Varicose veins develop most often in the legs. These subcutaneous veins become so dilated they bulge out against the skin. For many people, the problem is merely cosmetic because they never develop symptoms or complications. Regardless of the reason for seeking help, patients can find varicose vein treatments Somerville, NJ residents can depend on for relief.
More women than men seem to develop this condition but anyone can have varicose veins. When the blood attempts to flow away from the heart instead of towards it, it pools. Tiny valves keep blood flowing in the right direction but they wear out over time. Sometimes the blood vessel walls are weak due to age or the effect of certain female hormones. Some evidence indicates excess pressure caused by obesity can deform veins.
While most patients do not experience pain, some do. Symptoms include aching and itching. Some patients will experience complications later in life, as the varicose veins get worse. Ulcers in the veins, bleeding, and skin pigmentation changes are possible in individuals who develop more serious cases.
Many of the methods physicians use to treat this condition do not require the patient to stay overnight in the hospital. This keeps costs lower and makes treatment accessible for more individuals. The majority of the accepted procedures can take place in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis.
Doctors often prefer to have patients attempt various lifestyle changes first before proceeding to other options. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity may help if the patient is overweight. Individuals should try to avoid sitting down or standing without taking frequent breaks. They should also elevate the legs whenever they can. Compression stockings are special garments that exert pressure in certain areas to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Another way to seal the affected veins is to inject them with a special type of foam. Some patients are not suitable candidates for endothermal ablation and may benefit from this procedure instead. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. In both procedures, the circulation system automatically compensates by bypassing the sealed veins and sending blood through healthy blood vessels.
For severe cases, surgeons can offer a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping. This procedure takes place in a hospital setting but rarely requires an overnight stay even though the patient must have a general anesthetic. Patients should consult with a qualified physician for a complete physical examination and review of the various treatment options before deciding if they want to undergo treatment to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is crucial before agreeing to any medical procedure.
More women than men seem to develop this condition but anyone can have varicose veins. When the blood attempts to flow away from the heart instead of towards it, it pools. Tiny valves keep blood flowing in the right direction but they wear out over time. Sometimes the blood vessel walls are weak due to age or the effect of certain female hormones. Some evidence indicates excess pressure caused by obesity can deform veins.
While most patients do not experience pain, some do. Symptoms include aching and itching. Some patients will experience complications later in life, as the varicose veins get worse. Ulcers in the veins, bleeding, and skin pigmentation changes are possible in individuals who develop more serious cases.
Many of the methods physicians use to treat this condition do not require the patient to stay overnight in the hospital. This keeps costs lower and makes treatment accessible for more individuals. The majority of the accepted procedures can take place in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis.
Doctors often prefer to have patients attempt various lifestyle changes first before proceeding to other options. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity may help if the patient is overweight. Individuals should try to avoid sitting down or standing without taking frequent breaks. They should also elevate the legs whenever they can. Compression stockings are special garments that exert pressure in certain areas to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Another way to seal the affected veins is to inject them with a special type of foam. Some patients are not suitable candidates for endothermal ablation and may benefit from this procedure instead. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. In both procedures, the circulation system automatically compensates by bypassing the sealed veins and sending blood through healthy blood vessels.
For severe cases, surgeons can offer a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping. This procedure takes place in a hospital setting but rarely requires an overnight stay even though the patient must have a general anesthetic. Patients should consult with a qualified physician for a complete physical examination and review of the various treatment options before deciding if they want to undergo treatment to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is crucial before agreeing to any medical procedure.
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