Are you dealing with varicose veins? Many people are. If you find them unsightly or even painful, you may want to turn to our Kailua Kona, HI, general surgeon, Dr. Nathan Tomita, and the Sensei Surgery team to discuss ways to treat this condition. Here’s what you should know about varicose veins,

What Can Cause Varicose Veins?

These factors could leave you prone to developing varicose veins,

• Obesity

• Taking birth control pills

• Hormonal fluctuations (g., pregnancy; menopause)

• Occupations that require you to stand for long periods

• Heredity

• A personal history of blood clots

• Trauma to the skin

What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Those with varicose veins are also more likely to experience cramping, pain, restlessness, burning, tingling or even heaviness in their legs. Those with varicose veins may find their symptoms improve when elevating their feet or wearing compression stockings.

What Are Some Ways to Treat Varicose Veins?

There are many ways to manage varicose veins:

Wear compression stockings: This is usually the easiest approach. You can find these medical stockings at your local pharmacy in many different styles, which can help reduce some of your pain and discomfort.

Make some changes to your lifestyle: If obesity is causing your varicose veins, you can manage your symptoms by dedicating time and energy to exercise, eating healthier and losing weight to maintain a healthier weight.

Try sclerotherapy: Talk to our Kailua Kona, HI, surgeon Dr. Tomita and the Sensei Surgery team to find out whether sclerotherapy is right for you. During this procedure, a saline solution is injected right into the veins, eliminating them over several weeks.

Consider laser treatment: This procedure uses a specialized laser directed at the veins to cause them to collapse. Just like sclerotherapy, this laser treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure but will require local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort during the treatment.

Surgery: Sometimes, surgery is the best course of action for treating more prominent varicose veins. Surgery requires either tying off the vein or removing it completely. This procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia under our surgeon Dr. Tomita's diligent and careful care.

Sensei Surgery has provided general surgical care for a wide range of conditions for more than a decade in Kailua Kona, HI. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomita to discuss varicose vein treatment, call (808) 313-8338 today.