Varicose veins are visible blue and purple lines that often appear on the lower leg and sometimes bulge and twist across the surface of the skin. They are a common problem, affecting about half of all women at some point in their lives. Men also experience varicose veins, although the symptoms may not be as visible due to body hair.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are caused by an underlying condition known as venous insufficiency. Tiny valves inside veins are responsible for keeping blood flowing in a single direction in the vein back to the heart. Over time, these valves can become damaged or simply wear out, allowing blood to pool inside the veins. This pooling results in swollen vessels and the visible signs of varicose veins.
Varicose Vein Symptoms
For some, varicose veins pose little more than a cosmetic concern. However uncomfortable symptoms can also accompany these veins, including:
- Heaviness or achiness in the legs
- Nighttime cramping
- Restless leg syndrome
- Swelling of the lower leg and foot
- Skin irritation and discoloration around the vein
- The formation of open sores, known as venous ulcers
The good news is there are many options in effective varicose vein treatment today that help you eliminate both the unsightly veins and the uncomfortable symptoms that often accompany them.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
At Arizona Vein Specialists, we offer a variety of varicose vein treatments:
Sclerotherapy – An injectable solution is administered directly to the affected vein, causing the vein walls to seal shut. The closed vein is eventually reabsorbed by the body and blood is rerouted through healthy veins nearby. Sclerotherapy is a quick, minimally-invasive procedure that involves little discomfort and no downtime afterward.
Endovenous Laser Treatment – Larger varicose veins may respond to a laser therapy known as endovenous laser treatment or EVLT. This procedure uses a thin fiber to deliver laser energy directly into the affected vein. The laser damages the vein walls so the vein seals shut. Blood is rerouted through healthy veins. EVLT is also a minimally-invasive treatment that requires no downtime.
Phlebectomy – Performed under local anesthetic, phlebectomy uses tiny incisions and a small tool to remove diseased veins from the leg in short sections. The incisions are so small; they do not require sutures. A compression garment is worn after the procedure and patients are able to return to most regular activities right away.
There is no reason to suffer the physical or cosmetic discomfort of varicose veins any longer. With many good options in varicose vein treatment, you can say goodbye to unsightly, painful varicose veins with little disruption to your daily life. To learn more about varicose vein treatment, contact Arizona Vein Specialists at 480-945-0910 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Presant.
How much does Varicose Vein Treatment Cost?
The doctor will evaluate the severity of your symptoms and discuss a treatment plan. This plan may require a venous duplex ultrasound examination. This is performed in-office to discover the cause of your venous symptoms. The examination and physician conference to interpret the results can be done on the same day, or scheduled for a later date. Please fill out the following form or give us a call at (480) 945-0910.
