What are varicose veins?
Also known as varicosities, varicose veins occur when your veins become engorged and dilated as they overfill with blood. You may notice that your veins appear raised, discolored, and swollen.
Varicose veins, which affect almost half of the adult population, develop when your veins don’t properly function. Usually, one-way valves in your veins encourage blood flow by preventing the backward flow of blood. But sometimes, these valves fail, and blood starts pooling in your veins.
While any of your veins can become varicose, usually, the veins in your lower legs become most problematic. These veins are the furthest from your heart, and the counteracting effects of gravity make it harder for blood to circulate back up towards your heart.
Why do I have varicose veins?
Women most commonly develop varicose veins because of hormonal changes that occur throughout pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal birth control use, although men can struggle with varicose veins, too. You are more likely to have varicose veins if you:
- Are over age 50
- Are obese or overweight
- Have a personal history of blood clots
- Have a family history of varicose veins
- Stand on your feet for extended periods for work
Without proper treatment, varicose veins can leave your legs feeling heavy, achy, and sore. Because varicose veins can become so uncomfortable, it’s important to come into We're So Vain at the first sign of vein problems, so Dr. Azia can evaluate you and talk with you about your treatment options.
What is the treatment for varicose veins?
Treating varicose veins depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Dr. Azia carefully designs your varicose vein treatment plan to ensure it’s going to be entirely effective. He generally recommends any of the following therapies to treat varicose veins:
- Sclerotherapy
- Echosclerotherapy
- Endovenous ablation
- Mechanical chemical ablation
- Ambulatory micro (stab phlebectomy)
Once Dr. Azia treats your varicose veins, he counsels you about preventive measures you can take — like wearing compression socks — to lower your risk of varicose vein issues in the future.
You won’t have to live with uncomfortable varicose veins another day with the help of We're So Vain. Schedule your varicose vein evaluation by using the online booking tool or by calling the office today.
