes thin and easily injured. When an injury occurs, there can be significant blood loss.
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis (throm-bo-fli-BYT-uhs), which is a blood clot that forms in a vein just below the skin. Symptoms include skin redness; a firm, tender, warm vein; and sometimes pain and swelling.
  • Deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a deeper vein. It can cause a “pulling” feeling in the calf, pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. However, sometimes it causes no significant symptoms. If the blood clot travels to the lungs, it can be fatal.

Should I see a doctor about varicose veins?


You should see a doctor about varicose veins if:



  • The vein has become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch
  • There are sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle
  • The skin on the ankle and calf becomes thick and changes color
  • One of the varicose veins begins to bleed
  • Your leg symptoms are interfering with daily activities
  • The appearance of the veins is causing you distress

If you’re having pain, even if it’s just a dull ache, don’t hesitate to get help. Also, even if you don’t need to see a doctor about your varicose veins, you should take steps to keep them from getting worse.


How are varicose veins diagnosed?



Your doctor may diagnose your varicose veins based on a physical exam. Your doctor will look at your legs while you’re standing or sitting with your legs dangling. He or she may ask you about your symptoms, including any pain you’re having. Sometimes, you may have other tests to find out the extent of the problem and to rule out other disorders.



You might have an ultrasound, which is used to see the veins’ structure, check the blood flow in your veins, and look for blood clots. This test uses sound waves to create pictures of structures in your body.



Although less likely, you might have a venogram. This test can be used to get a more detailed look at blood flow through your veins.



If you seek help for your varicose veins, there are several types of doctors you can see, including:



  • A phlebologist, which is a vein specialist
  • A vascular medicine doctor, who focuses on the blood system
  • A vascular surgeon, who can perform surgery and do other procedures
  • An interventional radiologist, who specializes in using imaging tools to see inside the body and do treatments with little or no cutting
  • A dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions



Each of these specialists do some or all of the procedures for treating varicose veins. You might start out by asking your regular doctor which specialist he or she recommends. You also might check with your insurance plan to see if it would pay for a particular provider or procedure.


How are varicose and spider veins treated?


Varicose veins are treated with lifestyle changes and medical treatments. These can:



  • Relieve symptoms
  • Prevent complications
  • Improve appearance



Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes if your varicose veins don’t cause many symptoms. If symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend medical treatments. Some treatment options include:


Compression stockings


Compression stockings put helpful pressure on your veins. There are 3 kinds of compression stockings:



  • Support pantyhose, which offer the least amount of pressure. These also often are not “gradient” or “graduated.” That means they provide pressure all over instead of where it is needed most.
  • Over-the-counter gradient compression hose, which give a little more pressure. They are sold in medical supply and drugstores.
  • Prescription-strength gradient compression hose, which offer the greatest amount of pressure. They are sold in medical supply and drugstores. You need to be fitted for them by someone who has been trained to do this.



Sclerotherapy



Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. The doctor uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into the vein. The chemical causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood, and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. This treatment does not require anesthesia and can be done in your doctor’s office. You can return to normal activity right after treatment.


The same vein may need to be treated more than once. Treatments are usually done every 4 to 6 weeks. You may be asked to wear gradient compression stockings after sclerotherapy to help with healing and decrease swelling. This treatment is very effective when done correctly.



Possible side effects include:



  • Stinging, red and raised patches of skin, or bruises where the injection was made. These usually go away shortly after treatment.
  • Spots, brown lines, or groups of fine red blood vessels around the treated vein. These also usually go away shortly after treatment.
  • Lumps of blood that get trapped in vein and cause inflammation. This is not dangerous. You can relieve swelling by applying heat and taking aspirin. Your doctor can drain the trapped blood with a small pinprick at a follow-up visit.



There is a type of sclerotherapy called ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (or echo-sclerotherapy). This type of sclerotherapy uses ultrasound imaging to guide the needle. It can be useful in treating veins that cannot be seen on the skin’s surface. It may be used after surgery or endovenous techniques if the varicose veins return. This procedure can be done in a doctor’s office. Possible side effects include skin sores, swelling, injection into an artery by mistake, or deep vein thrombosis (a potentially dangerous blood clot).



Surface laser treatments


In some cases, laser treatments can effectively treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins. This technique sends very strong bursts of light through the skin onto the vein. This makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. Not all skin types and colors can be safely treated with lasers.

No needles or incisions are used, but the heat from the laser can be quite painful. Cooling helps reduce the pain. Laser treatments last for 15 to 20 minutes. Generally, 2 to 5 treatments are needed to remove spider veins in the legs. Laser therapy usually isn’t effective for varicose veins larger than 3 mm (about a tenth of an inch). You can return to normal activity right after treatment.



