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Tag: how to treat varicose veins

Although varicose veins are mostly reported by middle-aged women, studies show that they also affect between 17 and 45 percent of men. These veins are cosmetically unattractive, and appear as ropy, blue or purple blood vessels bulging out of the skin. Perhaps because women are more concerned about their appearance than men, and the fact that their clothes are more revealing, they are more likely to seek treatment for varicose veins from a vein specialist.

How Do Varicose Veins Affect Men? | Vein Specialist in Ventura & LA

Men, on the other hand, are less aware of the appearance of varicose veins. This is especially true for men who workout a lot, as bulging veins are a sign of masculinity and a good fitness session. Even when the veins cause pain and discomfort, one can easily dismiss the symptoms as muscle fatigue after exercises.

However, the bulging, ropy veins may be varicose veins that can develop into serious vein complications if left untreated.

Reasons to treat varicose veins

Failure to treat varicose veins can lead to a number of problems, including:

  • Ulcers – Ulcers can form from scrapes or cuts that don’t heal properly. They are very painful, and often form around the varicose veins on your ankles. One of the early signs of ulcers is skin discoloration around the varicose veins.
  • Blood clots – These often lead to swelling in the legs, which in turn results in leg heaviness, fatigue, and restlessness.
  • Bleeding – The bulging veins are more vulnerable to breakage as they’re very close to the surface of the skin.
  • Infections – The bleeding opens up your skin to infections

Get your varicose veins treated today

It is important that you get your varicose veins assessed and treated as soon as you notice them. If you’re not ready for treatment, Dr. Shah of the Center for Vein Wellness may recommend a few lifestyle changes and activities to improve blood flow and thereby reduce their visibility.

Some common treatments include changing your fitness routine, losing weight, stretching often if you sit or stand for extended periods, keeping the legs elevated when resting, and wearing compression sleeves. If the veins are causing complications, Dr. Shah may recommend a minimally invasive treatment like sclerotherapy or ablation.

Please visit the Center for Vein Wellness for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Although varicose veins are hereditary, they can also be caused by other factors that strain the veins in your legs, like pregnancy, surgery, trauma, obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting. These veins do not necessarily cause pain, which may prompt some people – especially men – to ignore them if they can conceal them with clothing.

Do You Need to Remove Varicose Veins? | Varicose Vein Treatment

If left untreated, varicose veins cause a myriad of symptoms like pain, leg heaviness, fatigue, and general discomfort. In severe cases, they can lead to more complicated conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), ulcers, and skin discoloration, among others. So how should you deal with varicose veins?

Removal is not the only treatment for varicose veins

As soon as you realize that you have varicose veins, it is important that you contact the Center for Vein Wellness to schedule a consultation with a vein specialist. Dr. Shah will assess your condition and identify the root cause of the varicose veins. If caused by lifestyle factors, the doctor may first recommend a few months of self care at home.

Self care involves:

  • Regular exercise
  • Taking regular breaks to stretch your legs if you stand or sit for long periods
  • Elevating the affected area whenever you’re resting
  • Using custom compression stockings

Further Treatment through vein removal

If your varicose veins are causing symptoms or complications, Dr. Shah may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to get rid of the troublesome blood vessels.

You will discuss the best treatment for your case depending on the size of the varicose veins, their position, severity of the complication, and your general health. The procedures include radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and sclerotherapy.

Varicose Veins Treatment for Pregnant Patients

Expectant mothers often get varicose veins due to the increased strain in the blood vessels around the pelvis and abdomen. If they were there before, they may become more noticeable during the pregnancy period because of the strain and increase in progesterone hormone production. If your varicose veins are causing problems, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah to discuss the best treatments that pose the lowest risk to your pregnancy.

No one should have to live with unsightly varicose veins or other venous problems until they cause painful symptoms and complications. The Center for Vein Wellness offers many options for their treatment. Please visit us to discuss your case.