Varicose veins, those unsightly, twisted and sometimes painful leg veins are not only a cosmetic concern; they can impact the quality of day-to-day life.
Varicose veins are the result of weak or damaged vein valves, which open as blood flows to the heart and shut to stop blood from flowing backward. Varicose veins – and their less conspicuous variety, spider veins – can become painful and contribute to leg fatigue and restlessness. Left untreated, varicose veins can cause inflammation, ulcers, skin rashes, redness and itching. In rare cases, varicose veins can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a severe and sudden swelling in the legs requiring immediate medical attention.
“Treating your varicose veins can not only improve your appearance, it can relieve mounting symptoms and avoid future complications. Minimally invasive treatment options can wipe out the varicose vein problems quickly and efficiently,” said Joseph V. Lombardi, MD, FACS, Head of Vascular Surgery at Cooper University Hospital.
Though both men and women are vulnerable to developing varicose and spider veins, women are four times more likely to get them. While there are things you can do to lessen your chance of developing varicose veins, certain factors contribute to the susceptibility: multiple pregnancies, obesity, heredity, sedentary lifestyle, hormones and aging.
“Varicose veins are commonly seen as people age. Veins have a tendency to lose elasticity, causing them to enlarge and become varicose. We also see varicose veins appear during pregnancy, when blood volume increases, causing circulation changes,” said James B. Alexander, MD, FACS, Cooper’s Vice Chief for Education, Department of Surgery.
If you are one of the 40 million people in the United States with troublesome varicose veins, there are minimally invasive and effective treatments to solve the problem.
Treatment Options at the Cooper Vein Center
A painless and non-invasive ultrasound test is completed to provide an accurate diagnosis. Vascular surgeons from the Cooper Vein Center will discuss the best course of treatment for your individual needs. In some cases, a combination of procedures will deliver the best results.
Several options are available for the removal of your varicose veins, and all are minimally invasive and performed in Cooper’s out-patient offices. Most patients are back on their feet in as little as a day or two, and can resume normal activities within a week.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) delivers heat to the vein wall, shrinking and sealing off the vein. RFA requires no incisions and is performed under local anesthesia.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) uses ultrasound guidance of laser energy to collapse and seal off the damaged vein. No surgical incisions are made and the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure injecting a solution directly into the vein. Over time, the vein will fade. Multiple injections may be needed to treat the vein, depending on its size and location. Recovery takes approximately five days.
Phelebectomy is used when larger veins become swollen and inflamed. Physicians remove individual vein clusters from the leg through a series of small incisions. This minimally invasive procedure is done under local anesthesia using micro-instruments and magnification. No stitches are required and patients are typically back on their feet immediately.
Compression stockings may also be suggested to support the veins, prevent swelling and stop the blood from flowing backward.
Self-Help Tips
“While you cannot control some of the factors contributing to varicose veins, there are some things that can be done to prevent or lessen the problem,” Dr. Alexander said. He offers these tips:
Watch your weight and your diet. Maintain a low-sodium/high-fiber diet. You can increase your daily fiber through whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, be sure to include your recommended allowance of vitamins and minerals.
Exercise regularly. Incorporate more exercise and activities into your day and you will not only boost your circulation and lessen the chance of developing varicose veins, but your overall health will improve.
Watch how you sit and stand. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed at the knees, standing or sitting for long periods of time, or wearing tight garments that inhibit circulation.
Talk with your physician. Always speak with your physician before making any lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Your physician will discuss how best to approach incorporating these tips into your life.
The Cooper Vein Center has vascular surgeons at five convenient locations — Camden, Marlton, Willingboro, Voorhees and Washington Township — to assess and treat your varicose veins. The staff at Cooper Vein Center will provide appropriate documentation to submit to your health insurer.
For more information on treatments available for varicose or spider veins, or to schedule a consultation to explore which procedure might be right for you, call 856.342.2151.