varicose veins

What Causes Varicose Veins?
Both arteries and veins carry blood. It is common to confuse the difference between the two. Arteries carry the oxygen rich blood from the heart to its target organ, whether that be the stomach or the brain or a leg. Oxygen depleted blood travels back to the heart and lungs by way of the veins. Our legs have hundreds of one way valves which allow the blood to travel back toward the heart. Upon standing the valves close in order to keep the blood from traveling backwards down the legs. When valves leak (reflux) the blood travels backward down the legs.

This reversal of blood flow results in high pressure within the veins with subsequent enlargement and tortuosity of veins. Overtime the veins appear ropy and tend to bulge. The symptoms of varicose veins are due to pooling of blood within dilated veins and also the high pressure within the veins. This condition always progresses and often leads to complications such as skin damage, blood clots, ulceration and rarely spontaneous bleeding.

How Common are Varicose Veins?
Varicose and spider veins are very common and result in a variety of symptoms. The condition which is the result of leaking valves is inherited approximately 70% of patients. Other risk factors include a history of blood clots, leg trauma and multiple childbirths. It is estimated that approximately 80 million Americans are affected by varicose veins. For women age 40 – 50 approximately 40% are affected. 15-20% of men in the same age group are affected. By the age of 70 approximately 70 % of women are affected. In general the problem increases with age.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
The symptoms vary from person to person but include the following:

Leg Aching, heaviness, and tiredness that is worse at the end of the day
Leg Swelling that is worse at the end of the day
Leg Cramps at night
Itching
Burning
Restless Legs
Blood Clots
Psoriasis type skin rash on lower legs
Leg Ulcers
Spontaneous bleeding

Treatment of Varicose Veins

Recently there has been several new and exciting developments in the treatment of varicose veins.
These include:

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
European Microphlebectomy
Radiofrequency Perforator Closure
Visual Sclerotherapy
Surface Laser Sclerotherapy