Leg veins: why they appear & how vein md phlebologists treat them

In the United States alone, more than 40 million people suffer from varicose veins. Twisting veins such as varicose veins and spider veins are typically a cosmetic concern. But, they can cause physical discomfort as well. This discomfort often is a sign of a more serious underlying cardiovascular condition. The good news, though, is that there are ways to easily treat these unfortunately common vein issues.

How vein doctors (phlebologists) diagnose leg veins

The diagnosis of varicose and spider veins begins with a physical examination. In most cases, a Phlebologist (a Vein Doctor) is the type of doctor you will see. These doctors specialize in treating conditions in the veins and blood vessels. They will be able to diagnose vein issues by just examining the patient. In some cases, though, ultrasound tests are conducted in order to see if the patient’s veins are functioning properly. Ultrasounds also check for evidence of a bloodclot, which might be the source of the problem.

What causes varicose and spider veins?

Twisting veins such as varicose and spider veins form when the valves responsible for controlling the flow of blood through the veins weaken, allowing blood to flow back through the vein after the valve has closed and causing the vein to stretch and twist as a result. While weakened valves are the primary cause of varicose veins, there are a number of factors that can cause the valves in a patient’s veins to weaken, including obesity, family history, pregnancy, and sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time.

What causes dvt?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition caused by a bloodclot that forms in one or more of the patient’s deep veins, typically the veins in their legs. DVT is a very serious condition since bloodclots that form in the legs carry the risk of breaking free and traveling into the heart or lungs. Like varicose veins, DVT can be brought on by a number of risk factors, including injury or surgery, prolonged bed rest, obesity, smoking, and cancer.

Common vein treatments for varicose and spider veins

At best, varicose and spider veins are unwanted cosmetic issues. At worst, they can be a source of physical discomfort and a sign of an underlying cardiovascular problem as well. Thankfully, there is a wide range of vein treatment procedures that can effectively eliminate varicose veins and the issues that cause them, including treatments such as:

• Compression Stockings – Compression stockings work to eliminate varicose veins by improving circulation in the patient’s legs. Compression stockings are used to treat less severe cases of varicose and spider veins. However, they can be quite effective in mild cases.
• Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into damaged veins that causes the veins to scar over and close off. Blood flow is then rerouted to healthy veins. Afterward the varicose or spider veins that were injected disappear.
• Endovenous Ablation – With endovenous ablation, energy from a laser or radio waves is used to destroy varicose veins from the inside out. Once the damaged veins are destroyed, blood flow is then rerouted to healthy veins.
• Microphlebectomy – Microphlebectomy is the surgical removal of varicose veins and is the procedure that is used when the veins are too large for other methods to be effective. While microphlebectomy is a surgical procedure, it is an outpatient surgery that requires only a local anesthetic and does not require a lengthy recovery process.

Siragusa’s vein clinic in nashville

If you are suffering from varicose or spider veins, the expert phlebologists at Siragusa’s Vein Clinic in Nashville, TN are able to help. From diagnosing your condition to providing the best possible treatment, our vein treatment professionals can help ensure that unattractive, twisting veins are an issue you never have to worry about again. To schedule a consultation to meet our vein physician in Nashville, be sure to contact us today.