Varicose veins are twisted, swollen blood vessels that can be seen under your skin’s surface. While varicose veins can be uncomfortable, most varicose vein symptoms can be treated in the comfort of your home, or your doctor can treat them with laser therapy, surgery, or injections. To check for varicose veins, your healthcare provider can perform a physical exam, such as looking at your legs while you are standing to check for bulging blood vessels. In this article, we will take a closer look at the possible Sebring varicose vein treatment.
Who is likely to get varicose veins?
Anyone can develop varicose veins. However, there are some factors that may increase your chances of getting varicose veins, such as:
- Family history. Varicose veins can also be inherited.
- Age. With advancing age, the vein valves and walls do not work very properly as they become stiff and lose elasticity.
- Lifestyle. Sitting or standing for long periods can decrease blood circulation.
- Gender. Pregnant women, people going through menopause, and people taking the birth control pill are at high risk of varicose veins due to hormonal changes.
- Tobacco use. People who use tobacco products are at a greater risk of developing varicose veins.
- Weight. Excess weight tends to put pressure on your blood vessels.
- Overall health. Certain health conditions, such as certain tumors or severe constipation, can lead to varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
The most common sign of varicose veins is a twisted, purple, or blue vein that can be seen just under your skin’s surface. Other symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Itching. The region around varicose veins may itch.
- Skin discolorations and ulcers. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to brown discolorations on your skin.
- Heavy legs. Your leg muscles may feel heavy, sluggish, or tired, especially after strenuous physical activity.
- Bulging veins. Swollen, rope-like, twisted veins may appear just below your skin surface on the feet, ankles, and legs.
- Swelling. Varicose veins can cause your ankles, feet, and legs to swell and throb.
- Pain. Your legs may feel sore, achy, or painful, and you may develop muscle cramps.
Diagnosis
Varicose veins are usually diagnosed during a medical exam, where your healthcare provider will feel your veins and look for any nerve bulges. Your healthcare provider may recommend a Doppler ultrasound to see your veins and look for any abnormalities. A Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive medical test that monitors blood flow through the valves in your veins. In this procedure, your doctor will pass a small hand-held device against your skin over the area that is being examined.
What are the treatments for varicose veins?
Below are some of the effective treatments for varicose veins:
- Sclerotherapy (injection therapy). Here, your doctor injects a solution into the affected vein, causing the vein walls to stick together and your veins to turn into scar tissue.
- Vein surgery. Also known as ligation and stripping, where your surgeon ties off your damaged vein to stop the pooling of blood. The vein may be removed surgically to prevent varicose veins from reappearing.
- Elevation. To decrease pressure and blood flow in your veins, you will be advised to elevate your legs above your waist several times daily.
- Laser therapy. Here, your doctor uses a catheter and laser to close off a damaged vein.
- Elastic stockings. Supportive socks or stockings can help reduce discomfort and compress your veins to increase blood flow.
At Florida Lakes Spa, we provide all our patients with a wide array of effective treatment options to help improve the appearance of their skin. Our highly trained team of experts uses state-of-the-art technologies to help get rid of body hair, improve skin firmness and elasticity, and get rid of other skin irregularities. Get started today and book an appointment or contact our offices today.