Varicose veins are unsightly, bulging blood vessels most often appearing in the legs. For some patients, this is a painful condition. Other people never develop symptoms but seek ways to reduce the appearance of these veins for cosmetic reasons. Several qualified physicians offer varicose vein treatments Somerville, NJ residents can rely on for help.
Anyone can develop this condition but it occurs in women more often than it does in men. This may be due to the relaxing effect of female hormones on blood vessels. Veins bulge out from the skin because the blood starts to flow in the wrong direction and pools inside. The special one-way valves that direct blood flow wear out with age. Obesity exerts excess pressure on the veins and causes deformity.
Most people who experience discomfort with this condition report they have aching legs and itching near the affected veins. For some people, the condition becomes worse as they grow older. On rare occasions, the condition can lead to other complications, including excessive bleeding, venous ulcers, and changes to skin color.
Many of the methods physicians use to treat this condition do not require the patient to stay overnight in the hospital. This keeps costs lower and makes treatment accessible for more individuals. The majority of the accepted procedures can take place in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis.
Doctors often prefer to have patients attempt various lifestyle changes first before proceeding to other options. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity may help if the patient is overweight. Individuals should try to avoid sitting down or standing without taking frequent breaks. They should also elevate the legs whenever they can. Compression stockings are special garments that exert pressure in certain areas to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Certain patients will not be suitable candidates for laser or radiofrequency ablation. For these individuals, sclerotherapy may produce the desired results. The doctor injects foam directly into the varicose veins. The foam causes scar tissue to form inside the vessel, which blocks blood flow. In both sclerotherapy and ablation, the body automatically redirects blood to healthy veins and the damaged veins no longer bulge out.
Ligation and stripping is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged veins. This operation requires a general anesthetic but most patients are allowed to go home the same day. Individuals with varicose veins can discuss the options with a healthcare professional, who will perform a physical examination and advise the best way to treat the problem. Patients should be aware of all the risks involved so they can make an informed decision about treatment.
Anyone can develop this condition but it occurs in women more often than it does in men. This may be due to the relaxing effect of female hormones on blood vessels. Veins bulge out from the skin because the blood starts to flow in the wrong direction and pools inside. The special one-way valves that direct blood flow wear out with age. Obesity exerts excess pressure on the veins and causes deformity.
Most people who experience discomfort with this condition report they have aching legs and itching near the affected veins. For some people, the condition becomes worse as they grow older. On rare occasions, the condition can lead to other complications, including excessive bleeding, venous ulcers, and changes to skin color.
Many of the methods physicians use to treat this condition do not require the patient to stay overnight in the hospital. This keeps costs lower and makes treatment accessible for more individuals. The majority of the accepted procedures can take place in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis.
Doctors often prefer to have patients attempt various lifestyle changes first before proceeding to other options. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity may help if the patient is overweight. Individuals should try to avoid sitting down or standing without taking frequent breaks. They should also elevate the legs whenever they can. Compression stockings are special garments that exert pressure in certain areas to help blood flow.
Radiofrequency ablation collapses the damaged veins using radio waves. The physician inserts a special probe into the vein through a catheter. The radio waves heat the inner walls of the blood vessels and seal them tight. Blood automatically avoids the closed vein and flows through a healthy one instead. This procedure requires local anesthetic and a small incision just below or above the kneecap. Endovenous laser treatment has the same effect but the physician uses a laser to deliver the heat necessary to collapse the affected veins.
Certain patients will not be suitable candidates for laser or radiofrequency ablation. For these individuals, sclerotherapy may produce the desired results. The doctor injects foam directly into the varicose veins. The foam causes scar tissue to form inside the vessel, which blocks blood flow. In both sclerotherapy and ablation, the body automatically redirects blood to healthy veins and the damaged veins no longer bulge out.
Ligation and stripping is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged veins. This operation requires a general anesthetic but most patients are allowed to go home the same day. Individuals with varicose veins can discuss the options with a healthcare professional, who will perform a physical examination and advise the best way to treat the problem. Patients should be aware of all the risks involved so they can make an informed decision about treatment.
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