Leg Vein Treatment and Spider Vein Treatment
What causes varicose and spider veins?
Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely than men to suffer from abnormal leg veins with up to 50% of American women being affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone contribute to this condition. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester since pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.
What are varicose veins?
While arteries carry blood away from the heart to the extremities, veins, which have one-way valves, channel blood back to the heart. If the valves don't function well, blood doesn't flow efficiently causing the veins to become enlarged because they are congested with blood. These enlarged veins are commonly called spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins are small red, blue or purple veins on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are larger distended veins that are located somewhat deeper than spider veins.
Pain in the legs is frequently related to abnormal leg veins, varicose veins or spider veins. The symptoms are often made worse by prolonged standing and include feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, and restlessness of the legs. Leg swelling can also occur. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg.
Vein disorders are not always visible; therefore diagnostic techniques are important tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. In addition to a physical examination, non-invasive ultrasound is often used.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins successfully. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a medication that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed, making the surface veins appear less visible. Very little discomfort is experienced during treatment. With sclerotherapy, veins can be treated at an early stage, helping to prevent complications resulting from nontreament.
You may need anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated you may have one to many injections per session. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after treatment, however medically prescribed support hose will need to be worn for several days to several weeks after treatment to assist in the resolution of the veins. Sometimes bruising and pigmentation may occur after sclerotherapy but typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. Although pigmentation almost always fades, it can last for several months. Ulcerations and other complications are rare.
Laser/light source Treatments
There are several vascular lasers and pulsed light devices available today. A laser or light beam is pulsed onto the veins in order to seal them off and cause them dissolve. To date, these treatments are not as effective as sclerotherapy or surgery. However, they are often combined with sclerotherapy to assist in resolving very small, superficial veins. Multiple treatments are usually required.
What results can be expected?
With the evaluation and treatment methods available today, spider and varicose veins can be treated at a level of effectiveness and safety previously unattainable. Regardless of which treatment method is used, its success depends in part on careful assessment of the problem by a knowledgeable Phlebologist like Dr. Bergeron as well as by your compliance in wearing your compression stockings.
Phlebology
Phlebology is the field of medicine that deals with vein disorders. It is an established medical specialty in Europe and has since gained interest in the United States over the past 15 years. The American College of Phlebology was founded in 1985 and is the largest phlebology society in the United States . It was established to improve the standard of care related to disorders of the veins. Dr. Bergeron is a member of the American College of Phlebology.
