While varicose veins are unsightly and embarrassing, they can also cause pain and other symptoms that you might not be aware of. The Center for Venous Disease is at the frontier of varicose vein treatment, and can offer you the best care possible.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are veins that are close to the surface of the skin that have become swollen and distorted. This is a result of weakened valves in the legs, which, when working properly, send blood back up to your heart. Instead, the blood pools in the valves, causing pressure and swelling of the veins.
The causes of varicose veins are many, though the most common being age. Over time, the valves within veins weaken, and while it is not life-threatening, it can be bothersome and painful.
What Makes Varicose Veins Painful?
While many with varicose veins experience no symptoms at all, some people will have mild to severe symptoms, such as pain, swelling, itching, or open sores. The pain usually occurs at certain times, such as after long stretches of standing or sitting due to changes in pressure.
Open sores are a more extreme symptom, and there is usually a spot of discoloration that appears before the sore. This open sore, or ulcer, is caused by extreme pressure within the vein. An opening occurs so the pressure can be lessened – your body’s way of dealing with the crowding.
How to Treat Varicose Veins
While wearing compression stockings and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing can help with the pain and discomfort, they only offer short-term relief, and can be difficult to incorporate into your lifestyle.
Previously, a very invasive surgery was the only way to remove the offending veins. Now, due to technological advances, the Center for Venous Disease is able to offer a minimally invasive alternative with similar results. The key to dealing with varicose veins is to get to the “root” of the problem – veins are a network of branched vessels, with a “trunk”. Instead of masking the symptoms, the VNUS ClosureFast procedure helps the veins to constrict from the inside, making the troublesome veins disappear.
Even if you are not experiencing pain or other symptoms with your varicose veins, the Center for Venous Disease can help. With doctors experienced in venous disease, the Center can come up with a treatment plan that will relieve pain, build your confidence and allow you to show off your legs without fear!