Spider veins and varicose veins can really impact a person’s confidence. They don’t want people to see their legs, because of thick, unsightly veins. However, people should be aware that these veins could be hiding a more serious problem. The veins are a result of venous disease, which affects about 40 percent of the population.
Veins carry blood to the heart, after it travels through the body to the legs. The venous system has both a deep and superficial system. The deep system returns 90 percent of the venous blood and is located in the leg muscles. The superficial system returns the rest of the blood. Varicose veins are a product of the superficial system. The blood flows backwards toward the feet, rather than returning to the heart. This abnormality occurs mainly due to valve failure. Varicose veins may cause burning, aching, throbbing, heaviness and swelling. Spider and medium sized veins slow circulation, and may be located on the face, chest, stomach or legs. Spider veins are fine, thread-like veins close to the surface of the skin. Medium sized veins, also called reticular, are usually located near spider veins.
Untreated, venous problems may cause blood clots, ulcers and other conditions. There are several treatments available, including Microphlebectomy in Albuquerque Metro. Microphlebectomy is an outpatient procedure used to treat large varicose veins that are near the skin surface. Several tiny incisions are made, and problematic portions of the vein are removed. Microphlebectomy in Albuquerque Metro is minimally invasive, and there is little or no down time. Sclerotherapy is the preferred method for treating reticular and spider veins. A chemical is injected into the veins, and they eventually disappear.
Laser ablation is a treatment that uses heat to close varicose veins. Some patients prefer this method because there are no incisions. Vein Treatment in Albuquerque Metro, NM, for some patients, means relying on compression therapy. They prefer to wear compression stockings rather than have an invasive procedure. Managing varicose veins with compression therapy is a life-long commitment. It is important to follow-up with the doctor regularly if you have venous disease. It’s a condition that cannot be cured but must be managed. Doctors recommend patients maintain a healthy diet, exercise and wear compression hose.
