Should I See a Vascular Doctor for My Varicose Veins?

Dec 27, 2022 VARICOSE VEINS

Bulging, twisting varicose veins are a source of embarrassment for men and women everywhere. If you have ever chosen to wear pants instead of shorts to cover up your varicose veins or feel self-conscious in a swimsuit due to patches of spider veins, Houston Vein and Vascular is here to help. You deserve to feel confident no matter what you wear, free from thoughts of unsightly varicose and spider veins.

At Houston Vein and Vascular, our vascular and interventional radiologists are committed to providing you with life-changing treatment using minimally invasive and cutting-edge therapies. While eliminating varicose veins used to be limited to a painful surgical procedure called vein stripping that required downtime, modern vein treatments can target your venous disease with minimally invasive methods. If you have ever considered seeking treatment for your varicose or spider veins, whether your concerns are cosmetic or functional, now is the time to come into Houston Vein and Vascular and learn about our nonsurgical treatment options.

What Your Veins Say About Your Health

Varicose veins are a common symptom of venous insufficiency, a common and often benign health issue that may indicate a larger circulatory problem. Our veins are responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood back to the heart after it has been distributed throughout the body. In order to send blood back to the heart where it can be reused, the veins often have to pump it upward against the force of gravity. If your leg veins begin to visibly darken or protrude from the skin, that means your body is failing to properly circulate blood out of the legs and back toward the heart.

In order to keep blood moving efficiently, the veins utilize a series of one-way valves that prevent blood from moving backward. They also take advantage of contractions in the surrounding muscular tissue to force blood in the direction it needs to go. Aging and poor health can cause the one-way valves to gradually weaken, opening up the veins to potential backflow. When this occurs, blood is free to flow in reverse and pool in the veins, causing them to fill up with blood and protrude outwards from the skin.

When Is Varicose Vein Treatment Necessary?

Varicose veins are normally just a cosmetic nuisance, but they are also a sign of a larger issue that could become serious if left untreated. If your legs have begun to swell, ache or throb on a regular basis, you may benefit from varicose vein treatment. Too much blood trapped within your veins can severely disrupt blood flow in your legs, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle or have a job that requires long periods of sitting or standing without much movement.

If you notice the development of a painful skin ulcer on your legs near varicose veins or spider veins, seek help immediately. Similarly, if you have an open sore or injury on your leg that does not seem to be healing, you should schedule treatment right away. A lack of blood flow prevents the body from sending nutrients and growth factors to injuries, meaning your body may be unable to heal. Open wounds can quickly become infected and even develop gangrene, otherwise known as tissue death.

No matter the severity of your varicose veins, venous disease always indicates the potential for serious complications in the future. If you have varicose veins but have been ignoring them because you’re not sure who to contact, give Houston Vein and Vascular a call today to schedule an appointment.

How to Eliminate Varicose Veins

Thankfully, varicose vein treatment has become simpler than ever with modern day advancements in vein care. Before you even undergo a procedure, your vein care expert may recommend some conservative methods to improve your blood flow, depending on the severity of your symptoms and your vein issues. Exercising more frequently, eating healthy and wearing compression garments can all help improve your body’s circulation, potentially eliminating some of your uncomfortable symptoms without the need for vein treatments.

If conservative methods do not provide satisfying results or you are interested in immediate improvements, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments can offer a quick solution to your concerns. With procedures like radiofrequency ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy or sclerotherapy, the experts at Houston Vein and Vascular can help you eliminate your problem veins to overcome your uncomfortable symptoms and enjoy clear, smooth legs. Each type of varicose vein treatment works differently to target venous insufficiency, and your interventional radiologist will help you decide which method is right for you after an in-person consultation.

Experience Healthier Veins at Houston Vein and Vascular

Don’t let varicose veins dictate how you feel in your own skin. Give Houston Vein and Vascular a call today at 832-350-7260 to schedule a consultation with one of our expert vascular specialists. During your consultation, your vascular specialist will evaluate your vein health and use ultrasound technology to identify problem veins and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.