Vein Care Getting Rid Of Varicose Veins

When the walls of a vein weaken, blood can't move as easily through them. That's what causes varicose veins. These swollen, twisted veins are close to the surface of the skin and easy for healthcare providers to see. They can diagnose varicose veins during a physical examination, when they look at your legs while you stand or sit with your feet dangling. They may also use a Doppler ultrasound machine to check for blood flow and look for blood clots.

Center For Advanced Vein Care can remove varicose and spider veins or close them. Often, these procedures don't cause problems with blood flow because other veins take over. Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you. Some procedures use heat, and some use a special glue to seal the vein shut. They can be done in your doctor's office or a clinic. You may need to have several sessions. The number of treatments depends on your health, the type of procedure and your goals.

Some varicose veins can be treated by raising your legs or by wearing compression stockings. These simple steps can help relieve symptoms and keep them from coming back.

More serious varicose veins can be removed surgically. One surgery, called ambulatory phlebectomy, can remove larger varicose veins from your leg. Your doctor will inject you with local anesthesia. Then they will make a small cut near the affected vein and use a medical tool to remove the vein segment by segment. After the surgery, you'll wear compression stockings for a week or more.

Other surgeries can be used to treat more severe varicose veins. For example, your doctor can remove the damaged vein and then reconnect the healthy veins together. Your doctor might also use a laser to destroy the vein and close it. After the procedure, the varicose vein will fade and disappear. These surgeries can be done in your doctor's office and don't need stitches.

You can try to prevent varicose veins by not sitting or standing for long periods of time. Wearing loose clothing can help, too. You might also try elevating your legs, by putting them up on pillows or higher pieces of furniture. This helps veins get the blood flowing away from unhealthy veins and toward your heart.

Your risk for varicose veins increases as you get older. The normal wear and tear of aging can cause vein walls to stretch. Hormonal changes can also raise your risk. For example, during puberty, pregnancy, menopause or when you're taking birth control pills. Being overweight can also increase pressure on your veins.

Some people develop varicose and spider veins because their parents or grandparents did. Other times, they're caused by lifestyle factors. People who have jobs that require them to be on their feet or sit for long periods of time are more likely to develop them. People who smoke are more likely to have them. You might also be more likely to get them if you have family members with them or if you're pregnant.