Varicose veins are rarely a medical concern, and they rarely need any treatment. But you do not need to tolerate them if they make you feel uncomfortable or less attractive. To explore the type of treatment that works for you, consult the Upper East Side varicose veins specialists at The Vein Institute.
What should you know about varicose veins?
Varicose veins are the enlarged, twisted, ropelike purplish vein that occurs on the surface of your skin. They often appear at the back of your legs due to the long-standing and walking periods.
Varicose veins occur when your valves become faulty, leading to the backward flow of blood. Over time the blood accumulates in your veins leading to the appearance of unsightly veins. In most cases, varicose veins are not a cause for alarm, and they rarely cause any symptoms. But they are painful, or you are uncomfortable with them, you can consult with your doctor about the available treatment options.
How are spider veins different from varicose veins?
Spider veins and varicose veins are forms of venous disease, but they are different. Spider veins are small, twisted, web-like veins that often appear on the face or behind the legs.
On the other hand, Varicose veins are large, ropelike veins that often bulge above the skin surface. Spider veins rarely cause any painful symptoms, but you can get treatment if they affect your self-confidence.
When should you inform your provider about varicose veins?
If you develop varicose veins, do not be alarmed because they are rarely a sign of severe health conditions, and they rarely cause any life-threatening symptoms. However, if you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Itching in the affected or surrounding veins
- Pain that deteriorates after standing or sitting for long
- Skin discoloration on the surrounding area of the varicose vein
- Muscle cramping, swelling, and throbbing in your legs
If you are also concerned about how these unsightly veins affect your physical appearance, you can also contact the professional team at The Vein Institute for treatment.
How should you prepare for your treatment?
There is not much to do in preparation for your appointment. Your provider may require you to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to avoid elevating the discomfort after the procedure.
If you are nervous about the treatment, inform the medical team beforehand so that they may use a mild sedative to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. You should also tell your provider if you are taking any supplements or medications, as these can trigger bruising at the treatment site.
How can you treat varicose veins?
Your treatment depends on how severe your varicose veins are. In most cases, Dr. Bhusri may recommend wearing compression stockings and raising your legs at certain intervals during the day. Additionally, taking short walks improves blood circulation, reducing the visibility of varicose veins.
However, if you have severe varicose veins, Dr. Bhusri may recommend advanced treatments such as VenaSeal, radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy. These procedures seal the affected veins and redirect blood to healthier veins.
Call Dr. Bhusri or set up an appointment online for more information about varicose veins.
