Varicose veins are engorged, tortuous, green, blue, or purple veins. Varicose veins are usually found on the lower legs and feet and are more common in women and people who have a family history of vein disease. Varicose veins form when weakened or damaged veins are unable to pump blood back to the heart and blood flows backwards and collects in the veins.
What are risk factors for varicose veins?
Obesity
Older age
Pregnancy
Prolonged standing
Family history
What are the complications?
Bleeding
Blood clots
Ulcers
What is the treatment?
Thermal ablation: A laser or radiofrequency device can be used to cause thermal injury to the vein and eventually lead to absorption of the vein tissue.
Injection sclerotherapy: A solution can be injected into the veins to cause inflammation and collapse the vein network.
Adhesive ablation: A vein glue can be injected through a catheter.
Mechanochemical ablation: A rotating catheter can be inserted to agitate the vein lining while also spraying a solution to cause inflammation to collapse the veins.
Surgery: Surgery can be performed to tie the veins or remove the veins completely.
Lasers: Certain lasers can be used to treat smaller varicose veins.
General measures:
Weight loss if overweight
Moderate physical activity
If you have varicose veins and would like to discuss treatment options, our dermatologists would be more than happy to help you.
