1. What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur in superficial, or surface, veins. While the most common location for varicose veins to appear is the lower legs, they can develop in other parts of the body. They may appear like a small section of bunched or bulging cord. This is the outline of the damaged vein wall. Because they are filled with stagnant blood, they usually appear blue or purple.
Many people find them embarrassing and seek treatment. But they can be more than a cosmetic challenge. For most people, varicose veins will not present any symptoms other than their appearance. However, they can cause inflammation in the surrounding area, which can make them quite painful. You may also notice some changes in the skin around the affected vein.
2. What Causes Them to Form?
There are several factors that can lead to varicose veins. These may occur on their own or in combination with each other.
Faulty or Weak Valves
Probably the most common cause of varicose veins is when a valve fails to stop blood from flowing backward in your vein. This may be because it is worn out or weakened, or it may have been faulty to begin with. There are valves located throughout the length of our veins that act as backstops. Blood can flow in one direction but cannot reverse course and go backward. When something is wrong with one or more of those valves, blood may be able to flow backward slightly between heartbeats.
Even a small amount of backward flow can create pools of stagnant blood. In surface veins, these usually appear as varicose veins or small spider veins. As the pressure increases inside your veins from the extra blood, the vein walls can become distorted or bulging, which results in the corded, rope-like appearance of varicose veins.
Thin Vein Walls
Another of those causes is thin vein walls. Since your veins are designed to carry blood back to the heart to be re-oxygenated, they are not designed to withstand large amounts of pressure. Consequently, they have relatively thin walls in comparison to your arteries.
Sometimes, those thinner areas stretch under the normal flow of blood, causing the appearance of varicose veins. This is especially common in conjunction with high blood pressure or excessive weight.
Excessive Straining or Pressure
Sometimes, excessive straining or pressure can cause varicose veins. This is commonly seen as a contributing factor to hemorrhoid development. It is also why you are more likely to develop the condition if you are overweight.
3. Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
It can be easy to dismiss concerns about varicose veins as being caused by vanity, and they do present as a major cosmetic problem for many people. But that is not the only thing you should keep an eye out for when it comes to varicose veins. Varicose veins are generally not considered dangerous by themselves. However, they can be an indication of your likeliness to develop other, more serious, venous disorders in the future.
They may also be a warning sign of a more serious problem in deeper veins that has not been detected. If you have been asking yourself, “Are varicose veins dangerous?” now is the time to stop wondering. Here are several warning signs that your varicose veins may be a sign of a more serious issue. If any of these situations apply to you, contact the staff at Coastal Vein Care to discuss diagnostic and treatment options:
You Have Been Experiencing Persistent Leg Pain
This is a potential sign of damage deeper inside your leg. You could be suffering from deep vein thrombosis or a blood clot, both of which are potentially serious conditions.
You Are Pregnant
Your blood volume will increase during pregnancy. This can lead to elevated blood pressure, which puts additional strain on your veins. If you are pregnant and notice varicose veins forming, you should talk to your doctor. While many treatments cannot be performed during pregnancy, vein abnormalities should be examined and the cause determined. This is especially true if you are expecting after already having complications like high blood pressure during a previous pregnancy.
Your Legs Feel Weak or Heavy at the End of the Day
While it isn’t out of the ordinary for your legs or feet to feel tired after you’ve been on them all day, it shouldn’t be a regular event. If you feel like your legs are too heavy to move or slightly cumbersome at the end of the day or after standing for a prolonged period, it could be a sign of a blood clot or other venous disorder. You should seek medical care.
There Is Swelling or Pain in Only One Leg
Problems like pain or inflammation that occurs in only one leg could be cause for concern. In the absence of a known injury, this might be a sign of poor or impeded circulation in that leg. You may have a blood clot that has gone undetected, which could lead to serious complications.
You Notice Dry, Itchy Spots Near the Affected Area
When the circulation to your skin is disrupted or reduced, it can cause dry and itchy patches to develop. You are most likely to notice these on your ankles or around your feet. That is because blood has to travel the furthest to get to your extremities and damage from varicose veins can disrupt that flow. If using a moisturizing product and proper foot care does not alleviate the symptoms, it is worth investigating if there is a more serious problem.
