Many patients complain about unsightly veins that occur in their peripherals. Most of the time, varicose veins are blue or purple. These twisted and enlarged veins appear when blood accumulates in the legs due to malfunctioned valves. Physicians usually perform comprehensive assessments to appreciate the underlying cause of patients’ Upper East Side varicose veins. This helps develop an appropriate treatment plan to improve blood flow in the legs, eliminate any unsightly veins and thus promote self-confidence.
What is the cause of blue and purple veins in the legs?
The veins are critical blood vessels in the cardiovascular system. These blood vessels transport blood to the heart from body tissues. Venous blood usually flows at relatively lower pressure compared to the arteries. For this reason, veins have valves that prevent the backflow of blood by closing. Unfortunately, there are patients with malfunctioned valves in the legs that do not restrict blood from flowing backward. For this reason, blood accumulates in the veins causing enlargement and twisting of these blood vessels, specifically those in the legs.
How do physicians treat varicose veins?
Patients must seek treatment for their varicose veins to restore their appearance and improve mobility. The following are some treatment plans physicians develop to manage varicose veins in patients:
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Conservative treatments
Spider veins may not require invasive treatment options for most patients with mild varicose veins. Physicians may recommend home remedies like wearing compression stockings to provide relief. Medical treatment may be necessary for a patient who wants to eliminate symptoms like pain and swelling. For this reason, physicians may prescribe over-the-counter medications to address these concerns.
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Surgery
Treatment plans may include invasive options, especially when patients want cosmetic improvement by eliminating the unsightly veins. A surgical approach is ideal for more prominent varicose veins and does not require hospital admission unless performed on both legs. Physicians recommend laser treatments to close off damaged veins and redirect blood into healthier surrounding blood vessels. Laser treatments involve exposing varicose veins to intense bursts of light, eliminating the veins by fading them off, thus causing them to disappear.
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Ligation and stripping
Physicians start this treatment by making two incisions. The first incision is on the top part of the leg, usually on the groin. The second incision is in the lower part of the leg, usually in the ankle or knee. The next step involves tying up the top of the vein and sealing it. Physicians then thread a thin, flexible wire through the vein and pull it out from the bottom incision. Most patients do not need hospital admission after this procedure. However, bruising and swelling is a prevalent side effect of the process. It is vital for patients who have undergone ligation and stripping to wear compression stockings during the recovery period.
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Sclerotherapy
This treatment involves a physician injecting a particular chemical into the veins to scar and destroy a vein. The vein usually fades off after some time. Sclerotherapy is an ideal treatment for medium-sized varicose veins.
Contact Upper East Side Cardiology if you have varicose veins to appreciate the treatments available that could offer relief of your symptoms and thus improve peripheral blood flow.
