Varicose veins are the most common vein issue among adults in Covington, Louisiana. They can be unsightly and uncomfortable, but luckily, there are several ways to manage them. If you’re diagnosed with varicose veins, the first thing to do is decide whether or not you want treatment. Not all cases of varicose veins require surgery. If you opt for treatment, your doctor may want to treat one leg at a time so that your body doesn’t develop resistance to the drugs. Book an appointment with a reliable Covington varicose veins specialist.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that bulge under the skin. They’re most often found in the legs and feet but can appear anywhere on your body where there are veins.
Varicose veins can sometimes lead to more severe conditions such as blood clots, skin ulcers and infections, and changes in the color or texture of your skin. Some people may experience pain and discomfort from the veins, but this is not common.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
The valves in your veins help move blood back towards the heart by preventing it from flowing backward. Blood can leak into the tissue when these valves weaken or damage and form a varicose vein.
Who Is at Risk for Varicose Veins?
Anyone with a family history of these veins is at increased risk. Other factors that can increase your chances of developing varicose veins include obesity, age (they’re more common as you get older), pregnancy, and standing for long periods.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Your doctor can often diagnose varicose veins by examining your skin and the circumference of your legs with a measuring tape. If they suspect that you have more severe vein problems, they may order tests such as an ultrasound, venous reflux testing, or an MRI.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
You can try treatments at home to improve the appearance of varicose veins, but be sure to let your doctor know if you’re doing anything that could affect your treatment plan. You should also tell your doctor if the problem worsens or does not respond to treatment.
A varicose veins specialist will consider procedures such as sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is the most popular solution for varicose veins because it’s effective with minimal recovery time. During this procedure, your doctor injects the vein with a chemical that causes it to collapse and stick together over several weeks. This prevents blood from leaking into the tissue. Because your body absorbs the injected chemicals, this procedure doesn’t require surgery or general anesthesia.
The recovery process is quicker than other procedures because there are no incisions or stitches to remove. You may need up to six treatments for the best results. Treated veins usually stay collapsed and compact, but you’re more likely to develop new varicose veins in adjacent.
Best Practices When Living with Varicose Veins
Here are some essential aspects of sticking to when living with varicose veins;
- Keep your legs and feet elevated when possible.
- Compression stockings may be helpful in some cases.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods, especially with your legs bent.
- Wear shoes that fit well and don’t rub against your skin.
If you’re struggling with varicose veins or feel like your risk for them is increasing, there are several ways to manage the condition. If surgery isn’t an option, your doctor may suggest sclerotherapy which can be done without general anesthesia and has minimal recovery time. To reduce the appearance of varicose veins in the meantime, keep compression stockings on hand or elevate your legs when possible.
