Varicose Vein Treatment in Hermann Drive, and Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX
Many people with varicose veins may not experience any discomfort, but the visible appearance of the veins can often lead to feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness. For those who do experience symptoms, they typically include a sensation of heaviness, aching, or discomfort in the legs. At Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic, our board-certified Dr. Andrew Doe, MD, offer varicose vein treatment to boost self-confidence. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online now. We have convenient locations to serve you in Hermann Drive Houston, TX, and Gulf Freeway Houston, TX.
Table of Contents:
What are varicose veins?
Who is likely to get varicose veins?
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
How do you treat varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, contorted veins that can occur beneath the skin of the legs and lead to cosmetic concerns and discomfort. These veins, which are both twisted and bulging, occur when the normal flow of blood is disrupted.
In the venous system of the legs, there are superficial veins located just beneath the skin and deeper veins situated within the muscles. When these valves fail, blood is allowed to pool and flow backward, exerting excessive pressure on the vein walls and causing them to expand and become visible as varicose veins.
The development of varicose veins is usually a consequence of valve failure within the veins. This venous insufficiency results in an accumulation of blood, especially when standing, leading to increased pressure that can cause the veins to swell and lose their functional integrity.
Over time, this can lead to the formation of additional related venous issues such as spider veins and skin discoloration. Varicose veins are a common condition and they are usually not associated with significant medical complications.
Varicose veins can impact a wide range of individuals however, several risk factors may be associated with an increased susceptibility toward them. Individuals who have a family history of varicose veins are at a heightened risk of developing them, indicating a possible genetic predisposition to this condition.
Additionally, women are more susceptible to varicose veins than men, with up to half of all women experiencing varicose veins at some point in their lives. Factors that specifically affect women, such as hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, may play a role as triggers for the dilation of veins.
Age also plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing varicose veins, as we age, the valves in our veins can weaken, increasing the risk of valve failures and varicose veins. Health and lifestyle factors such as prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and more can also contribute to the risk.
Particularly, jobs that require long periods of standing or sitting without movement can exacerbate the formation of varicose veins due to increased pressure in the leg veins.
Many people with varicose veins may not experience any discomfort, but the visible appearance of the veins can often lead to feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness.
For those who do experience symptoms, they typically include a sensation of heaviness, aching, or discomfort in the legs. These symptoms may worsen by the end of the day or after prolonged periods of standing. Swelling in the ankles is also a common occurrence.
In some cases, the pressure of blood in the veins can lead to skin changes near the ankles, where the skin may turn brown or develop patches of eczema.
Treatment options for varicose veins range from conservative measures to more invasive procedures, depending on the severity and symptoms of the condition.
Providers at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic will work with each individual to develop a custom treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. Initially, lifestyle modifications such as weight management, leg elevation, and the use of compression stockings are recommended to alleviate symptoms and prevent further deterioration of vein health.
These stockings are particularly effective in managing symptoms and preventing the progression of skin changes due to their ability to improve blood flow and reduce the pressure in the veins.
Several minimally invasive techniques are available including endovenous laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation, all of which aim to close off the affected veins and redirect blood flow to healthier veins.
These procedures are typically performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and effectiveness. More traditional surgical options may also be considered in cases where less invasive treatments are unsuitable or have failed.
It’s important for patients to discuss with their healthcare provider to choose the best treatment option based on their specific conditions and overall health.
Varicose vein treatment is available at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Hermann Drive Houston, TX and Gulf Freeway Houston, TX. We serve patients from Hermann Drive Houston TX, Gulf Freeway Houston TX, Houston Heights TX, Bellaire TX, Pearland TX, Montrose TX, Deer Park TX, Pasadena TX, and surrounding areas of Texas.
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