Bulging veins that appear blue or dark purplish in color, an achy or heavy feeling in the legs, discomfort after prolonged sitting or standing – these are some of the signs and symptoms associated with varicose veins.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that are visible under the surface of the skin. Often affecting the legs, this condition occurs as a result of weak or damaged valves in the veins.
Normally, when the veins return blood to the heart, their one-way valves open to let the blood through and they shut to keep the blood from flowing backward. So, if the valves are weak or damaged, they can cause the blood to back up and pool in the veins causing the veins to swell.
In the long run, the weak walls of the vein will stretch further, resulting in bigger and more swollen veins.
Do Varicose Veins Require Treatment?
Varicose veins are not life-threatening. However, they can be a great source of discomfort. They can cause an achy sensation in the legs and they don’t look good. It is for these reasons why many people, especially women, opt for their varicose veins to be treated.
The type of treatment one may have will depend on the size of the varicose veins.
Small to medium-sized varicose and spider veins are often treated with sclerotherapy. It’s a procedure that involves the injection of sclerosant (an irritant agent) into the veins. The sclerosant causes damage to the veins inner lining and forms a clot. Once the clot is reabsorbed, the diseased vein is obliterated, forcing the blood to reroute to healthier veins.
For larger veins, radiofrequency closure or endovenous laser treatment may be recommended. Both are minimally-invasive procedures that are done under local anesthesia. They are both ultrasound-guided procedures that involve the insertion of a tiny needle into the diseased vein. The only difference is their heat source. Radiofrequency closure uses radiofrequency energy while the endovenous laser treatment uses laser heat.
Schedule Your FREE Screening!
If you’re suspecting that you have varicose veins, then it’s time to get screened! For a limited time, Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville is offering free vein screenings. Our Sclero RN will be providing free visual assessments and direction to the most appropriate treatment for you.
To request an appointment for a free vein screening, simply fill out this form.