Your High Blood Pressure Is Uncontrolled
Are varicose veins dangerous? Maybe not terribly so, but they can be a symptom of something far more serious, like high blood pressure. Varicose veins are sometimes caused by high blood pressure. The vein walls are relatively thin and are not designed to withstand high pressure. If you have uncontrolled blood pressure and have noticed varicose veins appearing on your skin, you should work to get it under control.
Sores on Your Legs or Feet Take a Long Time To Heal
While sores that resist healing are most commonly associated with diabetes, they can also be a sign of compromised circulation. Talk to a vascular specialist about diagnostic tests that can determine if a vein is causing the issue.
You Have a Family History of Venous Disease
Genetics plays a big factor in whether or not you will develop varicose veins and other, potentially more serious, venous disorders. If you don’t know your family’s medical history, the appearance of varicose veins marks a great time to find out more about it.
4. Can They Be Prevented?
Some people are more likely than others to develop varicose veins. For example, if you have a family history of the condition or a previous diagnosis of a different vascular disorder you may be at higher risk. However, that does not mean you are guaranteed to develop varicose veins. Even if every member of your family had them, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances.
Keep Moving
Exercise is a great way to minimize your chances of developing varicose veins. In fact, just moving around and not standing in one place is one of the easiest preventative measures you can take. When you stand in one place as opposed to walking or moving around, the blood pools in your legs. Pooling blood can be a contributing factor in varicose veins.
Standing while in motion or during exercise from simply standing still. It encourages improved circulation and cardiovascular health. That is why exercising regularly a great way to reduce your chances of developing varicose veins. Not only that, but it can also help you maintain a healthy weight and promotes a healthy heart and circulatory system, which helps reduce the need for varicose vein treatment.
Elevate Your Feet
Sitting with your feet suspended can also cause blood to pool. If you have to sit in one place for extended periods of time, like at an office desk while you are working, elevating your feet may help. It is an important preventative measure if you have noticed swelling in your feet or ankles. However, if that swelling persists, or if your varicose veins are causing discomfort, then you should consult a medical professional.
Compression Stockings
You can also try wearing compression socks to help improve the circulation in your legs. Thanks in large part to a growing awareness of vascular disorders and compromised circulation when standing for extended periods, compression stockings have gotten a lot more fashionable. You can find them in fun colors and prints that coordinate easily with nearly any type of clothing you might want to wear.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is generally bad for your health. It can also contribute to decreased cardiovascular function. If you are not a smoker, don’t start. If you currently smoke, take steps to cut back and eventually quit.
5. What Treatment Options Are Available?
At Coastal Vein Care, residents of Newport Beach can get treatment for their varicose veins using the most up-to-date and technologically advanced options. Which one is right for you will depend largely on the location and size of your damaged veins. The invasiveness of each varies, so you are sure to find a treatment option among these that will suit your comfort level.
Sclerotherapy is a tried and true treatment that has been around for nearly a century. It can be safely performed on most people and is effective at treating spider and smaller varicose veins. Radio frequency ablation (RFA) delivers heat to the inside of your veins by way of radio frequency waves. It causes irritation that results in scarring and closure of your veins.
Learn More About Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be a sign of serious medical issues. If you have noticed them forming on your legs or another area, contact the Coastal Vein Care in Corona Del Mar, CA to schedule an initial consultation.
What are the Best Spider Veins Treatment Options?
Spider veins and varicose veins affect over 65% of people in America, and can be a cause for concern in terms of someone’s physical and mental health. But very few people seek treatment for them – roughly only 2% to 3% of those affected look for ways to reduce the appearance and potentially harmful effects of visible and/or dysfunctional veins.
This is where we can help you. Vein disorders are very common, no matter a person’s age, gender, or background. That means seeking information and treatment for issues such as spider veins is not impossible!
So, if you’re seeking information about treating spider veins, and what might be best for you, we’ve listed the necessary need to know details below for you.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are veins that appear blue or purple in appearance underneath the skin, and are usually small in size and tend to cluster. They are so called because they take on a web like appearance, and sit right underneath the surface of the skin, visible to the naked eye.
They occur due to damaged blood valves in the veins; blood cannot flow properly through the valve and subsequently, the rest of the vein. This leads to the blood collecting in the vein, rather than flowing where it should go: back to the heart and to the rest of the body.
Spider veins can often be caused by a variety of lifestyle factors, both in and out of a person’s control. Commonly, factors such as obesity, heredity, age, hormone changes, exposure to sun, and injuries cause spider veins the most.
