Dealing with Varicose Veins In Kailua Kona, HI
Varicose veins are a common problem which can be effectively treated by your general surgeon.
Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are large, bulging veins which are more common in your legs. They differ in appearance from spider veins, which are smaller, thinner, and spread out like a spider web. Varicose veins can cause chronic aching and throbbing in your legs and feet, or they may cause no symptoms at all.
Causes of Varicose Veins
You can develop varicose veins from:
- Increased pressure on your legs
- Standing and walking for long periods of time
- Crossing your legs when you sit
Treatment for Varicose Veins
Your general surgeon can help you get rid of varicose veins permanently. Common surgical methods to remove varicose veins include:
Laser surgery, using pulses of light to fade the appearance of varicose veins. Treatment is non-invasive, requiring no incisions or sutures.
Sclerotherapy, injecting varicose veins with a liquid to close the veins. The veins fade and disappear. There is no anesthesia necessary for this procedure, so it can be done on an outpatient basis.
Catheter procedures, using laser energy or radiofrequency delivered by catheter into a varicose vein. The heat from the energy closes the vein.
Vein stripping and ligation, tying off a varicose vein and then removing the vein.
Phlebectomy, making small punctures through which small varicose veins are removed.
Vein surgery, for severe varicose veins. An endoscope is inserted into a vein to close it. The vein is then removed through small incisions.
Steps You Can Take To Prevent Varicose Veins
There are several easy ways you can help prevent varicose veins. Remember to:
- Wear compression socks to support your legs
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce leg and foot pressure
- Limit salt intake to help prevent swelling of your legs and feet
- Wear low-heeled shoes which provide plenty of foot support
- Avoid crossing your legs when you sit
- Wear loose, non-restrictive clothing
- Exercise regularly to boost circulation in your legs and feet