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Approximately 4.5% of women suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins occur when veins in the legs become enlarged and tortuous. This results in pain, and discomfort when a person stands or walks and can also cause itching and symptoms of restless legs. The cause of varicose veins is a malfunction in the blood vessels of the lower extremities. Typically, the backflow of blood in the legs is prevented by leaflet valves within the vessels and the muscles in the area help in pumping blood back to the heart. When varicose veins occur, blood pools in the veins causing engorgement and permanent disfigurement. Fortunately, serious complications are rare. A diagnosis is made by inspection by a physician and has very little physiological effect on a person's life. Varicose veins typically occur in women and run in families. They are linked to pregnancy, obesity, menopause, aging, prolonged standing and sitting and crossing of the legs at the knees or ankles. Post menopausal women with any of the above risk factors are at the highest risk for developing the condition. One of the primary concerns of sufferers of varicose veins is the cosmetic effect. This is one of the primary reasons individuals with the condition seek a varicose vein treatment. There are surgical and non - surgical treatment options available. Non- surgical options include use of elastic stockings, elevating the legs, regular exercise, and schlerotherapy. These are all simple and low cost solutions but do not deal with the cosmetic effects of varicose veins. Surgical treatment options include a procedure called vein stripping. Vein stripping consists of removing the affected veins. This is possible because the majority of varicose veins are located in the peripheral veins and these veins account for only 10% of a leg's blood flow. Some of the newer treatments for varicose veins include laser treatments and ablation. These are typically affordable and effective. Ablation is a process in which a line is inserted in the affected vein via the guidance of an ultrasound. A radiofrequency is transmitted through the line into the vein repairing it. This a great alternative to vein stripping because it is significantly less invasive and carries a much lower risk of complications. A very low risk of skin burns at the catheter insertion site exists. Research on this method of varicose vein treatment concludes it achieves great results, is relatively pain free, and produces almost no negative unintended consequences.
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varicose veins, varicose veins treatment, venous reflux,
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