Of course, spider veins are usually nothing to worry about. The body can continue to function just fine if spider veins appear on your body, and are mostly a cause of cosmetic concern. A person may not like the appearance of spider veins, or may be bothered by more than one spider veins affected areas around their body, and seek treatment to remove the concern.
However, they can often give rise to symptoms that can interrupt your daily life, irritating and uncomfortable in nature. A person may experience symptoms such as pain, itching, a burning sensation or numbness around the area, as well as trouble sitting or standing for an extended period of time due to spider veins affecting the legs.
What are the Best Spider Veins Treatment Options?
Treatment is available to anyone looking to reduce and remove the appearance of spider veins on their skin. If you’re someone who is self conscious about spider veins, or you’re someone who is experiencing pain and/or discomfort due to living with long term spider veins, treatment is the next step for you.
And spider veins can be easily treated via the use of cosmetic and regenerative therapies, and on the market at the moment, there are a couple of effective and common treatments for spider veins.
Let’s go through the two main options available to you:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for spider veins, as it is a minimally-invasive procedure, and works best in the leg areas. However, it can also be used to treat veins in other areas of the body, as it is a versatile treatment.
Sclerotherapy has been designed to diminish spider veins, as well as other small, superficial veins visible under the surface of the skin, and works best to relieve both the potentially uncomfortable symptoms as well as the sensitive appearance of spider veins.
How does it work? Well, Sclerotherapy works using a fine needle via injection into the veins, delivering a specialized medical solution directly to a target vein under the skin.
Once the solution has been injected, it works to irritate the inner lining of a vein. Over time, this will cause the vein to collapse, which leaves the collected blood with nowhere else to go except into the surrounding healthy veins. The blood will ultimately rejoin a person’s normal and functioning circulatory system. Overtime, the collapsed veins will turn into scar tissue, and naturally fade from view, meaning they are removed from the body.
What happens next?
After a successful treatment, the spider veins will be naturally removed from the body, as we mentioned above. You can watch this happen; you will soon notice a clear and vein free complexion to your skin.
As a part of the aftercare treatment, a patient will be required to wear compression stockings, just while the sclerosing agent is settling into the veins and working to destroy the diseased and non functioning veins the cause the appearance of spider veins on the skin.
If these compression socks are not worn for the right period of time, the healing process may be affected, and the appearance of spider veins may take longer to be removed from the body.
RFA Vein Closure
RFA is a relatively new treatment on the market for issues like spider veins or varicose veins. RFA, otherwise known as radio frequency ablation vein closure, is a revolutionary approach that can help to alter and/or correct the appearance and potential symptoms of spider veins and varicose veins.
RFA is a minimally invasive treatment, just like Sclerotherpay, and it works by using radiofrequency energy to gently and gradually heat up the walls inside problem veins that cause issues like spider veins. It does not make use of laser energy.
How does it work?
To go into more detail, as a problem vein gets warmer, it becomes damaged, which tells your body to build scar tissue around it. A formation of scar tissue will help to close off the veins, causing them to collapse and making them a non functioning part of the circulatory system, ultimately fading them from view by the naked eye.
It might seem like a complicated process, but there are only a few steps involved in RFA:
- Before treatment occurs, local anesthesia will be applied to the problem veins in question at the surface level, which makes sure the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Once the anesthesia has taken hold, a small incision is made in the area, into which a fine tube is passe through and into the problem vein. This is to ensure radiofrequency energy can be delivered to the walls of the vein the tube accesses, allowing them to be heated and damaged for future closing off.
What happens next?
After receiving RFA, compression socks will once again be required to be worn, in order to cover and protect the area of your body that has been treated. Most commonly, these socks will need to be worn for 7 days following the procedure, but the times can vary. A patient will need to follow a medical professional’s advice on what compression period is right for them.
If you’re worried about the potential safety issues involved in RFA, it’s important that you’re aware that radiofrequency is a perfectly safe, tried and tested, and effective solution, that can alter and ultimately correct the appearance of spider veins around the body.
The Benefits of Treating Spider Veins
Treating spider veins can bring a whole host of benefits into a person’s life. Once a procedure has taken place, and the healing process has finished, a lack of pain and discomfort throughout day to day life is one of the most sought after benefits of the two procedures above.
