There is Help for Minneapolis Men and Women Suffering from Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins affect more women than men. In fact, it is estimated that 25 percent of women in the United States have varicose veins. Pregnancy and obesity are two things that can put people at risk for developing a varicose vein in St. Paul. People who stand for a long time may also be at an increased risk for developing varicose veins. Furthermore, patients who have thrombophlebitis are more likely to develop varicose veins. Thrombophlebitis is a condition that occurs when a blood clot develops in one or more veins.

Swollen, visible veins are the most common sign of varicose veins. People may also notice a heavy feeling in their legs. Additionally, varicose veins can be painful.

Varicose veins have a tendency to get worse. The good news is that there is varicose vein treatment in Minnesota available. Endovenous laser ablation is one of the treatment options that is available for people who have varicose veins. This procedure involves using laser energy to seal a varicose vein shut. It typically takes about an hour to complete and is performed under local anesthesia.

Sclerotherapy is another treatment that can remove varicose veins. This procedure involves injecting a sclerosant into the veins. The scleroscant causes the inner lining of the vein to become irritated. This causes the veins to close. No anesthesia is needed and one treatment can be completed in 15 minutes. Patients typically have to get four treatments.

Varicose veins can also be treated with mini-phlebotomy. Mini-phlebotomy involves making small incisions and removing the varicose veins. It is performed under local anesthesia. Patients can return to their normal activities after this procedure, but they will need to wear compression stockings for two or three weeks after their procedure.

Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins are caused by weakening of the veins and valves in the legs. When the valves in the veins do not properly keep blood flowing from the legs up to the heart, blood begins to collect in the legs resulting in the buildup of pressure. The veins become enlarged and knotted and are visible near the surface of the skin. In most cases, varicose veins are not serious and do not cause problems; however, they can lead to other health conditions such as blood clots and circulatory problems.

Varicose veins typically appear in the feet, ankles and throughout the legs. They can cause pain, swelling, heaviness, itching and cramps. Most cases do not require medical treatment unless there are serious complications associated with the veins. Chronic inflammation may occur and will require medical care if the veins become ruptured. Many cases of varicose veins are treated with self-care techniques such as elevating the legs and sufficient exercise.

Although most cases do not cause discomfort or warrant immediate concern, many people are bothered by the unsightly appearance of varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a procedure that uses tiny needles to inject the veins with a chemical sclerant to harden the veins and help them fade away. The treatment lasts about 15 to 30 minutes in length and is performed every four weeks. Some patients see satisfactory results within one treatment while others with more severe cases may benefit from more sessions.

Endovenous laser ablation uses a laser fiber to insert through the skin directly into the vein. The laser heats up the lining of the vein causing it to shrink and fade away. This procedure is more commonly used on larger varicose veins and treatment can take less than an hour to perform.

A procedure called a mini phlebectomy may be used in conjunction with other therapies to treat large, bulging varicose veins. Tiny incisions are made into the skin and superficial veins are removed using vein hooks. It is performed under local anesthesia so pain is minimal. Compression stockings may be used after treatment to minimize any bruising and swelling.

 

Causes of Varicose Veins

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Veins are the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to the heart. Generally, they carry deoxygenated blood away from the tissues. There are valves inside of veins that help blood move towards the heart. In varicose veins, the valves do not work correctly, and some of the blood does not leave the veins. The blood builds up inside of the veins and causes the veins to become enlarged.

Some of the conditions that cause varicose veins are pregnancy, congenitally defective valves, and blood clots. Standing for long periods of time can cause an increased risk of developing varicose veins or worsen the condition. Women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins than men.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

Patients who are diagnosed with varicose veins are generally advised to wear support hose, refrain from standing for long periods of time, and to raise their legs when resting. Three of the most commonly used procedures to treat varicose veins are sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, and vein stripping.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting the veins with a special solution that causes the veins to shrink and disappear after a few weeks. The procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser beam to cauterize varicose veins.