What is Varicose Veins?
Most commonly found on the legs, varicose veins are easily recognized by their bulging, rope-like appearance that is visible just under the skin. Although they typically do not cause serious health problems, varicose veins can produce leg pain, swelling, itching and on occasion, superficial clots. Varicose veins frequently interfere in activities of daily living.
The treatments for varicose veins include stopping the leaking vein which is causing the varicose veins using a thermal ablation technique called Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA) and then the bumps are removed by performing micro-phlebectomy. All treatments are minimally invasive and performed in our office by our physician who is an experienced vein specialist.
What causes Varicose Veins?
Many people, both women and men, suffer from varying degrees of varicose and/or spider veins. The development of vein disease can be due to a variety of reasons, regardless of where they materialize. It is known that at least 25% of the population has some type of venous disease, which can vary from small spider veins to venous stasis ulcerations. All veins have valves and when the valves in the superficial system fail blood is not transported back to the heart and falls back down the leg causing high pressure in the veins. Essentially it is a plumbing issue and when we stop the leak the circulation improves.
