Top Questions About Varicose Veins
Getting accurate information from a reliable source about a medical condition is of the utmost importance. Therefore it is always best to address your questions and concerns with a professionally qualified and experienced vein specialist in Houston, Texas.
Varicose veins are a common medical complaint that are not usually considered serious or life-threatening. And yet as is typical with any type of medical complaint, those suffering from it will have many questions about the condition. Patients will want to know about the causes, what treatment options are available and how the condition will affect their lives.
Here are a few questions you might want to put on your list when consulting a vein doctor.
What is the main cause of my varicose veins?
Varicose veins are the result of increased blood pressure in veins typically found near the surface of the skin. To gain a better idea of why this increase in blood pressure in the veins happens, you must understand how blood is channeled through the veins.
Blood flows towards the heart via one-way valves found in veins. When these valves become damaged, blood flow is hindered and that blood starts to pool in the valve, increasing the blood pressure in the veins and causing them to become enlarged.
Another significant cause of increased blood pressure in veins is standing or sitting for extended lengths of time. This undue pressure allows the veins to stretch which can lead to valve damage.
What are the risk factors of getting varicose veins?
Some people are more predisposed to developing varicose veins than others. There are many biological and lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins.
- Gender – More women than men are at risk of developing varicose veins. This is mainly due to the hormonal changes the female body endures during times of transition women go through.
- Excess weight – Extra weight places more strain on the lower parts of the body which increases the likelihood of varicose veins.
- Pregnancy – The high levels of estrogen in the body during pregnancy impact the strength of veins. Estrogen causes veins to relax which may lead to leaking. Also with pregnancy, the uterus expands to accommodate the baby’s growth which also puts added pressure on veins.
- Family history – Vein doctors also believe that genetics do play a part in whether you are predisposed to varicose veins. If a close family member had varicose veins, then your chances of having the condition are higher. Maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle are ways to minimize this likelihood.
What is the most serious complication associated with varicose veins?
For the majority of those with varicose veins, the condition is not serious. The main problem most people have with varicose veins is that they are unsightly. But in some cases, there are complications that can arise from varicose veins. While not dangerous, symptoms such as pain, tenderness, itching and aching can be experienced.
The complications linked to varicose veins include phlebitis, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), dermatitis and other complications of the skin, venous ulcers, and bleeding. The severity of these complications may differ in each patient. A rare yet potentially fatal complication is a pulmonary embolism which is linked to DVT.
Are varicose veins permanent?
While frustrating as this may be, varicose veins do not simply go away without medical attention. Sometimes symptoms may disappear temporarily, especially when steps were taken to lose weight or increase physical activity, but the symptoms will often reoccur with time.
Medical attention at a vein treatment center is necessary. There are numerous modern medical interventions to treat varicose veins that are minimally invasive. The most common forms of treatment include Sclerotherapy, laser therapy and light therapy.
Once varicose veins are successfully treated, the treated vein will not return. However, a possibility exists that new varicose veins may form.
Why choose Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists?
Patient education is an important part of any medical treatment process. It is imperative to choose a vein specialist who takes the time to address patients’ questions and concerns. At our vein center, Dr. Michael Bardwil, a vascular surgeon, and vein specialist, is renowned for the very high standard of care and attention given to patients. If you have concerns about your veins or are looking for a qualified vein clinic for treatment, please make us your first choice. Call today to schedule your initial evaluation.
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