Leisure World News

Leisure World News • Golf • November 2022 39 By Dr. Collin Johnston Why do varicose and spider veins usually appear in legs? There are a few reasons, including the following: • Gravity plays a role. When you’re standing or sitting for long periods, the blood in your legs has a more challenging time flowing back up to your heart, which can cause the veins to become enlarged and twisted. • Hormones. Hormones play a role in the development of varicose and spider veins. Estrogen and progesterone can weaken vein walls and valves, leading to blood flow problems and pooling in the veins. • The vein walls in your legs are thicker than in other parts of your body. The thicker walls make them more susceptible to damage and less able to handle the increased blood flow that comes with pregnancy, obesity, and other factors. When do varicose veins become painful? If you have a varicose vein in your legs, you may have experienced some pain or discomfort. Varicose veins can become painful for several reasons. The most common reason is when the valves in the veins stop working properly, and blood starts to pool in the vein, which causes the vein to become enlarged and twisted, leading to pain, heaviness, and cramping. Another factor is how close the vein is to the surface of the skin. Veins that are closer to the surface are more likely to cause pain because they are more easily irritated by clothing or other objects contacting them. How are painful varicose veins treated? There are several ways to treat painful varicose veins, depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, lifestyle changes may be all that is needed. Lifestyle changes that can help reduce the pain associated with varicose veins include: • Wear loose-fitting clothing. • Elevate your legs when possible. • Exercise regularly. • Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Wearing compression stockings can also help to reduce pain and swelling and prevent the formation of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. However, if these measures do not provide enough relief, treatment options include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or surgery. If you are dealing with painful varicose veins, proper treatment can provide relief from your pain and improve the appearance of your leg veins. How painful is varicose vein treatment? Varicose vein treatment can be uncomfortable, but the pain is usually manageable. Most people report feeling a dull ache or throbbing during the procedure. Some people also experience cramping, stinging, or burning sensations. There are ways to minimize discomfort during treatment, so ask about them before your procedure. With proper preparation and care, you can ensure that your treatment is as comfortable as possible. What are the safest & painless vein treatments? When it comes to vein treatment, there are many different options available. Here are four of the safest and most painless: 1. Varithena® (Foam Sclerotherapy) Foam sclerotherapy, also known by the brand name Varithena®, is an FDA- approved foam sclerotherapy solution. It contains polidocanol, which helps to close off the affected vein. Varithena® is injected into the treated vein using a special catheter. The catheter delivers the solution directly to the vein, which helps to minimize side effects. 2. VenaSeal Venaseal is a new procedure that uses a medical adhesive instead of a sclerosing agent to close off the affected vein. The adhesive is delivered through a small catheter and seals the vein shut, then rerouting blood to nearby healthy veins and providing symptom relief. 3. Cosmetic Sclerotherapy Treatments Cosmetic sclerotherapy is a treatment option to improve the appearance of small veins called spider veins, or small varicose veins. A solution is injected into the veins, causing them to collapse and fade from view. 4. Radiofrequency Ablation Radiofrequency ablation treatments are procedures that use heat to destroy the affected veins. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and radiofrequency energy is delivered through the catheter. The heat damages the walls of the vein, causing them to collapse and seal shut. Which of these treatments is right for you will depend on various factors, including the severity of your condition and your personal preferences. Conclusion: Varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. But they don’t have to be a permanent fixture on your legs. There are many safe and painless treatments available today. If you’re looking for a safe, painless solution to your varicose vein problem, consider one of the four treatments we’ve outlined. Our board-certified vein specialists have extensive experience and would be happy to discuss treatment options to help you choose the best course of action for your situation. Contact Vein Envy today at (623)- 233-1050. Mention Leisure World for a free consultation and free compression stockings. We are less than a mile from Leisure World! Dr. Collin Johnston is a board-certified physician with specialty training in vascular procedures. He is based at Vein Envy of Mesa: 130 S. 63rd St. Suite 101. Mesa, AZ. 85206. Varicose Veins and Spider Veins in Legs