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How to Prevent Varicose Veins

If you have visible, bulging, discolored veins in your legs, you may have problems with your venous circulation. These varicose veins may signal that you should schedule an evaluation with a vein specialist. While not all varicose veins are symptomatic, they might still be signs of a deeper underlying problem called venous insufficiency. 

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins have a raised, rope-like appearance and may look blue or purplish. They occur when blood pools in the veins and makes them expand and weaken. While some varicose veins may never cause any problems, they often indicate a progressive problem with the veins in your legs. Varicose veins should not be confused with spider veins, which usually appear as thread-like red, blue, or purple lines under the skin. While varicose veins often cause symptoms, spider veins cause only cosmetic issues. 

Before & After Photo Gallery

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What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when blood backs up in the superficial veins of your leg. Veins must move blood back to the heart against gravity, so they have one-way valves to prevent backflow. These valves can become damaged and let blood leak back through and pool in your legs. This stretches the walls of the veins, causing them to bulge and become bluish. This can indicate that the Greater Saphenous Vein (GSV), one of the most critical veins in the leg, has become diseased and is causing blood to back up into smaller veins that feed it. 

How to Prevent Varicose Veins

You cannot avoid all causes of varicose veins. Heredity plays a substantial role in whether you develop them. If you are female, and especially after one or more pregnancies, you have a greater risk of developing them. However, you can take steps to maintain healthy blood flow in your legs. 

Exercise

Your leg veins rely on contractions of the leg muscles to help them move blood upward toward the heart. By using your leg muscles regularly and keeping them strong, you support the function of your leg veins. Even light activities such as walking can have a powerful effect on your circulatory health, especially on your legs. 

Regular Checkups

Medical conditions such as high blood pressure or poor circulation can cause damage to valves and contribute to varicose veins. While you may not have the power to prevent some medical conditions, you can lessen their impact by seeing your doctor regularly and keeping up with your treatments. 

Lifestyle Changes

You can modify some factors that contribute to varicose veins by changing your lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend a nutritionist or weight loss specialist if you have issues with obesity. If you spend long periods standing or sitting in one place, you can look for ways to modify your day, so you move more often. 

Consultations Available Now

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

When are Varicose Veins a Problem?

If your varicose veins become symptomatic, they may require treatment. You might notice that your varicose veins develop symptoms after standing or sitting for long periods, or you may have symptoms all the time. These may include:

  • Itching or burning
  • Heaviness
  • Aching
  • Swelling
  • Veins that feel hot or painful
  • Aching or pain
  • Sores or ulcers

Symptoms suggest that your varicose veins are a symptom of venous insufficiency and that you should have a full assessment from a vein specialist as soon as possible. Only doctors specializing in vein care have the experience and training necessary to achieve the best results when treating venous problems. 

How are Varicose Veins Treated?

Vein specialist Dr. Craig Schwartz has extensive experience evaluating and treating venous problems. He uses Venous Duplex Ultrasound to map out your leg veins and develop a treatment plan. Varicose veins and their underlying causes may require several different kinds of treatment to achieve medically and aesthetically effective results. 

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

This treatment works to close off the GSV and redirect blood to healthier veins. It uses a hair-thin fiber inserted into the vein. The treatment uses laser energy to damage the inside walls of the vein, collapsing them. Other veins take over for the job of the collapsed one. 

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

This technique uses tiny hook-like tools and openings as small as a freckle. Dr. Schwartz uses the tools to remove the visible “bulging” vein.  This treatment can provide immediate improvement in the appearance of these veins. It is often performed immediately following an endovenous laser ablation. 

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

This method works to treat varicose veins closer to the surface and deeper branches that feed the GSV. Dr. Schwartz will inject an FDA-approved sclerosing agent into the problem veins using ultrasound guidance to direct him. The sclerosing agent causes the walls of the vein to harden and collapse. The body will absorb some varicose veins without treatment. Dr. Schwartz can remove others using ambulatory phlebectomy. 

Testimonials

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Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about varicose veins, call us at (913) 451-8346 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to meeting you and showing you how Kansas City’s premier vein center can help you!

Premier Vein & Body is located in Kansas City, MO and proudly also serves Overland Park, Johnson County, and the entire Kansas City metro area.

** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

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