fbpx

Get a Leg Up

Varicose Veins: Causes and treatment options

By Christi Blevins

Varicose veins can leave your legs looking like a confusing roadmap to nowhere, but there are treatment options available to put you on the path to more attractive, pain-free, smooth legs.

Why You Get Varicose Veins

Think back to your middle school science class, and you will probably recall learning that arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart while veins take the oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. (There will not be a quiz on this later, but you can remember the words artery and away begin with the same letter.) When veins near the skin’s surface are damaged, the blood pools and veins become swollen, leaving you with enlarged, twisted, purplish, protruding veins.

An estimated 20% of adults experience swollen and enlarged veins resulting in leg pain, fatigue, swelling of feet and ankles, and making a person feel self-conscious. Causes include:

  • Genetics
  • Gender (women are more likely to develop
    varicose veins)
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Prolonged sitting or Standing
  • Obesity

Home Remedies to Relieve Varicose Vein Symptoms:

Except for varicose veins that develop during pregnancy, they will not go away on their own. In milder cases, some home remedies may relieve symptoms. Exercising increases blood circulation in the legs, which helps push along blood that has collected in the veins. Wearing compression socks move blood toward the heart, helping your mild varicose veins feel better and possibly improving their appearance a bit.

Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatment Options

If your varicose veins are more chronic and bothersome, you don’t need to suffer in silence. Schedule an appointment for a physical exam with a doctor who diagnoses and treats varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

Your doctor may recommend one of the following procedures, which are typically performed in-office.

Sclerotherapy is a common varicose vein treatment. Veins are injected with a chemical, which irritates the vein walls, causing them to stick together. Two or three treatments may be required, but there is virtually no downtime. 

Laser treatments may be used on small varicose veins. Your doctor will direct laser light at the swollen veins. The veins darken and disappear after one to three months and multiple treatments. Most patients resume their normal activities the following day. Expect to be instructed to stay out of the sun for about a month following treatment.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) may replace the need for surgery. Patients receive local anesthesia, and then a small incision is made to insert a catheter (for RFA) or a laser fiber (for EVLT) into the vein. When your doctor activates the laser or radio frequency device, the vein is heated, causing it to collapse and seal shut. 

You May Also Like

Smooth Operator

Flatten cellulite and diminish stretch marks If you’ve ever stood in line at the ...

mommy makeovers

Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?

If you spend your days being a super mom, but you aren’t feeling so ...

A close up portrait of a young Caucasian woman with flawless skin, exuding elegance and sensuality

On Trend Treatments

By Annette Brooks Looking your best is always in style, no matter what year ...

healthy teeth

Holistic Dentistry

By Annette Brooks When looking for a new dentist, you’ve likely encountered practices offering ...

A Smoothing Success

By Annette Brooks Botox Cosmetic — aka Botox — is a household name, but ...

portrait of confident curvy hispanic woman outdoors in spring p

Post-Weight Loss Procedures

By Annette Brooks You’ve done it! You’ve lost weight, and now it’s time to ...