An Overview of Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins that bulge from beneath the skin. This common condition can affect both men and women and appears most often in the legs. Varicose veins can cause discomfort and make you feel self-conscious. There are, however, many treatment options available for varicose veins.

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    string(3975) "Varicose veins are unsightly, enlarged veins that bulge beneath the skin. This condition can cause a great deal of discomfort to a person, as well as make them feel self-conscious. There are a number of factors that cause varicose veins in men and women -- from bearing children to obesity to genetics. What many people may not realize is that they do not necessarily have to live with varicose veins. There are a several ways to treat the condition. Here are some commonly asked questions about varicose veins, Symptoms, and the latest advancements in treatment for the condition.
Q.  Who suffers from varicose veins?
A. Varicose veins are actually quite common and affect up to 30% of the population. They are more often seen in women who have had children although there is also a strong genetic component as well. Most patients with varicose veins have either a mother or father with a history of varicose veins. Patients that are obese and have spent long hours standing can also have a higher incidence of varicose veins as well.
Q. What symptoms do varicose veins cause?
A. Varicose veins can cause a whole spectrum of disease including pain, itching, swelling, heaviness and fatigue. In the most severe cases they can bleed or cause ulceration (skin tears) which can be quite difficult to heal.
Q.  What can be done to prevent the symptoms from varicose veins?
A. Aside from weight loss, there really is no way to prevent varicose veins. The symptoms however are quite easily treated with simple compression stockings. These come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and can be either prescription or over the counter. Only knee high compression stockings are needed in the vast majority of patients and they only need to be worn during the day. Being vigilant with them is oftentimes enough to improve symptoms and prevent them from worsening
Q.  What if the compression stockings don't work?
A. When symptoms from varicose veins do not improve with compression stockings, or patients cannot tolerate their use, it is important that they see a physician who specializes in the treatment of varicose veins. There are a multitude of different procedures to treat veins today, and the old vein "stripping" is rarely done.
Q.  What happens when you see a vein doctor?
A. Most initial office evaluations begin with a careful history and physical exam. Photographs are often taken of the leg with the varicose veins. A painless ultrasound is then typically done which allows the doctor to identify where the problem is and help to cater the treatment.
Q.  What treatments can the doctor offer for varicose veins?
A. The most common form of treatment in contemporary practice is either radiofrequency ablation or laser ablation of the varicose vein. This procedure is typically done in the office without sedation or anesthesia. A small needle is inserted into the vein after the skin in numbed and a catheter (about the size of a piece of spaghetti) is placed in the vein. The area around the vein it is numbed and the catheter is then turned on which treats the entire vein. There is minimal discomfort during the procedure and after the procedure is over the leg is wrapped up with an ace wrap for support.

Another treatment option involves injecting a medicine into the vein that chemically treats the vein. The medicine is very safe (it is essentially a soap like substance) and only takes about 5 minutes to

We hope we've answered some of your questions about varicose veins. If you are dealing with this condition or have additional questions, visit the Vein Center of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute website or call 412-802-3333 to make an appointment.

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• Frequently Asked Questions: Varicose Veins

  Find frequently asked questions about varicose veins including, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.Read More

  

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    string(4269) "With cooler temperatures on the way, you're probably not thinking about shorts and skirts. But if you have spider veins or varicose veins, fall and winter can be good times to get treatment, depending on your needs and plans.
What Are Spider and Varicose Veins?
Spider and varicose veins happen when the valves in your veins do not work properly.

Spider veins are a small type of varicose veins that usually appear as red or blue webs close to your skin. While they can change how your legs look, they don't usually cause any physical symptoms.

Varicose veins are large, bulging veins that can change how your legs look and feel. Some symptoms can include:

 	
Pain
 	
Itching
 	
Swelling
 	
Heaviness or tiredness in the legs
 	
Brown skin discoloration
 	
Skin ulcers, or wounds that do not heal

Who Gets Spider and Varicose Veins?
While they can affect anyone, they are most common in women, especially women who have had children. You may also have a higher risk of varicose veins if you:

 	
Have a family history of varicose veins
 	
Are on your feet a lot
 	
Are overweight or obese

Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment Options
In most cases, spider and varicose vein treatment can be done on an outpatient basis. Depending on your condition and symptoms, treatment may include:

 	
Compression stockings, which can help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins but will not treat the underlying cause
 	
Sclerotherapy, a series of injections that uses medication to safely close spider and varicose veins
 	
Endovenous ablation, a catheter-based procedure that uses heat to safely close varicose veins
 	
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove varicose veins

Are There Side Effects?
Most spider and varicose vein treatments can be done quickly and are usually low-risk, but some patients may have side effects.

Sclerotherapy can cause tenderness, redness, or hard lumps at the injection site and along the veins, as well as matting, or a small cluster of thin, red spider veins near the injection site.

Endovenous ablation can cause a pulling sensation, as well as tenderness, along the vein.

Surgery can cause superficial nerve damage, which causes small areas of numbness in the skin.