Removing spider veins from the body can be a great boost to a person’s health, as it ensures these problem veins cannot develop into something more serious, such as varicose veins. Varicose veins can be a lot more trouble to deal with, and catching a problem vein before it can develop is key to ensuring a patient’s daily life is as comfortable as they want it to be.
Of course, the cosmetic benefits are legendary. No longer will a person have to endure the appearance of spider veins across their body; treatment can lead to an increase in someone’s self esteem and outward confidence, and can be great for the summer season when a person typically wants to dress light and show off their body.
More specifically, Sclerotherapy benefits include:
- A quick treatment time
- A fast recovery period
- A natural use of the body’s healing factor to ensure problem veins no longer show up on the surface of the skin
As well as the above, for RFA, the benefits can differ a little:
- RFA can also help the skin to glow after treatment, causing a refreshing effect
- If used on the legs, RFA allows a patient to be able to walk right after treatment occurs, meaning little to no immediate recovery period
- RFA is much more comfortable on the body compared to laser treatments
What is the Best Treatment for You?
Ultimately, the best treatment for spider veins depends on where the problem veins are located, how they affect your lifestyle, and how quickly you need to recover from a treatment. Talk to a medical professional to determine which might be useful.
Contact us today and book a consultation at our office in Corona Del Mar. We look forward to hearing from you!
How to Fix Varicose Veins? Your Different Treatment Options
Are you suffering from the condition known as varicose veins? This condition can be recognized by veins that may be tinged blue or even purple bulging underneath the skin, leading to an unsightly appearance. While commonly thought to be a condition that is caused by age, there is a range of lifestyle factors that can increase the chance of you developing this issue. This includes obesity, a taller than average height or a sedentary lifestyle to name just a few. They can also be genetic and if your parents or grandparents suffer from this condition, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
While varicose veins are typically harmless it is possible that if left untreated they can cause health issues. They may become uncomfortable to touch, itchy or even painful over time. For this reason and the cosmetic issue, many people wonder whether treatments are available to fix this problem.
The good news is that there are a variety of treatment methods that have proven to be effective when correcting the issue of varicose veins. The treatment options include:
- Venaseal Vein Closure
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser Vein Closure
- RFA Vein Closure
Let’s discuss each of these in term and determine whether one of these possibilities could be the right choice for you.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular treatment options for tackling the issue of varicose veins. One of the key benefits of this particular procedure is that it is minimally-invasive and can be completed quickly.
During sclerotherapy, a specialized treatment is delivered directly to the vein that is varicose. A fine needle is used to inject the solution and this irritates the inner lining of the vein. When this occurs, the vein collapses and the blood that was pooling in one place shifts to healthy veins that remain unaffected.
The vein that has collapsed eventually becomes scar tissue before being removed naturally from the body. Over time, it will fade completely.
Usually, this treatment is chosen for veins that are small yet nevertheless visible on the legs. However, it can also be used for veins in other areas of the body.
Another key benefit of this treatment is that you won’t require any anesthetic. This is due to the fact that the treatment is essentially painless and causes little to no discomfort. The treatment will only be completed after an analysis that will determine whether it is likely to be effective. It is important that a treatment like this matches your needs.
Once treatment has been completed, you will need to wear compression stockings. This keeps the solution used for sclerotherapy in one place and ensures that the treatment will be successful.
Venaseal Vein Closure
Venaseal Vein Closure is another option for fixing the issue of varicose veins that some patients will prefer. Similar to the previous option discussed it does result in little to no downtime and no discomfort. It is completely safe and highly effective when administered correctly.
The advanced adhesive is used to eliminate superficial and smaller veins that are nevertheless spoiling your complexion. The process is completed by delivering the adhesive through a catheter. It is inserted gently through the vein. While this might sound intrusive, many patients don’t feel the insertion at all. Once the adhesive has been applied to the vein, compression is sure to ensure that it is effective at sealing it off. The vein closes and dies during the time which follows the treatment. It is absorbed through the body and results in no scarring. The substance used is also absorbed and this ensures that there is no damage caused to other areas of the body.
As already mentioned a key advantage is that you will typically be able to return to your daily activities immediately after your treatment is complete. You will also begin to see improvements minutes after the solution has been administered. Furthermore, this is the only non-tumescent, non-sclerosant, non-thermal treatment available to ensure that the impacted vein is closed.
