Ask Sofia: How Do I Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
At Clinic Sofia, we see many women who suffer from varicose veins and ask us how best to treat them. Often they are worried about painful treatments such as getting veins “stripped” to get rid of varicose veins. However, thanks to modern advancements in the treatment of varicose veins today—no more stripping—it is a much less painful process with little downtime.
We recently spoke to Dr. Meg Spartz of Spartz Vein Clinic who specializes in varicose and spider vein treatment. In addition to extensive training for treating venous disease, she puts her skills to use each year as part of a mission trip to Honduras to treat people with varicose veins. She shares some background on why varicose veins happen and when you need to seek treatment.
Why do varicose veins occur?
The one-way valves inside the veins, which normally prevent blood from moving down toward your feet, start to break down. The valves then start to leak blood down the leg instead of up and blood starts pooling in the legs. This extra volume dilates the veins and can make them bulge.
The biggest risk factor for varicose veins is family history. If your grandmother, mom, sisters and aunts have them then you’re much more like to have them, too. Pregnancy makes varicose veins appear and worsen because of increased surges of pregnancy-related hormones. People who spend a lot of time on their feet are also at a higher risk for varicose veins.
How do I know if I need to see a doctor?
The most common symptoms are aching, burning, itching, heaviness, fatigue and swelling in the legs. If you have any of these symptoms, you should have an assessment of your vein structure and function, which is done by ultrasound in the office.
Are they harmful?
Varicose veins can become harmful if left untreated. Your symptoms will worsen, and you are likely to experience skin changes such as lightening or darkening along with thickening of the skin. The most severe cases of varicose veins left unchecked eventually begin to ulcerate, leaving an open wound on the leg.
What are some of the treatment options available today? E.g. Is there anything new or different?
Treating varicose veins has become so much easier in the past decade. If your mom has warned you about having your veins stripped, this is no longer the standard treatment option. We now use a laser to treat the malfunctioning vein from within and get it out of circulation. This rerouting leaves the blood to flow through veins that are still working properly, while the malfunctioning vein is gradually resorbed by the body.
Is the treatment painful?
While no medical procedure is completely painless, patients generally report minimal levels of pain. It is an in-office procedure and you’re fully awake for it. Local anesthesia is used to ensure good pain control and patients walk out of the office and are encouraged to keep walking that day. The only downtime is the day of the procedure and then people usually get back to their normal routines. I want them to hold off from heavy lifting and high-impact exercise such as running for about a week.
What can I expect in terms of how long it will take to get rid of my varicose veins?
Responsible vein care requires several months. Once the larger veins are treated with the laser, there is sometimes some cosmetic work to follow-up. This can take a few sessions over a couple months, depending on how extensive the visible veins are. Insurance companies have very strict policies about trying compression stockings for a period of time before they will cover additional treatments. The sooner you come in to have your legs evaluated, the sooner we can get started on getting your legs feeling and looking their best!
