Varicose Vein Definitions, Assessment and Treatment

Researchers estimate that more than 30 million people in the United States suffer from some type of vascular disorder that often includes varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. Nearly two million seek medical assistance for a venous problem every year. By getting a medical diagnosis and treatment, patients prevent the disease processes and damage from progressing. Vein screenings involve a simple ultrasound procedure.

Venous Problems Explained

By taking the assessment, individuals may better gauge the need to seek medical help for possible venous disorders. Varicose veins are typically large, raised and appear blue, flesh-colored or red. They might also resemble twisted cords. Spider veins are thinner and more fragile-looking than varicose veins. These veins are not raised above the skin and may appear blue or red in color. Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, refers to the condition in which the venous valves no longer function. When this occurs, blood that is normally pushed toward the heart and lungs for oxygenation falls backward and begins pooling in the legs. The excessive amount of blood in the veins also causes expansion and unsightly protrusion. If allowed to progress, patients may develop skin discoloration and open wounds that do not heal without treatment.

Self-assessment

Individuals have a greater likelihood of suffering from a vascular disease if family members have ever been diagnosed with some type of varicose veins, venous insufficiency or venous reflux. Standing or heavy lifting for long lengths of time while at work are other risk factors. A general lack of exercise, excessive body weight and pregnancy are all also associated with venous problems. If experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, individuals should consider undergoing vein screenings.

• Aching or cramping leg pain
• Burning or itching of the skin on the lower legs
• Ankle or leg swelling
• A heavy feeling in the legs
• Visible varicose veins
• Skin discoloration on the lower legs or a change in skin texture
• Open wounds on the lower legs that will not heal
• Restless leg syndrome

Venous Variscosity Treatments

Depending on the severity of the condition, physicians may recommend elevating legs or wearing compression stockings. Varicose vein treatment may include a procedure known as sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the veins that shrinks the tissue. Endovenous laser treatments and radiofrequency ablations are other options that entail heating the inside of the vein to seal the vessel, which eventually disappears. If there are bulging varicose veins present, the physician may choose to remove the veins through tiny incisions. This procedure is known as ambulatory phlebectomy.

If you are experiencing one or multiple symptoms associated with venous disorders, feel free to give us a call and schedule an appointment for a consultation or a free ultrasound screening. IVC^®, your Utah varicose vein treatment specialists, perform free varicose vein screenings daily, and occasionally in the evening or weekend. Request a free varicose vein screening.

If you are dealing with varicose veins, you don’t have to suffer forever. Today’s patients can benefit from innovative treatments that take away many of the discomforts of this condition. If you are considering varicose vein treatment, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. One of the most common questions that patients ask is, “How long is it going to take me to recover?” The recovery time varies based on each individual, but there are several factors that affect the general recovery time. Type of Procedure First, your recovery time will vary based on the type of varicose vein treatment you receive. For radio frequency or laser ablations, you may have mild pain and achiness that generally resides within a week. Post Ambulatory phlebectomy, the removal of bulging varicose veins, you can expect mild to moderate pain and tenderness for a week. Typically you are able to resume normal daily activities with some restriction. Another type of varicose vein treatment Utah residents may receive is Sclerotherapy. This treatment generally has little recovery time, with mild pain, possibly occurring for a couple days. Read more about procedures here. Recovery Variables Your recovery time will be shorter if you carefully follow your physician’s instructions after treatment. Although it can be tempting to jump right back into your normal routine, make sure that you are cleared for physical activity before you become active again. After procedures, you will be required to wear compression stockings for at least one week. Wearing the stockings as directed reduces the risk of further vein problems, and this will also speed up your recovery time. Recovery Time Guidelines You will be able to resume normal daily activities immediately following your procedure, although your physician might restrict strenuous activities for a short period of time. Wearing compression stockings is required for patients who undergo vein treatments. Your physician will give you an exact time frame for wearing these stockings, but you can plan on wearing them for at least seven days. Your physician will also schedule a follow-up appointment. During this visit, he will use ultrasound to make sure that your vein has closed and you are healing properly. Whether you are dealing with severe varicose veins or smaller problems, we are here to help. If you have any questions regarding your treatment options or recovery guidelines, please give us a call. We look forward to working with you to eliminate your varicose vein issues.