|
Varicose Veins
-
Varicose Veins are bulging veins of the leg, and can be caused by what is known as Venous Reflux.
The leg has two venous draining systems.
- The deep veins which are deep in the muscles and are the most
important draining veins of the legs.
- The superficial veins, which are somewhat of a backup system
for the deep veins.
They may be painful and unattractive. Surgery may be recommend
for people suffering from varicose veins.
What causes varicose veins?
The veins of the legs have one-way valves in them which allow
blood to return from the feet towards the heart and do not allow blood to back up down to the ankles. When the
valves do not function well, back pressure occurs in the veins and the blood reverses it's flow and pools toward
the ankles. This causes distention of the veins of the legs and can lead to varicose veins as well as aching and
fatigue in the legs after standing for long periods of time. As this ultimately progresses you will start to develop
discoloration and leather like changes around the ankles, called statious dermatitis and can eventually
develop ulcerations in the legs which are known as venous statious ulcers. The veins may become very painful
and feel very hard.
Smaller veins arranged in spider web fashion may also appear.
These are known as “spider veins.” Weak vein valves can occur in people who stand for long periods of times. Weak
vein valves are also thought to run in families. Heredity or family history may be important in the development
of varicose veins.
Measures that help the blood flow toward the heart can be very
helpful in preventing or improving varicose veins. These include elevating the legs
while resting and wearing elastic stockings. Exercising may also help.
If none of these measures helps alleviate the symptoms, Dr. Niedzwiecki can consult with you on his practices Minimally Invasive
treatments.
Previously, the gold standard treatment for this venous reflux
was to have surgical vein stripping of the legs which is a surgical incision in the groin finding
the abnormal vein and a plastic rod is passed down the vein. When the rod pushes against the skin at the knee,
a second incision is made at the knee and the rod is slightly pulled out. The vein is then secured to the rod at
the groin and the rod is pulled out essentially ripping the vein from underneath the skin, turning it inside-out
in the process. This leads to great amount of pain and bruising with a fairly long recovery time.
Options to Surgical Vein Stripping
Minimally Invasive Treatments
 Click here for Closure treatment.
Click here for EVLT treatment.
Click here for Sclerotherapy treatment.
Where do I Call for a Consultation?
Please Call us TODAY at 727-791-7300 if you have any questions. We're looking forward to helping you .
|
Email This Page to a Friend