Non Surgical Vein Treatment in St. Louis
What are Varicose Veins?
Veins that are lumpy, tangled, and enlarged are often called varicose veins. Easily seen just under the skin, they usually range in color from dark purple to bluish green as a reflection of the blood volume within the vessel. These varicose veins are unsightly and in some cases, painful. They can be found anywhere in or around the body but are most often associated with the legs and feet.
Varicose veins are primarily an inherited disorder made worse in people who spend much of their working days on their feet. Women are more frequently affected by varicose vein disease compared to their male counterparts. Vein disease can affect 30-50 percent of the American population.
What Cases Varicose Veins?
Unlike arteries, veins do not have a “pumping heart” pushing blood thru its lumens. Your veins have to rely on a system of one-way valves in coordination with the surrounding muscular contractions to help push the venous blood back in one direction. Back towards the heart against gravity. When functioning properly, the venous system is the matching counterpart to the arterial circulation. This is how the blood circulates.
However, in many people, this system of valves starts to breakdown, resulting in a backflow of venous blood within the affected vein. When this happens, the blood begins to pool within these defective veins. This starts to slowly dilate the veins while also making it more difficult for the vein to carry blood back to the lungs. This congested blood is what gives the varicose veins their characteristic bluish-purple color. Venous blood is also highly corrosive due to the metabolic waste products that it carries. It is this corrosive nature of venous blood that when allowed to remain stagnant within the defective vein, gives rise to an inflammatory process within the vein lumen. As the level of inflammation continues to increase over time, it will eventually result in not only an increased level of congestion in the vein, but also discomfort for the vein owner. This is why Vein disease is falsely labeled as a “cosmetic” disorder” when in fact, it is entirely a circulatory defect.
Varicose veins is primarily an inherited disorder that can be exacerbated by any condition that increases the pressure in the lower body, particularly the legs such as but not limited to:
- Obesity
- Long periods of standing
- Pregnancy
- Constipation, especially if it is chronic
- Tumors
A sedentary lifestyle does not routinely result in varicose veins. Deconditioned muscles as a result of this sedentary lifestyle, however, can exacerbate the symptoms that result from vein disease. This is because muscles that are atrophied (not well developed) are not as efficient at moving blood through the veins as muscles that are stronger. For instance, sitting with your legs crossed does not actually cause varicose veins, but it can exacerbate their symptoms.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Symptoms of varicose veins can vary from person to person and include:
- Dark bluish, purple blood vessels that are found just below the skin, typically in the legs, especially the calf.
- Pain, tenderness, or aching in the legs.
- Swelling in the ankles and calves, especially after being on your feet for long periods.
- Night time leg cramping
- Restless legs at night
- Heaviness and fatigue in the legs that typically worsen as the day progresses
How Can I Treat Varicose Veins?
Mild cases of varicose veins can find relief using compression stockings to support the legs when standing for long periods. Anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful when the legs are sore and aching. More advanced cases of varicosity require a varicose vein doctor in St. Louis.
Dr. Vidal Sheen specialized in the non-surgical treatment of varicose vein disease utilizing Endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
