Varicose Vein Treatment in Mesa, AZ
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin. They are a very common problem, affecting half of people 50 years of age or older. The expertly trained vein specialists at Tri-City Vein and Vascular Center have extensive experience diagnosing and treating deep varicose veins. Call (480) 835-6100 to request an appointment at our vein treatment center in Mesa, AZ.
Causes of Varicose Veins
There are certain factors that can increase someone’s chance of developing varicose veins including:
- Pregnancy. The increased amount of blood in the body can cause veins to enlarge. Even if varicose veins appear during pregnancy, they usually improve within three months after delivery.
- Limited Movement. If you have a occupation where you sit for a long period of time, take breaks and walk around so your veins don’t have to work harder to pump blood.
- Age. Age affects the valves in your veins. As someone gets older, veins typically become weaker and can produce varicose veins.
- Hormonal Changes. The biggest changes in hormones occur during puberty, menopause and pregnancy.
Treating Varicose Veins
Though varicose veins don’t usually cause severe medical issues,, it could potentially lead to sores, bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis. To avoid medical complications from varicose veins, there are treatment options such as:
- Venous Ablation. This outpatient procedure is performed with imaging guidance. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein. The laser energy heats and seals the vein closed.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy. During this procedure, the abnormal vein is removed through a small incision.
- Injection Sclerotherapy. An injection with a solution that shrinks the vein is inserted into the vein.
Varicose Veins Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are veins that are large and twisted and are typically found on the legs, although they can appear on other areas of your body.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are caused by an increase in blood pressure due to blood clots in the veins.
Are Varicose Veins Painful?
While not everyone with varicose veins will experience pain, some will experience aching or cramping along with soreness, tiredness, and heaviness in the legs.
How Do You Treat Varicose Veins?
If you aren’t bothered by the look of the varicose veins or the symptoms, then treatment might not be necessary. However, treatment options can vary depending on your age, degree of the condition, and overall medical history. Here is a list of common treatments:
- Surgery
- Ligation and stripping
- Sclerotherapy
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Endovenous laser treatment
It’s important to discuss with your doctor which treatment option is right for you.
What Are the Risk Factors of Varicose Veins?
Here is a list of factors that increase your chances of getting varicose veins:
- Old age
- Being overweight
- Leg injury
- Pregnancy
- Being female
- Smoking
- Being inactive
Are Varicose Veins a Sign of Poor Health?
While varicose veins are not always a sign of poor health, they can be signs of being overweight, having high blood pressure, or having other related heart conditions. This is why it’s important to discuss with your doctor why you are experiencing varicose veins quickly.
Is Walking Good for Varicose Veins?
Yes. Since walking is a very low-impact activity, doctors highly recommend this exercise in order to maintain your blood circulation.
How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins From Getting Worse?
Here are some tips to prevent varicose veins from getting worse or even appearing in the first place:
- Avoiding prolonged sessions of sitting or standing
- Wearing compression socks
- Changing your diet (i.e. avoid foods that are high in salt) and exercise routine
- For pregnant women, sleeping on their left side may ease their symptoms
What Food Makes Your Veins Stronger?
Apples and other citrus fruits are both great options because they are high in rutin (which helps build strong veins). And as always, green leafy vegetables such as spinach are great choices too because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Schedule a Varicose Vein Treatment Consultation
The expertly trained vein specialists at Tri-City Vein Center have extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients throughout the Mesa area for varicose veins. Call to request an appointment today.