It is important to note that despite minimum levels of invasion this is an advanced medical procedure. As such, for successful results, it must be completed by an expert with knowledge and specialist experience in this area of treatment. For instance, it is important to ensure that the right level of adhesive is applied to the vein and that the catheter is inserted through the entire length of the vein that has been impacted.
Laser Vein Closure
There are other advanced, innovative treatment options that can be used to fix varicose veins including laser vein closure. As the name suggests, this treatment involves the use of lasers and specifically a solution referred to as the Endovenous Laser Ablation.
With this treatment, it is possible to both reduce the signs of varicose veins and improve any health issues including swollen ankles or chronic pain. It is important to note that not everyone will be the right fit for this treatment option. There are only certain veins that are affected which will respond to this treatment. Before the treatment is completed an ultrasound will be used to check whether the veins affected are going to respond to treatment.
Similar to other treatments on this list, typical anesthesia is not necessary and patients will feel little to no discomfort. You will remain awake throughout the procedure. The treatment will begin with an ultrasound to ensure there is a completely accurate understanding of the affected vein and to ensure that an access point can be located.
Using the support of the ultrasound a catheter will be inserted through the impacted vein Once the catheter has been inserted a laser fibre will be threaded through the catheter. The overall aim will be to ensure that the entire vein is closed off before tumescent anesthesia is used around the length of the vein. This will ensure that there is no pain for you during the process of the treatment or in the recovery period after. Heat is released as the laser fiber is removed from the vein and this causes it to close.
After the process is complete, the leg is wrapped in cotton or a stocking that has been customized to fit your individual leg. As with other treatments, the vein will be absorbed by the body. Your skin will soon appear far clearer and free from this unsightly issue.
RFA Vein Closure
This option is quite similar to the laser treatment mentioned above. However, rather than utilizing laser technology, the process is instead completed through the effective use of radiofrequency ablation. As with the other treatments available, this is minimally invasive.
The radiofrequency is used to heat up the wall of the varicose veins. The process is very gentle and when the walls of the veins grow warmer they are damaged. This causes scar tissue to form around the edge of the wall. The scar tissue causes the walls to close off and this ensures that the vein begins to fade gradually over time.
Unlike other treatment options available, local anesthesia will be used. This will ensure that there is a minimum level of discomfort for you through the treatment which does require a small incision. After the treatment, it is important to ensure that you wear a compression sock. This will need to be kept on for at least one week. This will ensure that you see the greatest results.
Alternatives
It’s worth noting that there are options beyond medical treatment that you can consider. There are some possibilities that are going to help reduce the symptoms that you could be experiencing.
For instance, you can wear loose clothes. The benefit of this is that there is going to be a reduced level of pressure and tightness around the areas impacted on your legs. You can also think about perhaps changing your lifestyle. If you are more active and don’t stand up all through the day, then you are less likely to develop this condition. It will also help ensure that the condition does not get worse over time.
Furthermore, you may want to consider changing your diet. Obesity is one of the leading causes of varicose veins. As such, if you get your weight under control and improve your diet as well as your fitness, you could see great benefits. You might also want to think about using herbal remedies. While not backed by science, there is some evidence to suggest that herbal remedies will provide benefits for those suffering from varicose veins. You can find a wealth of information on the different herbal remedies available by completing research online. Plant extracts can also be beneficial and may be worth considering.
We hope this helps you understand the potential ways that you can fix the issue of varicose veins. With the right steps, you will be able to make sure that the problem doesn’t cause you a great level of discomfort or impact your beauty. You can get the treatment you need and ensure that your skin looks incredible once more, free from these blemishes.
Contact us today and book a consultation at our office in Corona Del Mar. We look forward to hearing from you!
SCLEROTHERAPY RECOVERY: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
You might have noticed varicose veins or spider veins on your legs. These superficial veins bulge out, seemingly protruding from underneath the skin. They can be bluish or purple in shade and look rather unsightly. When people start to develop varicose veins, they may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their appearance. However, it’s important to note that this could be more than a cosmetic issue. In many cases, varicose veins and spider veins will cause significant levels of discomfort and even pain. Some people may even notice that their skin feels itchy in the impacted area.
