Varicose Veins

If varicose veins bother you whether they are causing pain or stopping, you from wearing your outfits don’t wait to seek treatment. Our providers at Advanced Heart and Vascular Center of New Mexico offer several types of medical treatment options including sclerotherapy to endovenous ablation. To make an appointment or for more information, please contact our office.

Varicose Veins Q & A

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are bulging veins that are purple, blue, or red. They typically develop on the lower legs or thighs and occur due to poor circulation. When the vein valves in your legs don’t close all the way, your blood flows backward and pools, resulting in varicose veins.

Anyone can experience varicose veins, but they’re especially common in women. Though they aren’t always an issue, if you regularly experience leg pain, cramping, or itchy skin, contact Advanced Heart And Vascular Center of New Mexico right away.

What factors increase the risk of varicose veins?

Several factors increase the risk of varicose veins, including:

·        Pregnancy

·        Weight issues

·        Being 50 or older

·        Menopause

·        Standing for long periods

Varicose veins have genetic components. For example, if your parents had varicose veins, you’re more likely to experience them as well.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins appear knotted and rope-like. As they grow in size, you might experience pain and swelling or feelings of achiness or heaviness in your legs. If you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes or peripheral artery disease, you might also experience skin discoloration or an open wound, like a diabetic ulcer.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

To diagnose varicose veins, your provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if any activities like standing or exercising make them worse. 

Next, your provider carefully examines your legs, feet, and ankles. If they suspect a circulatory issue, like poor blood flow, they might recommend ultrasound testing. Ultrasound testing uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of your veins and organs. Your provider can use it to find blood clots or other potential problems.

How are varicose veins treated?

Treatment of varicose veins depends on several factors, including your age, medical history, and lifestyle. Usually, the providers at Advanced Heart and Vascular Center of New Mexico recommend conservative measures of care like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. You might also benefit from wearing compression stockings.

If you have large varicose veins and they interfere with your ability to work or exercise, your provider might recommend an outpatient vein procedure, including:

·        Sclerotherapy

·        Laser surgery

·        Endovenous laser ablation

·        Phlebectomy

Each of these procedures boasts a proven record of success and very few side effects.

To receive treatment for varicose veins, make an appointment at Advanced Heart And Vascular Center of New Mexico by contacting our office.

What are vein treatments?

Vein treatments are a group of outpatient procedures that minimize the appearance of spider veins, varicose veins, and other vein-related skin imperfections. Thanks to modern tools and treatment techniques, it’s possible to safely remove veins quickly and effectively. 

At Advanced Heart And Vascular Center of New Mexico, the providers perform vein treatments on-site. Because the procedures are minimally invasive, you can return to work, school, or other routine activities immediately following your appointment.

What type of vein treatment might benefit me?

To determine the type of vein treatment that will most benefit you, your provider reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and conducts an exam. Depending on your age and needs, they might also order ultrasound testing or another type of diagnostic imaging to assess the health of your heart and circulatory system.

To explore the different types of vein treatments, make an appointment at Advanced Heart and Vascular Center of New Mexico by contacting our office.

For more information please visit: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/09/24/being-tall-tied-to-higher-odds-for-varicose-veins