Possible side effects of lasers include:



  • Redness or swelling of the skin right after the treatment that disappears within a few days
  • Discolored skin that will disappear within 1 to 2 months
  • Burns and scars from poorly performed laser surgery, though this is rare



Endovenous techniques (radiofrequency and laser)


These methods for treating the deeper veins of the legs, called the saphenous (SAF-uh-nuhs) veins, have replaced surgery for most patients with severe varicose veins. These techniques can be done in a doctor’s office.

The doctor puts a very small tube, called a catheter, into the vein. A small probe is placed through the tube. A device at the tip of the probe heats up the inside of the vein and closes it off. The device can use radiofrequency or laser energy to seal the vein. The procedure can be done using just local anesthesia. You might have slight bruising after treatment.

Healthy veins around the closed vein take over the normal flow of blood. The symptoms from the varicose vein improve. Usually, veins on the surface of the skin that are connected to the treated varicose vein will also shrink after treatment. If they don’t, these connected veins can be treated with sclerotherapy or other techniques.



Surgery


Surgery is used mostly to treat very large varicose veins. Types of surgery for varicose veins include:



  • Surgical ligation and stripping. With this treatment, problem veins are tied shut and completely removed from the leg through small cuts in the skin. Removing the veins does not affect the circulation of blood in the leg. Veins deeper in the leg take care of the larger volumes of blood. This surgery requires general anesthesia and must be done in an operating room. It takes between 1 and 4 weeks to recover from the surgery. This surgery is generally safe. Pain in the leg is the most common side effect. Other possible problems include:
  • A risk of heart and breathing problems from anesthesia
  • Bleeding and congestion of blood. But, the collected blood usually settles on its own and does not require any further treatment.
  • Wound infection, inflammation, swelling, and redness
  • Permanent scars
  • Damage of nerve tissue around the treated vein. It’s hard to avoid harming small nerve branches when veins are removed. This damage can cause numbness, burning, or a change in feeling around the scar.
  • A deep vein blood clot. These clots can travel to the lungs and heart. The medicine heparin may be used to reduce the chance of these dangerous blood clots. But, heparin also can increase the normal amount of bleeding and bruising after surgery.
  • PIN stripping. In this treatment, an instrument called a PIN stripper is inserted into a vein. The tip of the PIN stripper is sewn to the end of the vein, and when it is removed, the vein is pulled out. This procedure can be done in an operating room or an outpatient center. General or local anesthesia can be used.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy. With ambulatory phlebectomy (AM-byoo-luh-TOHR-ee fluh-BEHK-toh-mee), tiny cuts are made in the skin, and hooks are used to pull the vein out of the leg. Only the parts of your leg that are being pricked will be numbed with anesthesia. The vein is usually removed in 1 treatment. Very large varicose veins can be removed with this treatment while leaving only very small scars. Patients can return to normal activity the day after treatment. Possible side effects of the treatment include slight bruising and temporary numbness.

How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?


Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already have:



  • Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face.
  • Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.
  • Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.
  • Don’t cross your legs for long times when sitting. It’s possible to injure your legs that way, and even a minor injury can increase the risk of varicose veins.
  • Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.
  • Don’t stand or sit for long periods of time. If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.
  • Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin, or legs.
  • Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time. Lower-heeled shoes can help tone your calf muscles to help blood move through your veins.
  • Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation, which can contribute to varicose veins. High-fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Eating less salt can help with the swelling that comes with varicose veins.

Can varicose and spider veins return even after treatment?


Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments. Over a period of years, however, more abnormal veins can develop because there is no cure for weak vein valves. Ultrasound can be used to keep track of how badly the valves are leaking (venous insufficiency). Ongoing treatment can help keep this problem under control.



The single most important thing you can do to slow down the development of new varicose veins is to wear gradient compression support stockings as much as possible during the day.