There are various treatment options available for individuals who suffer from this condition. The best treatments will directly address the vein that is causing the issue. The impacted vein can be closed off, redirecting blood flow to other veins. This stops it pooling and allows for the vein to be removed, typically with no scarring at all. One of the most popular solutions is sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy Explained
Through sclerotherapy, a medical solution or agent known as the sclerosant is injected into a vein. This obliterates the vein that has become varicose. The agent is able to damage the lining of the vein which is known as the endothelium. This almost immediately causes a clot which then results in the circulation of the blood being blocked.
Varicose veins and spider veins are caused when there is an issue with the valves in the veins, usually in the legs. Veins include one-way valves that ensure that the blood can return to the heart from the peripheral tissues. In the case of varicose veins, the blood instead pools in a particular area which causes the impacted vein to twist or bulge.
Sclerotherapy provides an effective solution to this issue. It can also help reduce the development of related medical conditions. This includes venous insufficiency. That can result in leg swelling as well as skin ulcerations and blood clots.
The first step of sclerotherapy is to ensure that an individual is a right fit for the procedure. It is important to be aware that not everyone will be eligible for sclerotherapy. It is ideally suited for those who are not obese and have smaller varicose veins or spider veins. These are also known as superficial varicose veins. Those people who are healthy but have veins 4mm or less that are impacting their cosmetic appearance may also be ideal candidates for this particular procedure.
What To Expect?
Initially, you will be screened using ultrasound techniques. The aim here is to ensure that the site of the issue is ascertained so that the right, specific treatment can be provided. Once this has occurred, a needle will be used to inject the solution into the vein. This is a quick procedure and is minimally invasive. However, it will still require an injection.
HOW TO PREVENT SPIDER VEINS IN MY LEGS?
Spider veins and varicose veins can be a very difficult aesthetic issue to deal with. They can certainly become problematic, not just aesthetically but also medically. This may present itself with aching or twinges of pain and although it is often not debilitating, it can cause anxiety and stress that you do not have to deal with. You may notice some type of leg fatigue, swelling or an itching sensation that can be uncomfortable, especially if you are sitting for long periods at work. This can also apply if your job requires you to be stood for long periods of time; both are equally damaging and must be combated to stop the spreading of spider veins.
Spider veins may become more prevalent with age but it isn’t necessary a condition that is only defined by older age. People with a paler skin tone may first notice spider veins in their youth, most commonly found around the backs of the legs, thighs and even on the face. Women are most likely to develop them due to different skin types to men, and can affect upto 50% of the population. They may be red, purple or blue coloured and can easily start to spread and become more prominent if not treated accordingly. The cause of spider veins may vary but most often they are caused from pressure on the legs that restrict blood flow and cause pressure within, which cause veins to dilate and therefore become prominent. For women, it can cause issues with body image and confidence; but it doesn’t have to be this way. With modern vein treatments, there are a plethora of ways to assist the look and feel of spider veins.
Risk factors may include: age, prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, hormone therapy, using birth control pills, injury, vein surgery, blood clots or hereditary factors will all play a part. If any of these apply to you, then it may be a good idea to look at some ways to help prevent spider veins (alongside vein treatments) to create a healthier and more active lifestyle that should really aid the symptoms.
Are Spider Veins Preventable?
There are many ways to help prevent the visibility of spider veins but this must be done from a young age, as there is very little to do naturally to help the look of spider veins once they are visible other than treatment. Some top tips may include:
- Keeping your legs elevated when sitting – if you sit often, ensure that you are not crumpling your legs up by the side of you or putting pressure on the backs of your legs. Keep them elevated as often as possible and ensure good circulation. Use a foot stool or lift your legs up on the couch when watching television.
- Keeping your legs moving – if you are stood up for long periods, ensure that you keep your legs moving as much as you can, to ensure your legs aren’t static and taking the pressure of your weight. Bending the knees can aid circulation when you’re stood still, or walking on the spot, if possible, although there may be a need to be discreet if you’re working, trying to keep them gently moving will be of huge benefit.
- Support stockings – these types of stockings can be worn at all times to help alleviate symptoms. Also known as compression stockings, they work to aid circulation by increasing pressure; we may often wear them on planes to avoid issues such as DVT on long haul flights. It is a similar concept, you may need to get advice on the best type of stocking for your issue.
