Varicose Veins: Symptoms and Treatment

Overview

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear on the legs and feet. They occur when the valves in the veins that regulate blood flow become weak or damaged, leading to blood pooling and vein enlargement. Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue; they can cause discomfort, pain, and lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for varicose veins is essential for effective management.

How Common Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a widespread condition, affecting a significant portion of the adult population. It’s estimated that around 20% of all adults will develop varicose veins at some point in their lives. They are more prevalent in women, with nearly one in three women experiencing them, especially during pregnancy or after menopause. However, men are also at risk, particularly those with a family history of the condition, or those who spend long periods standing or sitting.

Symptoms

Varicose veins are characterized by the following symptoms:

Visible, swollen veins: These veins are often blue or dark purple and bulge out from the skin surface.

• Pain and discomfort: Many people with varicose veins experience aching or heavy legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.
• Swelling: The ankles and feet may swell, particularly at the end of the day.
• Itching or irritation: The skin over the varicose veins may become itchy, and in severe cases, ulcers can develop.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins:

• Age: As you age, the veins lose elasticity, causing them to stretch. This can weaken the valves in the veins.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, partly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, pre menstruation, or menopause.
• Family history: A family history of varicose veins increases the risk.
• Obesity: Excess weight adds pressure on the veins.
• Standing or sitting for long periods: This can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of varicose veins.
• Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing varicose veins typically involves:

Physical examination: Your doctor will visually inspect your legs for signs of varicose veins while you stand.

Ultrasound: This imaging test helps check the blood flow in your veins and detect any blood clots or valve malfunctions.

Difference Between Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, thin blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin, forming a web-like or tree-branch pattern. These veins are usually red, blue, or purple and are most commonly found on the legs, thighs, and face. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not bulge above the skin and are typically considered a cosmetic issue rather than a medical concern.

Management and Treatment

Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms.
• Elevating your legs: Raising your legs when sitting or lying down can reduce swelling.
• Compression stockings: These help improve blood flow and alleviate pain and swelling.

Medical Treatments

• Endovenous Thermal Ablation (EVTA): EVTA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to close off varicose veins. By sealing the affected veins, blood is rerouted through healthier veins, relieving symptoms and improving circulation.
• Laser Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to close varicose veins, promoting better blood flow.
• Injection Therapy (Sclerotherapy): Involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to scar and close. Over time, the treated vein fades as blood reroutes to healthier veins.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical removal of varicose veins may be necessary.

Complications

If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications such as:

• Ulcers: Painful sores can develop on the skin near varicose veins, usually around the ankles.
• Blood clots: Varicose veins can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition where blood clots form in deeper veins.
• Bleeding: Varicose veins close to the skin surface may burst, causing minor bleeding. Though rare, this can become a medical emergency if it occurs.

Prevention

Preventing varicose veins involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves blood circulation in your legs.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing excess weight can decrease pressure on your veins.
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting: If you must stand or sit for long periods, take regular breaks to move around.
• Wear compression stockings: These help veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently.

Care at York Rehab Clinic

At York Rehab Clinic, we offer specialized care for varicose veins using the latest treatments, including laser therapy and injection therapy (Sclerotherapy). Our experienced team ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific condition.

Laser Therapy

Our laser therapy is a safe and effective way to treat varicose veins without surgery. This non-invasive procedure uses focused light energy to heat and close off the varicose veins, promoting healthier blood flow.

Injection Therapy (Sclerotherapy)

Sclerotherapy is another effective treatment offered at York Rehab Clinic. This procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to scar and collapse. Over time, the treated vein fades as the body naturally reroutes blood through healthier veins.

Why Choose York Rehab Clinic?

• Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in treating varicose veins using advanced techniques.
• Personalized Care:We create customized treatment plans to meet your specific needs.
• Convenient Location: Located in Richmond Hill, we are easily accessible to patients across Ontario.

To learn more about our varicose vein treatments or to schedule a consultation, contact York Rehab Clinic today at 416-350-1940.