Varicose veins occur when your veins do not transport blood as they should, leading to poor blood circulation. Your veins transport blood from other parts of your body to your heart, but blood will pool in your legs if your valves are weak. You should seek treatment for Upper East Side varicose veins if they are painful and cause tingling or numbness in your leg, pointing toward a serious blood circulation problem.
If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to other problems, including skin discoloration and non-healing ulcers.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins can occur due to weakened blood vessels like valves and vein walls. You might be at risk of developing varicose veins if you sit or stand for long periods. Other factors that might contribute to the development of varicose veins include obesity or peripheral vascular disease.
Treatment options
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you want to get rid of varicose veins for cosmetic purposes, your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes. You might undergo in-office procedures if your severe symptoms include pain and swelling.
Lifestyle changes
The first line of treatment for varicose veins is changing your lifestyle habits. For example, if your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods, your doctor can recommend breaks to help with blood circulation. Elevating your legs after sitting or standing for a long time can reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. You can also wear compression stockings to manage your symptoms.
In-office procedures
If lifestyle changes do not improve your varicose veins and associated symptoms, your doctor might recommend quick outpatient non-surgical procedures. Remember that your doctor can recommend combining lifestyle adjustments with the treatments.
Radiofrequency ablation
During radiofrequency ablation, your doctor will insert a slim catheter into the affected vein releasing radiofrequency energy into the vein and causing it to collapse. The results from the treatment are long-lasting, and they improve your symptoms and leg appearance.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy treatment involves the injection of a chemical solution containing microfoam into the affected vein to seal it shut. Your doctor can use ultrasound to guide the procedure and help identify the affected vein. The solution causes the vein to expand and collapse. When it collapses, the blood reroutes to a healthier vein.
Venaseal closure system
During the treatment, your specialist injects a medical-grade adhesive into the affected vein. The vein swells and seals shut, rerouting the blood to a healthier vein.
When to see a doctor
While you can have visible and large varicose veins, they might not be a cause for concern. However, it is time to see your doctor if your varicose veins are painful and accompanied by other symptoms like tingling, throbbing, and cramping. Your specialist will perform tests to ascertain the condition’s cause and offer suitable treatment options.
If you have painful varicose veins, visit Upper East Side Cardiology for treatment. The available team at the center will evaluate your medical history and symptoms before offering a treatment plan. Call or reach out to the facility to improve leg circulation and appearance.
