Overview

Varicose veins occur when vein valves weaken, causing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. While often considered a cosmetic issue, they can also have an emotional impact, affecting confidence and daily comfort, and may lead to serious conditions if untreated. Common causes include age, prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, and genetics. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and compression stockings to advanced procedures like laser and radiofrequency ablation.

How to Get Rid of Varicose Veins: A Complete Guide from a Specialist?

You might notice the swollen veins on your legs and you think you are the only one whereas varicose veins are a problem for millions of Americans.

If you sit at a desk all day or if you like to play sports or if you just do not take care of yourself the first thing you need to do to feel better is to go see a varicose veins specialist​.

Varicose veins might seem like a cosmetic problem but if you do not take care of them they can become a serious medical issue. To get the diagnosis and treatment you should go to a good vein clinic in Bethlehem, PA like MVM Health.

So what, exactly, are varicose veins?

They are twisted veins. They happen when the little valves in your veins don't work right, which causes blood to pool and stretch and bulge the walls of the veins.

Although they are usually dismissed as a cosmetic issue, the varicose vein diseases may also advance into a serious medical problem if they are not treated. A visit to a reputable vein clinic in Bethlehem, PA can be of great importance in the diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The causes of varicose veins are:

High-impact sports or leg injury may also cause the dysfunction of venous valves over time, even in healthy persons, especially in athletes.

Types of Varicose Vein Diseases

Diseases related to varicose veins do not impact all individuals equally. Upon visiting a specialist working with varicose veins, the following diseases will be tested:

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): When the veins or valves in your legs don’t function properly. This slows the return flow of blood to your heart.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): It is a clot that forms in one of your veins. It is a problem that requires medical assistance.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis: This is when a clot forms in a vein near the surface. It can hurt. It is usually not as bad as Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Venous Skin Ulcers: If varicose veins are untreated, these can develop. Bad blood flow can lead to wounds around your ankle that won’t heal. Varicose veins and Venous Skin Ulcers are related. 

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

The fact that treatment for varicose veins​ has improved is good news. The available ones today are mostly minimally invasive, do not need much or any downtime, and are long-term.

Conservative Treatments (First-Line Approach)

• Compression Stockings: These are used with varicose veins since they are very effective since they make the veins work better since they compress the leg in a gentle manner. The most common form of treatment for varicose veins is compression stockings.
• Vitality and Movement: Walking, swimming, and cycling are exercises that stimulate the pumping of the calf muscles and, in this way, assist in pumping blood upwards through the veins.
• Raising Legs: The legs should be raised above the level of the heart for 15-20 minutes at a few instances every day to reduce the pressure in the veins and swelling.
• Weight Management: Shedding off a small part of weight may greatly decrease the venous pressure and may delay the advancement of the varicose veins.

Medical and Minimally Invasive Treatments

In case of the ineffectiveness of conservative treatments, the varicose vein doctor specialist may choose one or several of the following treatment options:

• Sclerotherapy: In sclerotherapy, a needle is inserted into the diseased vein, and a special fluid is injected into it.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): It is a procedure whereby a small fiber of laser is placed into the varicose vein, and therefore, it gets heated, thereby closing the vein.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This technique is also similar to laser treatment except that radiofrequency heat is applied. 
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This is the removal of small parts of the varicose vein using small skin holes. 

When Should You See a Varicose Veins Specialist?

The following are the indications of when you cannot wait and must make an appointment with a vein doctor specialist:

• Your legs feel sore, stiff or tired especially when you have been sitting or standing for a time.
• Your ankles or legs are swollen.
• The varicose vein discolored your skin, hardened or inflamed it. 
• Your legs ache, stiff or fatigued when you have been sitting or standing for a time.
• Your skin has darkened, hardened or become irritated due to the varicose vein.
• One of your veins is red, warm or hurts because of a clot.

Living with Varicose Veins: Day-to-Day Tips

You should take into account the following habits between doctor visits: 

• You should get up. Move around often, do not sit or stand for too long.
• Wear socks that squeeze your legs especially when you are traveling or working for a long time.
• Drink a lot of water and it helps your blood move. Makes it thinner.
• Legs slightly raised when sleeping, it is well to put a pillow beneath the ankles.

In the case of an athlete, you should talk to your varicose vein specialist about your training program.

Conclusion

Varicose veins are not as rare as they may appear. The good news is that it is not as difficult to treat as you would think. It can be the infrequent ache or the more pronounced and painful protruding veins that are standing in the way of your life, but they can be relieved.

Looking into your options for a specialist for varicose veins at MVM Health will be a first step and with offices in East Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, King of Prussia and Reading, it is easy to do.

You are ready to take the step so book an appointment now and get rid of the problem of varicose veins.

FAQ: Varicose Veins Your Questions Answered.

Q1: What is the main cause of varicose veins?

The main cause of varicose veins can be a damaged or defective valve. Genetics, standing for a time, pregnancy and age are also important factors.

Q2: Most effective varicose vein treatment?

Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are treatments for varicose veins.

Q3: Where can I find a doctor for varicose veins near me?

We have experts in care serving in these areas:

• East Stroudsburg
• Bethlehem
• King of Prussia
• Reading

If you are in Pennsylvania, they can help you with varicose veins. MVM Health provides extensive assessments of veins and tailored treatment strategies to feel and look your best.