Leg veins are a nuisance that affect over 40 million Americans. Not only can leg veins create cosmetic concerns, but if left untreated, they may lead to long-term health problems. Additionally, many people don’t understand that the seemingly unrelated symptoms they experience (such as leg heaviness, swollen legs at the end of the day, night cramps, or aching and restless legs) may actually be associated with vascular issues in their legs. For some individuals, these issues can lead to further health problems that can have serious medical complications.
The two most common types of leg veins are varicose and spider veins also known as telangiectasia. When the one-way valves inside the veins that are responsible for circulating blood toward your heart become weak or damaged, the veins become swollen, twisted, and visible just under the skin. If the valves stop functioning properly, blood may begin to pool inside the veins, causing significant swelling and lack of oxygen to nearby tissues.
Varicose veins are most commonly found in the lower extremities but may occur in other parts of the body as well. Spider veins, however, are smaller vessels that are visible under the skin and can be found on the legs, chest, abdomen and face. Spider veins are typically red, blue, or purple, and are considered more of a cosmetic concern rather than a potential health risk. But, even the smallest spider veins can cause symptoms of leg achiness and when traumatized can bleed or discolor the surrounding skin.
The Health Problems Associated with Pronounced Leg Veins
There are several factors which can predispose a person to develop varicose veins and spider veins. These include the following:
- Genetics
- Occupations that involve a lot of standing (e.g. nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and factory workers)
- Obesity
- Hormonal transitions due to pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
- Birth control use
- Postmenopausal hormonal replacement
- A history of blood clots
- Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen, such as tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles
If left untreated, patients with varicose veins are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as blood clots. Patients with DVT are at a higher risk of a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. In many cases, these blood clots travel from varicose veins in the legs toward the lungs. The clots within the veins can become inflamed, a condition known as thrombophlebitis which is very painful.
Additionally, patients who don’t seek a leg vein treatment are at risk for developing non-healing skin ulcers. The symptoms of a leg vein ulcer may include pain, itching, and swelling in the affected leg, as well as discolored or hardened skin around the ulcer. These types of leg vein ulcers are chronic and may recur if left untreated.
The Best Leg Vein Treatments
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of best leg vein treatments to reduce the appearance of varicose and spider veins and decrease the risk of associated health problems. Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure in which a medicine, known as a sclerosing agent (Asclera™ or Sotradecol™) is injected into the feeder vein. The feeder vein is the primary culprit in causing smaller veins to become impaired and become visible under the skin. The sclerosing agent dissolves the inner lining of the vein, allowing the body to absorb it.
Sclerotherapy if often used to treat varicose and spider veins anywhere on the legs, including the ankle, lower leg, and upper thigh veins. Even veins on the chest or hands are easily treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a short, minimally invasive procedure that provides long-lasting results. Learn more about injectable vein treatments at WebMD.com.
CTEV Leg Vein Treatment
Developed with the help of Dr. Goldman, the CoolTouch CTEV is a minimally invasive way to get rid of unsightly varicose veins in the legs. This innovative vein treatment uses an endovenous ablation method with a special laser fiber paired with an infrared 1320 nm wavelength device. The CTEV treatment targets water in the walls of the vein, which allows the vein to be completely dissolved and eliminated without the need for surgical removal. This innovative laser treatment is ideal for patients who have varicose veins in the lower extremities. It has replaced the old fashioned “ligation and stripping “ procedure and is performed under local anesthesia near painlessly with the patient wide awake, feeling nothing.
CTEV laser treatments provide patients with long lasting results, reduced recovery times, less pain, and decreased risk of infection.
Contact the Leg Vein Treatment Experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego Today!
Eliminate unsightly varicose veins and spider veins and reduce associated health risks by contacting Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to schedule a consultation for the best leg vein treatments. We’re conveniently located in San Diego’s UTC area, minutes away from La Jolla, Del Mar, and Downtown.
Next, read The Right Treatments for Stubborn Leg Veins
The post It’s Time to Take Your Leg Veins Seriously appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.
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