With
spring break shorts and swimsuit season here, many people are
showing off their legs for the first time in months, and for
some, that also means deciding what to do about varicose
veins.
The
bulging purple or blue lines may be simply a cosmetic issue,
or they could be a sign of a serious medical problem, says
Mayo Clinic Emeritus vascular surgeon Peter Gloviczki, M.D.
"Twenty
to 25 percent of Americans have varicose veins and about 6
percent have more advanced venous disease including skin
changes or, occasionally, ulcerations," says Gloviczki,
who helped develop Society for Vascular Surgery and American
Venous Forum guidelines for the treatment of varicose veins.
"Evaluation of varicose veins with ultrasound is an easy
and accurate way to assess the need for treatment. New,
minimally invasive therapy is available today that is
effective and is performed as outpatient treatment."
Varicose
veins are virtually impossible to prevent, Gloviczki says.
Like their smaller cousins — spider veins — varicose veins
typically appear in the legs, ankles and feet, because
standing and walking put more pressure on veins in the lower
body. The loss of vein elasticity through aging may cause
varicose veins, and pregnant women often develop them. People
who are obese, sit or stand a lot or have a family history of
varicose veins are also likelier to get them.
Enlarged
veins can ache, itch and burn, and patients with such
discomfort should have a physician check whether the varicose
veins are a sign of more serious medical problems, Gloviczki
says. Varicose veins can lead to swollen legs, skin changes,
bleeding from varicose veins, blood clots (phlebitis) and
ulcers. Exercising, losing weight and elevating the legs can
ease pain and prevent varicose veins from worsening. Special
hosiery called compression stockings that squeeze the legs,
improving blood flow, is often suggested before medical
procedures are pursued.
For the
majority of patients, varicose veins are merely unsightly.
They can opt to have cosmetic work, but it may be difficult
for consumers to know which options are safe and best.
Gloviczki advises people to screen treatment providers’
credentials rather than simply choosing someone based on a TV
ad or billboard. Checking for membership in a credible
national medical organization, looking up a provider’s
history on the state medical licensing board website and
seeking recommendations from one’s primary physician are
some of the ways consumers can find a sound specialist to
treat varicose veins.
"New
therapy with radiofrequency or laser is safe and effective,
but such procedures should be done after careful evaluation,
in selected patients only," Gloviczki says.
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