VeinDirectory - "The Know"

Varicose veins are known to develop in the legs, and are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn.

Spider veins are known to be smaller, red, purple and blue vessels that may also be twisted and turning. These are more easily visible and are found just beneath the skin.

Whar are some of the causes?

There are a number predispositions a person may have in relation to varicose and spider veins:

Genetic predispostion
Occupational hazard- jobs that involve prolonged standing: nurses, beauticians, teachers and factory workers
Obesity
Hormonal fluctuations, esp during pregnancy
Use of birth control pills
Post-menopausal hormonal replacement
Predisposition to blood clots
Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen including tumors, constipation and externally worn garments like girdles
Other reported causes include trauma or injury to the skin, previous venous surgery and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Who Is Affected?

Varicose veins and spider veins are known to develop more often in women than in men, increasing in frequency with age. There are an estimated 30% to 60% of adults who have varicose veins or spider veins.

Symptoms?

Many complain of pain, described as an aching or cramping sensation in the legs. Other symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling or heaviness in the legs. Pain can usually be relieved by elevating the legs or by wearing support hose.

In women, symptoms may be worse during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Patients may also develop swelling, ulcers (large sores), and an increase in the pigmentation or darkening of the color of their skin, especially in the ankle region. Occasionally, varicose veins and spider veins form a painful blood clot causing inflammation of the vein called thrombophlebitis.

I will discuss some treatment options tomorrow....

There are seven major forms of treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.

1. Support Stockings. What our grandmother’s did- it is the most conservative approach, especially when the veins cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms.

2. Lifestyle changes. Nothing is better received than good skin hygiene, losign some weight and walking regularly can help treat varicose veins and spider veins.

3. Sclerotherapy. This procedure, which has been available since the 1930s, is another treatment option. This procedure uses a highly concentrated saline (salt) solution or a specially made detergent that is injected directly into the vein, causing the vein to disappear gradually over 3 to 6 weeks. The procedure is simple, relatively inexpensive and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

4. Endovenous Laser Treatment is a procedure in which a small laser fiber is inserted into the vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse. The procedure is done as an outpatient under local anesthesia.

5. Radiofrequency Occlusion. A small catheter is inserted into the vein that delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut. The procedure is generally done in an outpatient or in-office setting and may be done under local anesthesia.

6. Surgery. Surgical techniques to treat varicose veins include ligation (tying off of the vein) and stripping (removal of the long segment of vein). Another procedure, ambulatory phlebectomy, allows for the removal of large surface veins through very small incisions that do not need stitches. Surgery may be performed using local, spinal or general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day as the procedure. Surgery is generally used to treat large varicose veins.

7. Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light. Surface laser or intense pulsed light treatments, such as Vasculight and PhotoDerm, are other options. These devices use heat energy to selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins. An advantage of these treatments is that no needles or sclerosing solutions are needed, but there may be some minor discomfort. Side effects do occur, including discoloration or staining and blister formation.

Not all patients need treatment for their varicose veins or spider veins. Many people have no pain or other symptoms. For these individuals, no treatment is necessary, unless they want the veins removed for cosmetic reasons.

l found some information on this procedure. Take a look. It's very interesting!
http://www.vnus.com/navigation/patients.htm