Varicose Veins Treatment in Phoenix, Mesa and Payson
Varicose Veins are more than just a cosmetic issue. These large, bulging, and gnarled veins can cause pain as well as blood clots, skin ulcers, and other serious problems. Our body has a system of veins that carry blood from the body tissues back to your heart. Once the blood reaches the heart, it is sent to the lungs to be oxygenated then delivered to arteries, which takes the oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. When the system of valves within the veins becomes “incompetent” and no longer pushes the blood upward toward your heart, blood begins to pool within the vein. Because many veins are near the surface of the skin, the pool of blood creates visibly full veins that push outward and create varicose veins.
Western Vascular Institute has been leading the venous specialty field in Phoenix, AZ since 2005. With many years of extensive vascular experience, our board-certified vascular surgeons specialize in diagnosing & treating varicose disease. They will take the time to answer any questions you may have and help discover the best treatment plan for you and your lifestyle. For more information, schedule an appointment with one of our vascular surgeons, at one of our vein and vascular centers in Phoenix, Mesa and Payson, Arizona.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins that are not able to work properly against gravity and push the blood back up to the heart. This inability of veins to function properly is called venous insufficiency and is the main problem behind varicose veins. There are several potential causes for Varicose Veins and risk factors that an individual may be more likely to get them.
What Increases My Chances of Getting Varicose Veins?
While the exact cause of varicose veins is not known, there are several risk factors that can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing them. Mayo Clinic has identified several of these risk factors:
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Age
- Gender
- Profession
What Are Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Symptoms of Varicose Veins can be pain in the legs, itching, swelling, burning, leg heaviness or tiredness, & skin discoloration. Generally, symptoms worsen throughout the day (especially in hot temperatures) when individuals are standing and the veins are having difficulty pumping the blood back to the heart.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Will be done during a physical examination while standing with a vascular surgeon at Western Vascular Institute, and they will also request that you have a Doppler ultrasound scan. This is to check the blood flow in the superficial and deep veins.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
Conservative Management
Standford Healthcare listed several treatments for varicose veins, there are home treatments, laser treatment, and many others listed in the article, but here are a few:
• Medications
• Patient training
• Weight loss
• Elevating your legs
• Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting
• Compression stockings
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a vascular surgeon that utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat a catheter element which, when inserted into the vein, shrinks the wall of the vessel. This shrinkage or ablation of the vein closes off the blood flow to the incompetent area of the vein allowing the vein to create new healthy pathways where it is needed.
Sclerotherapy
A minimally invasive treatment, sclerotherapy involves injecting a saline solution into the varicose vein. This irritates the vein, causing it to collapse. The body reroutes the blood supply to bypass the damaged vein, which is eventually reabsorbed into the body.
To begin a typical sclerotherapy procedure, a physician uses a fine needle to inject the salt solution into the vein itself. Any discomfort felt is most often mild and resolves in less than two minutes, though the full procedure may take up to half an hour. This may include injection into multiple veins, depending on the location and size of the affected vessel. Most patients undergo the procedure in an outpatient setting and can drive themselves home afterward.
Phlebectomy
This minimally invasive procedure involves making a small incision just beneath the surface of the leg and removing the varicose vein. The procedure is done in-office and patients who undergo the procedure should be able to resume daily activities within 24-hours.
Radio Frequency Ablation
Radiofrequency closure, also known as radiofrequency ablation, addresses the venous reflex disease that often causes varicose veins. It serves as an alternative to traditional vein stripping, which requires invasive surgical removal of the diseased veins. Instead, radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy to prompt the closure of diseased veins.
The surgeon starts by numbing the area with a topical and local anesthetic. Then, by way of a small incision, he or she passes a catheter or similar tool into the affected vein. The catheter serves as a channel through which the surgeon introduces an electrode. When the surgeon pulls back on the catheter to expose the end of the fiber or electrode, energy passes into the vein as heat. This heat shrinks the collagen in the vein wall, which in turn causes the vein to shrink and close. The surgeon then removes the catheter and the patient’s body proceeds to heal the closure by rerouting blood to healthy veins.
Varicose Veins FAQ
While not everyone with varicose veins will experience pain, some will experience aching or cramping along with soreness, tiredness, and heaviness in the legs.
While varicose veins are not always a sign of poor health, they can be signs of being overweight, having high blood pressure, or having other related heart conditions. This is why it’s important to discuss with your doctor why you are experiencing varicose veins quickly.
Yes. Since walking is a very low-impact activity, doctors highly recommend this exercise in order to maintain your blood circulation.
Here are some tips to prevent varicose veins from getting worse or even appearing in the first place:
- Avoiding prolonged sessions of sitting or standing
- Wearing compression socks
- Changing your diet (i.e. avoid foods that are high in salt) and exercise routine
- For pregnant women, sleeping on their left side may ease their symptoms
Apples and other citrus fruits are both great options because they are high in rutin (which helps build strong veins). And as always, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are great choices too because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Schedule Your Varicose Vein Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
The highly trained vascular surgeons in Phoenix will help discover the best treatment option for your varicose veins. For more information, call (480) 668-5000 to schedule an appointment with one of our vascular surgeons, at one of our vein center in Arizona.