Vericose Vein treatment Q&A
What are varicose veins and what are some symptoms?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be seen, and are most often found in the legs as unsightly, enlarged and twisted veins. They are often a problem and they become painful and swollen over time. There are also some dangerous complications that can occur with varicose veins if they are left untreated like developing recurrent ulcers and cellulitis with infections.
What are the main causes of varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by a weakening of the valves found in the legs, and often as a person ages these valves become less able to function well. These valves are important in ensuring that blood in the veins moves up towards the heart and does not fall backwards against gravity. Therefore when these valves fail to work well, blood tends to pool in the veins and not enough blood may be returned to the heart.
Causes of varicose veins include:
- Standing for long periods of time
- Obesity
- Family history- if you have a relative who has the condition then you are more likely to have varicose veins.
- Gender - the condition is more common in women than men.
- Pregnancy and childbirth
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins can be dangerous if they are left untreated since it is possible that varicose veins can lead to more serious problems such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg. The danger of a DVT is that it can become a pulmonary embolism which is a clot that travels to your lungs where it can lodge and kill you. Aside from this danger, the condition is painful and ankles and legs can become swollen and discolored and lead to recurrent infections, bleeding, and ulceration requiring hospitalization.
How do you fix varicose veins?
Losing weight can be helpful if you are significantly overweight, since this helps take some of the pressure off your legs and veins. Your doctor can advise you on the best course of action to fix your veins and may advise you to wear compression stockings to help the condition. Advanced treatment options offered by Dr. Ghalili at the Ghalili Vein & Vascular Institute includes thermal ablation to close leaky veins and incompetent valves, and ultrasound guided form sclerotherapy where Dr. Ghalili injects medication to close the veins.
Can varicose veins go away on their own?
Use of elastic stockings may help with some of the discomfort and there may be times when your veins are less obvious but this does not mean that the varicose veins have gone away. In fact, varicose veins will likely return and get worse without definite medical treatment.
Does ice help varicose veins?
Ice can help with pain and swelling if you have varicose veins because it causes the vessels to shrink, but it is not a cure for the condition. The cold can help reduce the inflammation and associated pain.
What happens if varicose veins go untreated?
Over time untreated varicose veins can lead to venous insufficiency and blood leaking out of the veins causing discoloration and painful swelling of the leg. A more dangerous problem from untreated varicose veins is it increases the chance of you having a DVT or pulmonary embolism and recurrent infections and ulceration.
When should you see a doctor for varicose veins?
It is a good idea to see a doctor sooner rather than later and definitely if you notice any swelling, discoloration or inflammation of your leg because of varicose veins. A doctor can recommend and tailor make a treatment plan for your specific situation.
What can be done for venous insufficiency?
Dr. Ghalili can treat varicose veins and venous insufficiency by such methods as endovenous laser treatment, radio frequency ablation, and sclerotherapy.
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Location
3070 Bristol Pike
Suite 2-106
Bensalem, PA 19020
Email: ghalilik@aol.com
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