- Exercise – keeping a good exercise routine can help take the pressure off your legs. Keeping active, walking instead of driving and swimming can also be very beneficial. Ensure that you keep to this routine weekly to see the best results. The best exercises are: gentle walks, swimming, cycling, sports and Pilates. Yoga can also be beneficial but ensure that there are no positions that put additional pressure on the legs.
- Avoid tight clothing – any kind of clothing around the groin and legs can compromise blood flow. Wearing comfortable loose clothing will assist greatly, not just for your spider veins but also for your general circulatory help and even musculoskeletal health. Look for the best materials such as linen, polyester and materials that offer comfort and do not restrict your movement in any way.
- Don’t cross your legs – keep those legs moving! Do not sit cross legged, either on the floor, or couch or at your desk chair; this will restrict blood flow and put unnecessary pressure on the veins. If this is a current habit, you may find that this has been the cause of your spider veins. Think about your positioning and posture to avoid any type of constriction at work and at home. Look at a footstool at the office, so your legs are not just dropped down to the floor.
- Improve blood flow herbally – certain supplements can really benefit your circulation and therefore stop the visibility of spider veins. Some of these may include: Cayenne, Ginkgo biloba, Horse Chestnut Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Chromium, Butcher’s Broom, these can be used only as a supplement and should not be taken instead of a healthy diet. Eat well, such as omega 3 and fatty rich foods that are rich in oils and iron to assist circulation.
- Protect skin better – wear sunscreen and assist your skin to ensure that there is no damage to the skin via UV radiation, or thinning of the skin which can make spider veins more visible. Using the correct sunscreen for your skin is also important, look at the factor that you need to protect your skin correctly.
- Avoid high heeled shoes – wear lower heels or flats that do not put a bigger strain on your legs. Certain heels cause you to grip your shoes differently which in turn causes you to walk differently and change posture. Over time wearing high heels can not only damage your legs but can affect your ankles and feet leading to other issues such as bunions. Be sensible with the shoes that you choose to wear, supportive shoes will be helpful.
- Laser therapy – types of laser therapies can really be beneficial for people with spider veins. Laser vein closure, which is something we offer and fully believe in, is a type of endovenous ablation that helps diminish visible veins and begins with using a thin laser through the vein via a catheter; a special anesthesia is delivered to ensure it is painless. The laser helps close up any veins and this procedure is proven to greatly assist the look of spider veins.
- Venaseal vein closure – this is a service that we currently offer and this treatment is designed to eliminate any veins via cutting edge treatment that is performed by using only proprietary medical adhesive. This is delivered intravenously and this closes any unwanted veins, therefore creating less vein visibility. This method also abolishes any risk of thermal nerve injury associated with other thermal based procedures and it is incredibly safe and painless, and it is a procedure that we highly recommend.
- Sclerotherapy – we provide and believe that this non-invasive treatment can be a really helpful option for those wanting to reduce the look of spider veins. It works to deliver a solution direct to the veins using a very fine needle, this solution irritates the inner lining of the vein and eventually leads to its collapse and therefore the vein ‘dies off’. Any pooled blood is redistributed into healthy veins and overtime you can see a huge difference to the skin’s look and feel. It can also be targeted for spider veins across many areas of the body, not just the legs.
Most often our non- invasive treatments can assist to combat the look of spider veins as well as any additional symptoms that present because of this. By maintaining all of the above tips in conjunction with treatment, you could be seeing an 80-90% improvement in your legs which can assist you in feeling more like yourself and being confident once again in your body.
Making The Right Decisions For Me
The outlook can be positive; we offer a range of solutions that we believe can really alleviate all aspects of spider/varicose veins but essentially the right type of treatment is down to your beliefs, your goals for recovery and what type of treatment is best suited to your lifestyle. This is something that we are more than happy to discuss with each patient, with any type of query about treatment. You may want to look at a consultation to really assess the type of veins you have and what a professional believes could work well for you. Most people respond well to treatments, with the look and feel of the area being massively improved. There is no need to suffer any longer, delve into the world of vein treatments today.
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Are Varicose Veins Dangerous? 5 Things to KnowMaybe you first noticed them last year and hoped they would go away. They appeared as small corded sections of red or blue, just beneath the surface of your skin on your calf. Now you are wondering, are varicose veins dangerous? Before you get nervous, take a few minutes to learn from Coastal Vein Care in Corona Del Mar, CA about varicose veins and how you can keep them at bay.