What Are Varicose Veins?
Varices or varicosities, more widely known as varicose veins, are a vein disorder that usually affects the legs, feet, and ankles, although you can also get them in other parts of your body. It is a common condition that causes enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins.
A way to discover if you have developed this vascular condition is by checking for swollen and twisted veins that are visible under the skin in a blue or purple tone. In some cases, they may feel irregular or bulge out.
👆 Pro tip: Symptoms can worsen after long periods of standing, but improve when resting your legs up.
Main Cause and Risk Factors in New Jersey
Veins are responsible for returning your blood to the heart, working against gravity to accomplish that important task. Valves within the veins ensure that blood flows in the right direction. When valves fail, blood can pool in the veins, which causes them to become varicose.
Varicosities are usually the result of weakened or damaged vein walls and valves. While there is not an exact cause for this issue, there are certain risk factors that can contribute to the development of this disease, namely:
- Lifestyle habits: Habits like sitting or standing for long periods of time, sedentarism, or tobacco use can increase the risk of developing this disease since they decrease blood flow.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition, something that is more likely to happen during pregnancy, while taking birth control, or when going through menopause.
- Injuries: Significant trauma to the legs can affect vein walls and valves, disrupting normal blood flow and leading to post-traumatic varices.
- Age: Varicosities are more likely as you get older due to veins losing elasticity, growing stiffer, or developing poor circulation.
- Family history: If this condition runs in your family medical history, it is more likely that you will develop it.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese can put extra stress and pressure on blood vessels.
The Impact of Varices
Varicosities go beyond a frivolous cosmetic concern. While the aesthetic aspect of the condition is a main cause for patients to look for medical help, the significant discomfort and health-related complications can also guide a patient straight to a specialist in New Jersey.
Medical Impact
It is possible that other symptoms may accompany your varicose veins, including:
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- Swollen ankles or legs
- Color changes in the skin
- Risks of ulcers or blood clots in severe cases
- Feelings of pain, ache, or heaviness in the legs
- Restless legs syndrome or cramping, especially at night
- Skin itchiness, dryness, or scaliness around the affected area
Learn more about Varicose Veins: Five Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Aesthetic Issues
The appearance of varicosities can be a cause of self-consciousness and a major concern for many patients, especially when the disease manifests with an irregular and bulged-out appearance. The display of the signs of the condition in visible places can cause patients to avoid wearing clothing like shorts, skirts, or swimwear. This can impact their confidence, quality of life, and prevent them from doing certain activities out of discomfort and embarrassment.
Treatment Options in New Jersey
While they’re usually not serious, varices can be accompanied by other symptoms and require treatments to help improve their condition. Receiving treatment for this condition is completely valid, not only if they’re causing problems, but also out of cosmetic concerns. If left untreated, it is possible for the disease to worsen and cause other health complications.
At University Pain & Spine Center, we offer treatment options in New Jersey that are tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Our options include advanced and minimally invasive alternatives to alleviate symptoms, improve aesthetic issues, and prevent further complications.
Sclerotherapy
This minimally invasive treatment option involves injecting a chemical solution into the varicosities to close them off. While the recovery from this procedure is quick, it can take a few weeks or months to see the results.
Varithena
This is an FDA-approved and minimally invasive treatment that also involves an injection. This alternative not only treats the appearance of legs, but also its symptoms. Varithena is meant to treat larger and deeper venous problems.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia while you’re awake. It involves generating heat waves by radiofrequency energy to the affected vein walls, causing them to shrink and seal. This alternative mostly treats superficial and large varicose veins rather than smaller ones.
Preventive Care
Apart from offering treatment options, our team also offers guidance on lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of varicosities. While our advice is adapted to your needs and habits, most approaches include incorporating regular exercise to improve circulation, manage your weight, and use compression stockings to support vein health.
Our procedures are performed in-office, typically requiring little to no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal activities quickly.
FAQ
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Generally, varicose veins are not considered dangerous. But, while for most patients this disease is mostly a cosmetic concern, it is possible that severe and untreated cases can lead to serious medical complications like ulcers, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis, to mention a few.
Who is a good candidate for varicose veins treatment?
Mostly any patient experiencing discomfort, pain, or self-consciousness due to varicose veins can be a good candidate. Patients who are allergic to the chemicals used in some of these procedures, pregnant, or have active health conditions might not be suitable for treatment. A consultation to assess your symptoms and medical history will be necessary to determine if you’re a good candidate for one of our treatment options.
How long does recovery take after treatment?
Because most of our treatment options for varicosities are minimally invasive, they require little downtime, with patients usually resuming their normal activities within a day or two.
Can varicose veins come back after treatment?
Yes. While treated varicosities are permanently closed or removed, it is possible that new varices may develop over time. This is where adopting the healthy lifestyle changes recommended by our experts to support vein health and blood circulation is key to minimize the recurrence of varices.
Are there any side effects from the treatment?
While some side effects are possible, they’re generally mild, and can include temporary bruising, swelling, or redness. Serious complications are rare when procedures like these are performed by experienced professionals.
Will my insurance cover varicose vein treatment?
The coverage will depend on whether the treatment is medically necessary. Procedures that address pain, swelling, or other medical symptoms might be covered. On the other hand, treatments for cosmetic reasons may not be. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider for specifics on coverage of treatment for varicose veins.
Find the Right Treatment Option for You in New Jersey
If varicose veins are impacting your life, whether it is because of symptoms or aesthetic reasons, you don’t have to wait to seek help. Our experts at University Pain & Spine Center are here to help you achieve a healthier quality of life and recover your confidence. Find us in our offices in New Jersey, or call us at (732) 320-9026 to find out the right treatment approach for you and take the first step towards a healthier life.
