5/19/08

(Jourdanton, TX)—Women and men alike have long dreaded the appearance of varicose veins. Not only can they be unsightly; at times they can be extremely painful.

What causes varicose veins?
Although varicose veins can be hereditary, any situation that exerts an unusual amount of pressure on the legs or abdomen for an extended period of time can cause them. Standing for long periods of time, obesity and pregnancy are some of the most prevalent causes of varicosity.
There are two separate sets of veins in the legs – surface veins and deep veins. Surface veins are the ones that become problematic with varicosity. Surface veins lie just below the skin, and are delicate and weak.
Varicosity is sometimes the result of a defective valve in the vein failing to close correctly, pulling blood back down into the vessel instead of pushing it up towards the heart. Occasionally the flow of blood from the legs to the heart is slow, due to poor circulation and blood pools in the veins as a consequence. Either of these circumstances can cause the appearance of varicose veins.

Symptoms and consequences if left untreated
Some individuals complain that varicose veins cause chronic itching or severe pain in the area. Because the flow of blood and nutrients is diminished, the skin surrounding the affected vessel can become hard and dry. In some circumstances, ulcers can form on the skin over the vein.

Prevention and pain management
Fortunately, the pain and discomfort of varicosity can be eased and the appearance of veins can be controlled, to a certain extent. Lying down, elevating legs, and wearing elastic stockings, help to offer support to dilated blood vessels and ease the swelling that causes discomfort.
Regular exercise will reduce the likelihood of inactive blood pooling in the veins. Additionally, keeping your weight down to a healthy level will significantly reduce pressure on your legs. Taking an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen can alleviate pain associated with swelling of the veins.
Treatment options
Though surgery to remove varicose veins is not usually necessary, your physician may recommend that you have them removed if they are causing circulatory problems, blood clots or skin irritations.
 Surgeons use one of three different procedures to remove varicose veins:

Sclerotherapy: This is the least invasive treatment used for small "spider" veins. An irritant that causes the vein to scar internally is injected into the vein while the patient is standing up. The irritating substance (sclerosing agent) causes the veins to seal off and re-routes the blood flow towards healthier veins.

Ambulatory Phelebectomy: a treatment for removing smaller veins through small incisions that is performed as an outpatient or office procedure.

Vein stripping: Stripping is recommended to remove large varicose veins, and is performed using a thin wirelike instrument. The instrument is inserted through incisions at the bottom and top of the vein, and the vein is "stripped" from the inside. The patient is required to undergo general anesthesia for this procedure.

Laser Sclerosis: a recommended treatment that uses lasers to remove larger varicose veins.

Local treatment available
Dr. Alan Crowther is now performing a number of these treatment options right here in your hometown community! Dr. Crowther's office is located at the South Texas Regional Medical Center, within the Steinle Medical Office Building, Suite 200. Office hours are Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dr. Crowther is the keynote speaker for May's Healthy Woman Seminar, and will be discussing advanced vein therapy options for those interested. The seminar is free, and will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at the Healthy Woman Center located at 1320 W. Oaklawn Suite L, in Pleasanton.
Reservations for tomorrow's event are still being accepted. RSVP by calling (830) 769-5353 to leave a recorded message with your name to you're your place for the event, or email danielle_flores@chs.net. Women desiring to become a member may RSVP today, and register at the event.

Sources:
WebMD
 www.WebMD.com

Medline Plus
www.nlm.nih.gov