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No herbs, ointments, pills have been proven to cure the problem.
Blood return from the legs is propelled by the leg muscles. When in motion (walking, exercising), our muscles contract, squeezing the veins. Blood gets pushed up towards the heart. In healthy veins, the blood does not reflux back (back down towards the foot) upon muscle relaxation. Vein valves play a major role in the process.
Many veins, particularly those in the legs, have one-way valves. Each valve consists of two flaps with edges that meet. Blood, as it moves toward the heart, pushes the cusps open like a pair of one-way swinging doors. If the blood tries to pull backward, the cusps close, stopping backward flow. Valves help the return of blood to the heart—by opening when the blood flows toward the heart and closing when blood might flow backward because of gravity.
What happens when valves stop working, lose their function? Leaky valves, what we call them, promote development of varicose veins.
The blood flow is not directed towards the heart anymore. Valves do not close and the backward stream of returning blood moves down towards the foot. Legs vein pressure increases. Veins become larger and larger, trying to accommodate the surplus of retained blood. Blood finds its way into smaller veins, making them larger over time. Varicose veins form in a perpetuated manner.
Hereditary aspects leading to weak vein valves seem to be the predominant risk factor. Sometimes, varicose veins occur for no apparent reason.
Other predisposing factors:
Bad news, varicose vein can be very insidious. Tiredness, aches, skin discolorations can be perceived as “normal”.
We should pay attention to:
Every patient must be seen by a vein specialist.
The Institute for Vein Health has made the whole process very easy for the patients. Diagnosis and treatment plan are established during the first visit. Diagnostic ultrasound, in the office, is a pillar in visualization of vein abnormalities and blood flow in the veins. The ultrasound measures degree of backward circulation and diameter of veins. It is also helpful in so called vein mapping, which contains graphic description of varicosities and veins to be targeted during treatment procedures. Ultrasound helps in discovering dangerous blood clots and other associated abnormalities.
There are several treatment options for varicose veins. Support stockings, lifestyle changes, weight loss are important adjunct treatment modalities, but they do not provide a definitive cure. Definitive treatment consists of simple, nowadays office based procedures. Surgical options (like vein stripping) are deemed obsolete and carry high rate of complications and long disabilities.
Modern varicose vein treatment options include:
The modern varicose treatment modalities do not require general anesthesia, last up to 60 minutes, and patients return to normal life immediately after the procedures.
Will health insurances pay for Varicose Vein treatment?
Majority of insurance plans cover varicose vein treatment.