Varicose veins refer to enlarged, twisted, and swollen veins that appear blue and dark purple. They happen anywhere in the body but are most common in the legs and occur when blood flows in the wrong direction due to a faulty valve in the vein. A varicose vein is caused by increased blood pressure, family history, obesity, old age, pregnancy, smoking, and leg injury. Most varicose veins are comprehensively evaluated and treated by Ariel Soffer MD, FACC, and his team to destroy damaged veins and improve your leg health, bringing comfort to run your daily activities.
Symptoms
According to Dr. Ariel, nearly one in every five adults in the United States experience twisted and bulging varicose veins in their legs accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Veins look twisted, lumpy, and swollen.
- Veins become blue or dark purple.
- Legs feel heavy after any exercise and aches.
- Skin in the affected area becomes red, itchy, and dry.
- Restless leg syndrome.
- Leg cramps when standing up.
- Irregular whitish patches in the ankles.
- Swollen ankles.
- Bleeding and inflammation.
- Chronic venous insufficiency due to improper exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between the skin and blood.
Diagnosis
Dr. Soffer conducts a physical exam to check the swelling on your leg and then conducts a duplex ultrasound as follows:
- Doppler tests are ultrasound scans to check the direction of blood flow, blood clots, and obstruction in the veins.
- Color duplex ultrasound scan measures the speed of blood flow and provides color images of the vein structure to help the doctor identify any abnormalities.
Treatment
If you are bothered by the sight of the varicose vein and the discomforts, Dr. Ariel and his team at Soffer Health Institute will help you choose the right treatment for you after a comprehensive evaluation. The treatments are non -invasive and minimally invasive treatment as follows:
Non-invasive treatments
In the early stages of varicose vein, the doctor may recommend you to increase your daily exercise, make changes to your diet and do the following:
- Elevate your legs above the level of your heart to help keep blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomforts.
- Wear compression stockings every day to prevent blood from pooling since the elastic stocking squeezes the veins.
Minimally invasive treatment
These are procedures used to remove untreatable varicose veins. They include:
Sclerotherapy
A salt or chemical solution is injected into the varicose veins to scar and close them.
Endovenous ablation
A catheter is inserted into the vein in which a small laser is threaded and positioned on top of the target vein to deliver short energy bursts to heat up the vein and seal it.
Radiofrequency ablation
Small incisions are made in larger varicose veins, and radiofrequency energy heats the vein causing its walls to collapse and effectively closes it shut.
Ligation and stripping
Two incisions are made on the groin to remove the vein and seal it back.
Talk to a Varicose Vein Specialist Today
Some people with varicose veins may not experience discomfort and are not bothered by their appearance. If you are affected and highly bothered by the appearance of the varicose vein and the discomfort is unbearable, book an appointment with Dr. Soffer, and his team at Soffer Health Institute will comprehensively evaluate you and provide proper treatment for your leg health.
