Overview
Varicose veins are permanently distended veins that are unnaturally visible through the skin on the legs. They are usually blue, twisted, and bulging in appearance, and occur in one out of every five women, and one out of every 15 men in the United States. The mildest forms of varicose veins are called “spider veins.”
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of varicose veins may include:
- Changes in the appearance of the skin of the leg
- Appearance of small clusters of veins on the leg
- Leg Discomfort, such as:
- Aching
- Burning sensation
- Feelings of heaviness
- Night cramps
- Restless feeling
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop in people between the ages of 30 and 70, those with a family history of the condition, and quite often during pregnancy. They can also be caused by being obese, smoking, an injury to the leg, or from standing for prolonged periods of time.
Treating Varicose Veins
Because varicose veins tend to worsen without treatment, it is necessary to address the condition, and the sooner the better. At the onset of the condition, patients often respond to non-surgical treatments such as the use of compression socks or by simply keeping the legs elevated as much as possible. More extensive or complicated cases of varicose veins may require medical therapy or surgery.
The Vascular Institute of New York uses the most advanced treatments available to treat varicose veins. Two of the most effective, completely painless, outpatient treatment options are sclerotherapy, utilizing an ultra-thin injection needle; and stab avulsion, the removal of long segments of varicose veins through incisions so tiny they do not require any stitches to close.