men moving boxes out of truck
03 Feb, 2020
We’ve got exciting news! Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional is moving! We’ve acquired a new, larger space to accommodate our continued growth.   Beginning March 2nd, our new office will be in Suite 200 of the Seton building. We’ll still be in the same building, just 2 floors lower. Our new address is:   1840 Medical Center Parkway Suite 200 Murfreeesboro, TN 37129   We look forward to continuing to provide excellent care in our new office!
hand on leg varicose veins
20 Feb, 2019
female legs elevated on treatment table
17 Jan, 2019
A genetic study of nearly half a million people concludes that height is “not just a correlated factor, but an underlying mechanism leading to varicose veins.”   Women are at a higher risk of varicose veins, but new research suggests that height is also a factor.   Varicose veins — also known as spider veins — are “swollen, twisted veins” that can usually be seen right beneath the skin on a person’s legs.    According to the most recent estimates, the condition affects approximately 33 million people in the United States.  The condition is generally considered quite harmless, but previous studies have found a strong association with serious cardiovascular problems, such as blood clotting and deep vein thrombosis .    Also, varicose veins may be moderately painful and aesthetically unpleasant to some people. Now, a large-scale genetic study published in Circulation suggests that a person’s height may determine their risk of developing varicose veins.    The new research was jointly supervised by Dr. Nicholas Leeper, an associate professor of surgery and cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in California and Dr. Erik Ingelsson, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University.  Height may indicate genetic cause  Dr. Leeper and his colleagues applied machine learning and statistical methods to examine the genetic data of 493,519 people who were registered in the UK Biobank database.  Furthermore, the researchers conducted a genome-wide association study in 337,536 of these individuals, 9,577 of whom developed varicose veins.  The study confirmed previously known risk factors for varicose vein disease, such as age, sex, weight, and lifestyle habits including smoking and being sedentary.  However, the study also identified some new risk factors. “We confirmed that having had deep vein thrombosis in the past puts you at increased risk in the future,” Dr. Leeper explains.  Of all the new risk factors identified, the scientists deemed height as the most surprising. “Greater height remained independently associated with varicose veins,” the study authors report.  “We were very surprised to find that height came up from our machine-learning analyses,” says co-first study author Alyssa Flores, a Stanford University medical student.  “Our results strongly suggest height is a cause, not just a correlated factor, but an underlying mechanism leading to varicose veins,” says Dr. Ingelsson.  He adds, “By conducting the largest genetic study ever performed for varicose vein disease, we now have a much better understanding of the biology that is altered in people at risk for the disease.”  “Genes that predict a person’s height may be at the root of this link between height and varicose veins and may provide clues for treating the condition.” — Dr. Nicholas Leeper  The recent study also identified 30 genes that are not just tied to varicose veins , but also to deep vein thrombosis .  “Varicose vein disease,” says Flores, “is incredibly prevalent but shockingly little is known about the biology.  “We’re hoping,” she adds, “that with this new information, we can create new therapies, as our study highlights several genes that may represent new translational targets.”  As always, we are here at MVI to treat your varicose vein issues. Call 615-849-7490 to schedule a consultation today!
woman touching ankle
28 Aug, 2018
Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional is pleased to offer the new FDA approved ‘Venaseal procedure’, as an alternative to the surgical procedures for varicose veins. Venaseal is an injectable adhesive which treats the underlying source of varicose veins, reversal of venous blood flow or reflux in the great and small saphenous vein. If you have visible varicose veins or unsightly spider veins in your thigh or leg, the Venaseal procedure may be a good alternative to other varicose vein treatment options available at MVI. In addition to being unsightly, varicose and spider veins can cause physical discomfort. Patients can report itching, heaviness, stinging, burning, throbbing, swelling, skin changes including leg ulcers, night cramps and restless legs. These symptoms and complications come from pooled or trapped blood in your leg veins. Venaseal effectively treats the underlying cause of your varicose veins without surgery, putting an end to your discomfort and unwanted visible effects of venous disease without a lengthy recovery time. The unique features of Venaseal include no requirement for compression hose after treatment, no tumescent local anesthesia and immediate return to normal activities. Your Venaseal Treatment For Varicose Veins At your initial consultation, we will evaluate your legs to determine if you are a candidate for the Venaseal procedure or if another procedure would be better for your unique needs. Our staff will then schedule a treatment appointment and provide you with instructions about what you should do or avoid prior to your treatment based on your health, medications and lifestyle. Venaseal uses a unique approach for treating varicose veins. It involves a new form of endovenous closure of the unhealthy saphenous vein without the need for tumescent local anesthesia or the risks associated with thermal-based closure treatments. In clinical studies , the procedure has been deemed safe and effective. Patient results were consistent across three major studies, and success rates were over 97 percent. Venaseal seals the vein shut without the need for heat energy eliminating the need for oral sedation, and tumescent local anesthesia and reducing the risks making it one of the safest options available to treat varicose veins without surgery. The procedure starts with the injection of a local anesthetic to numb the injection site. With the aid of an ultrasound guidance, your doctor will insert a small catheter or tube into the affected area of the saphenous vein in your leg. The catheter will not cause pain and is thinner than a small straw. If you notice the catheter at all, it will only cause a slight feeling of pressure or pulling. Once the catheter has been successfully placed, the Venaseal treatment solution is injected into your vein at several different points. The doctor uses manual compression to close the affected vein, forcing the blood to reroute to nearby healthy veins.
