Although you may not like the way they look, varicose veins aren’t usually a threat to your health. But they may cause discomfort and an aching feeling.
At Osteopathic Center for Healing, Neil Spiegel, DO, and Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, understand the importance of feeling good about how you look in conjunction with living an active, healthy lifestyle.
Bulging varicose veins can make you feel self-conscious, and the ache may slow you down. Sclerotherapy could be the right solution for you.
Varicose veins affect nearly 25% of Americans, but more women than men develop them. Around twice as many women have varicose veins as men.
The problem is one of circulation. Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood through your body. Without the action of your heart, blood wouldn’t be able to return to your lungs from your feet because of gravity. Indeed, between beats, small valves throughout your veins prevent your blood from flowing backward.
Each little valve closes between heart beats and keeps your blood moving in the proper direction. When the valves don’t work as they should, the blood pools in the vein, causing it to bulge, and the result is a twisted, visible varicose vein.
Your genes play some part in whether you develop varicose veins. Other factors that make it more likely that you’ll have varicose veins include:
If you have a family history of varicose veins and want to avoid developing them, there are a few things you can do:
If you already have varicose veins, we may be able to help. Osteopathic Center for Healing offers sclerotherapy with a product called Asclera®, which is an injection of polidocanol. Polidocanol is a prescription medication that causes scar tissue in the vein.
The scarring closes the problematic vein. Your blood then simply finds a different route. It can take a few weeks for the vein to fade. You may need to wait a month or a little longer to see the full results of the treatment. And some of our patients need a second treatment.
You may notice a stinging or cramping feeling during the injection, but it shouldn’t be unbearable or last long. You’ll need to wear compression stockings for a couple of weeks following the procedure, but you can return to your normal activities immediately.
Are you ready to learn more? Schedule a consultation at Osteopathic Center for Healing in Rockville, Maryland. We’re happy to provide an evaluation and discuss your situation.