Other side effects can include:

 	
Bruising, scabbing, leg swelling, and rarely, small ulcers
 	
Hemosiderin staining, or a light brown discoloration of the skin in the treatment area. This typically fades over time but may take several months to a year.
 	
There is a very small risk of deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a vein deep below your skin, with any vein treatment.

When Is the Best Time to Get Treatment for Spider Veins or Varicose Veins?
Depending on your symptoms and plans, your doctor may recommend treatment several months before you'll wear clothing that shows your legs, like shorts, skirts, or dresses. For example, if you have a beach trip planned for next summer, it may be better to get treatment in the fall or winter than to wait for the spring or shortly before you leave on your vacation.

In many cases, fall and winter can be good times to receive treatment, because cosmetic side effects may resolve before you'll be back in your shorts.

To learn more about the options for spider and varicose vein treatment, call the Vein Center of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at 412-802-3333.

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• When Should I Get Spider or Varicose Vein Treatment?

  There are treatment options available for spider or varicose veins. Find out the best time of the year to seek treatment for this common condition.Read More

  

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    string(2627) "Varicose veins easier to treat than you think. They are twisted and enlarged veins you can see near the surface of your skin which can be tiny or bulging, painless or throbbing. They are most common in the legs. Nearly half of us can expect to get spider or varicose veins, especially after age 50.
Symptoms of Varicose and Spider Veins
Some people do not have any symptoms in their legs. Others may have heaviness, burning, aching or tiredness. 
What New Treatments for Spider and Varicose Veins are Available?
“The good news is that many techniques now make vein treatments more safe, comfortable, and effective,” says Ellen Dillavou, MD, head, Venous Services, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

 	
Injections: Among the newest treatments for spider veins is a polidocanol injection. “It’s a cosmetic procedure that helps collapse surface veins,” says Dr. Dillavou. “Spider veins do reoccur, though, so expect to do ‘touch ups’ periodically.” Injections also are used for larger veins and may replace older procedures like a “vein stripping.”
 	
Radiofrequency ablation: a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy seals the vein closed) is a popular treatment among her patients, says Dr. Dillavou, “because it’s comfortable and effective.”

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
“Varicose and spider veins typically don’t pose a health risk, but they may be signs of a deeper vein problem, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI),” says Dr. Dillavou. “It’s a visual cue that blood may not be flowing well from the legs to the heart.”

In more advanced cases of CVI, skin changes and ulcers can develop. “When these problems occur, they become more difficult to treat, so it’s important to always share your symptoms with your doctor,” says Dr. Dillavou.

Varicose veins are treated by Dr. Dillavou and other vascular specialists at Vein Centers in the Pittsburgh area, including the newest location at UPMC Passavant."
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• What Are Spider and Varicose Veins?

  Learn more about spider and varicose veins from the UPMC Vein Center.Read More

  

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    string(3571) "Many women first develop varicose veins during pregnancy. And while it may seem like the condition appears overnight, it's really the result of the many changes that your body experiences between conception and your baby's arrival.

Luckily, there a few things you can do to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins become weak or damaged and your veins become enlarged or overfilled with blood. These veins appear swollen and typically have a blue, purple, or red color. Unlike spider veins, they appear raised from the skin. Worst of all, varicose veins can sometimes be painful.

 	
Veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart — they have one-way valves that, when they work properly, prevent blood from flowing backwards.
 	
When a valve fails, blood begins to collect, rather than continuing to move through the body. This can sometimes result in varicose veins.

Varicose veins are more likely to occur in the veins of your lower body, because they have to fight the most against gravity.
Why Do Pregnant Women Get Varicose Veins?
Weight gain and hormonal changes contribute to varicose veins during pregnancy.

Now that you're expecting, you have a higher volume of blood to support both you and your growing baby. You also have more progesterone, which causes veins to relax, rather than maintain the tone they typically need.

In addition, the weight of your uterus and baby can press on your lower vena cava — or the large vein that carries blood to your heart. This makes blood flow more difficult.
How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?
Women with a family history of varicose veins are more likely to develop the condition than those without. Here are a few helpful hints that can help you reduce the number and severity of varicose veins during pregnancy.
Keep your feet up as much as possible
During the day, try to put your feet up on a stool or footrest when you can. This relieves pooling of blood in the legs, and makes blood flow up the leg easier.
Use compression stockings
Reach for your compression stockings as soon as you wake up in the morning. These help make up for the loss of tone in your veins, and they're particularly helpful if you spend much of your day on your feet.
Lay on your left side when you're sleeping
This takes pressure off the inferior vena cava, improving blood flow back to the heart.
Move around frequently
When you're sitting, avoid remaining in one position for too long, and don't cross your legs. Moving around and changing how you sit and stand can keep blood moving. Exercise can also reduce the likelihood that you'll get varicose veins — not to mention improve your overall health.

For more, visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute website.

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• Preventing Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

  Luckily, there a few things you can do to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy. Learn more about treatment and prevention of varicose veins while expecting.Read More

  

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