woman pelvic pain clutching stomach
21 Sep, 2017
Check out this detailed video about uterine artery embolization . If you suffer from uterine fibroids, call our office today !
injection for varicose vein spider vein treatment
17 Aug, 2017
If you are wondering why you have developed varicose veins , venous disease or even spider veins, you are not alone. About 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United Stated suffer from some type of vein problem in their lifetime. Varicose veins affect half of people 50 years and older. More than 80 million Americans suffer from vein disease.
man with varicose veins
13 Apr, 2017
As many as 45 percent of all men will experience varicose veins at some point in their lives. The number one cause of varicose veins in both men and women is family history. If your mom or grandmother had varicose veins, you are more likely to have them. Lifestyle factors play a significant role as well. If your job requires you to stand for long periods, such as medical professionals, factory workers, sales or restaurant occupations, you are more likely to get varicose veins. If you travel and spend long hours flying or driving, or if you sit at a desk for several hours at a time, you are at risk as well. Varicose veins can even be the result of previous leg trauma. Varicose veins can affect men of all ages but the risk increases with age because of the loss of tissue tone and muscle mass, as well as a weakening of the venous walls. If restless legs keep you awake at night, this could be a sign that you have varicose veins. If you don’t enjoy taking a walk with your wife or playing with the kids or grand kids like you used to because of leg pain, that could be another sign. Generally men have the same symptoms as women: pain, leg heaviness, tiredness, muscle cramps and swelling. But, as men, we are less likely to seek medical treatment. It is important that you seek consultation if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Like any chronic medical condition, varicose veins will progress without treatment. Because varicose veins are often painful, it is important to treat them in order to maintain an active lifestyle. Treatments such as medical grade compression stockings and changes in work habits can improve your symptoms but will not address the underlying cause. Severe varicose veins can lead to serious complications such as skin breakdown and even blood clots. The treatments available for men as exactly the same as for women and just as effective. Men can undergo ultrasound guided endovenous laser treatment, or EVLT. This cutting-edge laser procedure involves inserting a small laser fiber through the skin into the varicose vein. Laser energy is delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. Once that vein is closed, the blood reroutes to other healthy veins. Some men may need sclerotherapy following EVLT. The good news is that most patients are able to return to work almost immediately following treatment and eventually can resume those activities you have been avoiding. Don’t suffer with varicose veins any longer. Schedule an appointment with Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional today!
Man with varicose veins on legs
12 Apr, 2017
As many as 45 percent of all men will experience varicose veins at some point in their lives. The number one cause of varicose veins in both men and women is family history. If your mom or grandmother had varicose veins, you are more likely to have them. Lifestyle factors play a significant role as well. If your job requires you to stand for long periods, such as medical professionals, factory workers, sales or restaurant occupations, you are more likely to get varicose veins. If you travel and spend long hours flying or driving, or if you sit at a desk for several hours at a time, you are at risk as well. Varicose veins can even be the result of previous leg trauma. Varicose veins can affect men of all ages but the risk increases with age because of the loss of tissue tone and muscle mass, as well as a weakening of the venous walls. If restless legs keep you awake at night, this could be a sign that you have varicose veins. If you don’t enjoy taking a walk with your wife or playing with the kids or grand kids like you used to because of leg pain, that could be another sign. Generally men have the same symptoms as women: pain, leg heaviness, tiredness, muscle cramps and swelling. But, as men, we are less likely to seek medical treatment . It is important that you seek consultation if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Like any chronic medical condition, varicose veins will progress without treatment. Because varicose veins are often painful, it is important to treat them in order to maintain an active lifestyle. Treatments such as medical grade compression stockings and changes in work habits can improve your symptoms but will not address the underlying cause. Severe varicose veins can lead to serious complications such as skin breakdown and even blood clots . The treatments available for men as exactly the same as for women and just as effective. Men can undergo ultrasound guided endovenous laser treatment , or EVLT. This cutting-edge laser procedure involves inserting a small laser fiber through the skin into the varicose vein. Laser energy is delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. Once that vein is closed, the blood reroutes to other healthy veins. Some men may need sclerotherapy following EVLT. The good news is that most patients are able to return to work almost immediately following treatment and eventually can resume those activities you have been avoiding. Don’t suffer with varicose veins any longer. Schedule an appointment with Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional today!
Radiologists in operating room
By Chloe Bearden 18 Jan, 2017
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