What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can occur for a variety of reasons, including age, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as standing for long periods of time or being overweight. The veins in the legs have to work against gravity to send blood back to the heart, and over time the walls of the veins can become weak and stretched. This can cause the valves in the veins to become less efficient, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. The increased pressure in the veins can cause them to bulge and become twisted, which is what we refer to as varicose veins. Additionally, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause can also increase the risk of developing varicose veins. Though not always painful, varicose veins can cause aching, itching, and fatigue in the legs, and can be unsightly. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures to surgical treatments.
Why Should You Treat Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a common medical condition in Montana and can cause discomfort, swelling, and skin changes. They are also a sign of underlying circulatory problems, which can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. Treatment for varicose veins is important for maintaining good leg health and preventing complications. Here at Missoula Surgical Associates, we strive for our patients to live a happy, healthy life doing the things they love, like enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Montana. Early treatment is recommended as it is easier to treat varicose veins when they are in their early stages. Montanans should take their varicose veins seriously and seek professional medical advice to determine the best treatment options available. With proper care and treatment, Montanans can enjoy good leg health and reduce the risk of developing complications.
To read more about the importance of treating varicose veins, click here.
Ways to Minimize Varicose Vein Symptoms:
Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps improve circulation and strengthen the muscles in the legs, which can prevent varicose veins. Luckily, Montana has endless outdoor activities to get you moving!
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra pressure on the veins in the legs, which can increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods: Prolonged standing or sitting can cause blood to pool in the legs, which can increase the risk of developing varicose veins. This is especially important for individuals working a desk job. So remember to get up and stretch your legs once every hour! The benefits go beyond preventing varicose veins.
Elevate your legs: Elevating your legs above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling and improve circulation, which can prevent varicose veins.
Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins and keep your legs healthy and pain-free.
To read more about minimizing symptoms, click here.
What treatment options does Missoula Surgical provide?:
Laser Vein Therapy is a non-surgical laser procedure that eliminates varicose veins without anesthesia or downtime. Treatment involves the insertion of a thin fiber directly into the diseased vein, which delivers laser energy to close the vessel and seal it shut. Treated veins are typically superficial vessels that handle less than five percent of the blood flow in the area, so blood can easily be rerouted to healthy veins nearby.
Sclerotherapy is considered the “gold standard” in spider vein treatment. Spider veins occur when small vessels near the surface of the skin become enlarged, resulting in a visible network of red or blue lines. Spider veins get their name because the networks often resemble a spider’s web or a starburst pattern. While spider veins are rarely more than a cosmetic concern, their unsightly appearance often leads patients in search of treatment.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sterile sclerosing agent directly into the spider vein which causes the vessel to close and disappear. The treatment involves little discomfort and can be completed in our office in less than 30 minutes. Patients are able to return to activities as soon as the procedure is over. Sclerotherapy can greatly improve the appearance of the legs, giving patients renewed self confidence to show their legs during the warmer months of spring and summer.
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation: Ultrasound imaging is used to guide a very narrow tube called a catheter inside the diseased vessel. The catheter delivers radiofrequency heat to the vein wall, which shrinks the wall and closes the vessel. Once the vein is closed, blood can be rerouted to healthy veins nearby.
Similar to VenaCure EVLT, Venefit Closure is a 45-minute office procedure that does not involve any downtime afterward. Patients experience little or no discomfort or scarring after the procedure. Venefit may also be covered by Medicare and many other insurance providers, if the patient has symptoms associated with the varicose veins.
Microphlebectomy is a safe and effective treatment for the removal of medium to large varicose veins which are swollen, twisted veins easily seen on the surface of the skin. It is also known as ambulatory phlebectomy as this procedure is almost always performed in the outpatient setting with the patient going home the same day. This procedure uses a series of tiny, micro incisions between 1-3mm in length to remove portions of the problem vein and is commonly used in conjunction with other vein removal procedures to yield the best cosmetic results. It is significantly different than vein stripping surgery as it does not require general anesthesia. This procedure may take 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the individual’s varicose veins.
To learn more about how we assist you in managing varicose veins, visit: https://msurgical.com/minimally-invasive-surgery-procedures-missoula/veins/