Varicose veins are unsightly, bulging blood vessels most often appearing in the legs. For some patients, this is a painful condition. Other people never develop symptoms but seek ways to reduce the appearance of these veins for cosmetic reasons. Several qualified physicians offer varicose vein treatments Somerville, NJ residents can rely on for help.
More women than men seem to develop this condition but anyone can have varicose veins. When the blood attempts to flow away from the heart instead of towards it, it pools. Tiny valves keep blood flowing in the right direction but they wear out over time. Sometimes the blood vessel walls are weak due to age or the effect of certain female hormones. Some evidence indicates excess pressure caused by obesity can deform veins.
Most people who experience discomfort with this condition report they have aching legs and itching near the affected veins. For some people, the condition becomes worse as they grow older. On rare occasions, the condition can lead to other complications, including excessive bleeding, venous ulcers, and changes to skin color.
Many of the methods physicians use to treat this condition do not require the patient to stay overnight in the hospital. This keeps costs lower and makes treatment accessible for more individuals. The majority of the accepted procedures can take place in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis.
Doctors often prefer to have patients attempt various lifestyle changes first before proceeding to other options. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity may help if the patient is overweight. Individuals should try to avoid sitting down or standing without taking frequent breaks. They should also elevate the legs whenever they can. Compression stockings are special garments that exert pressure in certain areas to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Certain patients will not be suitable candidates for laser or radiofrequency ablation. For these individuals, sclerotherapy may produce the desired results. The doctor injects foam directly into the varicose veins. The foam causes scar tissue to form inside the vessel, which blocks blood flow. In both sclerotherapy and ablation, the body automatically redirects blood to healthy veins and the damaged veins no longer bulge out.
For severe cases, surgeons can offer a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping. This procedure takes place in a hospital setting but rarely requires an overnight stay even though the patient must have a general anesthetic. Patients should consult with a qualified physician for a complete physical examination and review of the various treatment options before deciding if they want to undergo treatment to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is crucial before agreeing to any medical procedure.
More women than men seem to develop this condition but anyone can have varicose veins. When the blood attempts to flow away from the heart instead of towards it, it pools. Tiny valves keep blood flowing in the right direction but they wear out over time. Sometimes the blood vessel walls are weak due to age or the effect of certain female hormones. Some evidence indicates excess pressure caused by obesity can deform veins.
Most people who experience discomfort with this condition report they have aching legs and itching near the affected veins. For some people, the condition becomes worse as they grow older. On rare occasions, the condition can lead to other complications, including excessive bleeding, venous ulcers, and changes to skin color.
Many of the methods physicians use to treat this condition do not require the patient to stay overnight in the hospital. This keeps costs lower and makes treatment accessible for more individuals. The majority of the accepted procedures can take place in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis.
Doctors often prefer to have patients attempt various lifestyle changes first before proceeding to other options. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity may help if the patient is overweight. Individuals should try to avoid sitting down or standing without taking frequent breaks. They should also elevate the legs whenever they can. Compression stockings are special garments that exert pressure in certain areas to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Certain patients will not be suitable candidates for laser or radiofrequency ablation. For these individuals, sclerotherapy may produce the desired results. The doctor injects foam directly into the varicose veins. The foam causes scar tissue to form inside the vessel, which blocks blood flow. In both sclerotherapy and ablation, the body automatically redirects blood to healthy veins and the damaged veins no longer bulge out.
For severe cases, surgeons can offer a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping. This procedure takes place in a hospital setting but rarely requires an overnight stay even though the patient must have a general anesthetic. Patients should consult with a qualified physician for a complete physical examination and review of the various treatment options before deciding if they want to undergo treatment to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is crucial before agreeing to any medical procedure.
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