HOW TO GUIDE 2013
cURE VaRIcOSE VEINS
VARICOSE VEIN
Research each of your treatment options thoroughly to choose the one that’s right for you.
Important Points... • See a Specialist. If your problem is far enough along, you may need to see a vascular or dermatologic surgeon. He or she will examine your legs and may order an ultrasound to get a more complete picture. • Don’t Ignore the Problem. If you’re feeling any pain or discomfort, make an appointment today. The circulation in your legs could be compromised. • Take Care of Your Legs. Most varicose veins appear in the legs because of pressure from increased body weight, the force of gravity and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart. • Wear Sunscreen. as if you needed another reason to protect yourself from the sun! Ultraviolet rays weaken and inflame the epidermis, exacerbating varicose veins. • Make Lifestyle Changes. Even after treatment, varicose veins can come back if you aren’t careful. Take care of yourself and follow the doctor’s orders.
As we age, there are all sorts of fun things to look forward too. Buying a home, raising a family, becoming more stable and confident are a few. Varicose veins, also more likely as we age, are not fun, but there are some things you can do to treat them or rid yourself of them altogether. If you’re not sure what varicose veins are, chances are you don’t suffer from them. They are large, swollen blood vessels, usually in the legs, that become raised and twist and turn. They are red or purple in color and can be intensely painful. Varicose veins are not to be confused with spider veins, red, purple and blue vessels that are easily visible, but do not pop out. These are most common on the legs and face. There are a number of factors that can cause varicose veins, including: • Heredity • Obesity • Standing frequently with no break • Hormonal influences, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause • Birth control pills • A history of blood clots • Trauma or injury to the skin • Previous vein surgery • Exposure to ultraviolet rays These veins are more common for women than men and increase in frequency with age. An estimated 30 to 60 percent of adults suffer from varicose or spider veins. Symptoms and treatment options Most of the time, these veins remain painless, albeit unsightly. However, some patients describe aching or cramping in the legs. Other common symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling or heaviness in the legs. In women, symptoms may be exacerbated during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Major swelling, deep sores or increased pigmentation may also develop on the skin, especially on or around the ankles. Occasionally, varicose veins can form a painful blood clot within the vein called thrombophlebitis. Small lifestyle changes like good skin hygiene, weight loss and regular exercise
Small lifestyle changes like good skin hygiene, weight loss and regular exercise can help treat varicose veins, especially after pregnancy-induced veins pop up. can help treat varicose veins, especially after pregnancy-induced veins pop up. Exercising at least 30 minutes daily helps increase circulation and keeps your weight down to a manageable level. When you’re relaxing at home, elevate your feet and legs as much as possible. If you find yourself sitting a lot for work or leisure, try not to cross your legs or ankles. For those who stand for long periods without taking a break, find time to sit and stretch throughout the day, even if only for a minute or two. If you’re overweight, talk to your health care provider about a safe weight-loss strategy. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or water aerobics are a good choice. Support stockings are an easy, affordable approach to treating varicose veins, especially when they are causing pain or discomfort. Graduated compression stockings are twice as thick as normal pantyhose and are available at medical supply stores and your local pharmacy. Make sure they’re tight at the ankle and get slightly looser as they go up the leg, making it easier for the blood to flow back up toward your heart. This will help prevent swelling and may keep your varicose veins from getting worse. Put on your stockings right after you get out of bed in the morning and keep them on all day. They may be uncomfortable, especially in hot weather, but varicose veins are worse! Sclerotherapy is a time-tested procedure that’s been available since the 1930s.
A highly concentrated saline solution or special detergent is injected directly into the vein, irritating the lining of the vessel, causing the blood to clot. Over the span of three to six weeks, the vessel turns to scar tissue and gradually fades. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting and is relatively inexpensive, making it a viable option for many. Endovenous laser treatment uses a small laser fiber to penetrate the vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, causing the vein to collapse. This procedure is done as an outpatient under local anesthesia. Surface laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments use heat energy to selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins. There are no needle or sclerosing solutions required, but there may be some discomfort. Side effects may include skin discoloration or staining and blister formation. With radiofrequency occlusion, a small catheter is inserted into the vein. Through this mechanism, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. This procedure can be done in an in-office or outpatient setting and may be done under local anesthesia. Surgery techniques include ligation (tying off of a vein) and stripping (removal of a long segment of vein). Another surgical technique is ambulatory phlebectomy, an outpatient procedure that removes superficial veins through small, slit-like incisions that don’t require stitches. This may be performed using local, spinal, or general anesthesia. Do what’s right for you Not all patients need treatment for their varicose veins or spider veins. For those not experiencing pain or other symptoms, no treatment is necessary. Most people want varicose veins removed strictly for aesthetic reasons, which is great, but most insurers won’t cover removal procedures unless your doctor deems the veins potentially hazardous to your health. Check with your insurance company before you make any appointments, as treatments can be expensive.
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HOW TO GUIDE 2013
209-349-8847
177 W. El Portal Drive Suite B www.sierravein.com Merced, CA 95348