Everything You Need to Know About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can worsen if left untreated and lead to more serious medical conditions. Fortunately, treatments exist, including simple lifestyle changes.

Who Gets Varicose Veins?

Genetics play a role, varicose veins can run in the family. They can appear at almost any age, typically from age 30 onward.

Some situations increase the chances of developing varicose veins:

• Obesity puts pressure on the legs and can contribute to varicose veins.
• Pregnancy can cause varicose veins. Most of the time, the veins return to normal within a year after giving birth. Having more than one pregnancy may lead to permanent varicose veins.
• Work or lifestyle that causes standing or sitting for long periods can lead to varicose veins.

“Women have varicose veins about twice as often as men,” said Dr. Chait. “They may develop them during pregnancy and not think twice about them unless, later in life, they begin to have other symptoms.”

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

If you have varicose veins, getting relief from symptoms may be easier and less painful than you think.

Lifestyle Changes to Relieve Varicose Veins

Your physician may recommend some or all of these ways to relieve pain or swelling from varicose veins:

• Exercising regularly — Strengthening the muscles in your legs can help prevent more varicose veins from appearing.
• Compression stockings —These squeeze the legs to help blood flow. You can buy over-the-counter stockings or get prescription ones. Talk to your physician about the right kind for you.
• Raising your legs and feet — Since sitting or standing can worsen varicose veins, try elevating your legs and feet whenever possible.
• Taking breaks from sitting or standing — Moving around every 30 minutes or so also gets muscles moving, improving blood flow from your legs to your heart.

Medical Treatments for Varicose Veins

Other treatments may take place in a physician’s office, a hospital or an outpatient center. Depending on your situation, a physician may recommend one or a combination of these treatments:

Endovenous Thermal Ablation

 A minimally invasive procedure (also known radiofrequency therapy) to treat varicose veins. A physician seals off the varicose veins with a laser or high-frequency radio waves. Closing off the varicose veins allows healthy veins to restore normal blood flow.

Non Thermal Ablation Techniques:

Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Closure - Uses a specialized medical-grade glue delivered via a tiny tube (catheter) to seal the valve.

Mechanochemical Ablation Uses a rotating wire tip to mechanically disrupt the inside of the vein while a chemical solution (sclerosant) is simultaneously injected to close it.

Additional treatments include:

• Sclerotherapy — A physician injects a solution or foam into the veins to scar and close them. The veins fade over time. This happens in the physician’s office without anesthesia. Sclerotherapy usually requires multiple treatment sessions. Afterward, patients wear bandages and support hose for up to a week.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy — A physician makes small incisions along the path of an enlarged vein, with the patient under local anesthesia.
• High ligation and vein stripping — A physician ties off or removes veins, then removes them through small incisions. You may have this procedure in a hospital or an outpatient facility.

“After these treatments, patients may have swelling, redness, bruising, soreness or skin color changes around the treated areas,” said Dr. Chait. “However, side effects are usually temporary.

Find Varicose Vein Treatment at Catholic Health

Talk to your primary care physician if you are concerned about varicose veins. They can suggest treatment or, if needed, refer you to a vascular medicine specialist for more advanced care.

Call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362) to find a Catholic Health physician near you.

FAQ/People Also Ask

Can men get varicose veins?

Yes, men can get varicose veins because risk factors like genetics, obesity and sitting or standing for long periods happen for men as well as for women. Men can also get a type of varicose vein in their scrotum called a varicocele.

Does treating varicose veins prevent others from happening?

Procedures can make varicose veins fade or disappear. But these procedures don’t prevent other varicose veins from forming.

Does age affect chances of getting varicose veins?

Yes, age can increase the likelihood of varicose veins. As we age, vein walls lose their flexibility. Time also increases the wear and tear on veins. Weaker muscles needed to pump blood from the legs to the heart can lead to varicose veins in older adults.