Varicose veins can be visually disturbing (embarrassing) and a cause of medical suffering: pain, swelling, skin changes and ulcers. The prevalence of visible varicose veins is 25-30% in women and 15% in men. The Root of the Problem (where do varicose veins come from)? Most people think of varicose veins as a surface problem. But the root of the issue is a few inches beneath the surface of your legs. The veins in your legs have the task of carrying blood from your toes up to your heart. And the same way elevators have floors veins have valves. If those valves do not shut, the blood cannot go up towards the heart and pools in the faulty veins (with bad valves). As pressure builds up and the blood backs up in those veins underneath the surface they swell leading the bulging varicose veins at the surface, along with swelling, pain, itching and skin darkening around the ankles. Similar to a traffic jam on Southern California freeways. So even though most people (including physicians) see varicose veins as a superficial and cosmetic issue, the pesky blue veins have a deeper root cause and can create real medical concerns for effected patients. Signs and Symptoms:
Twisted, protruding veins
Dark purple or blue veins
Pain, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs
Spasms or swelling
Discolored or itchy skin
Risk factors:
Genetics: family members with varicose veins
Pregnancy: risk increases with the number of pregnancies
Obesity
Gender: Varicose veins are more common in women than men
Prevention:
-Exercising -Watching your weight - Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet - Elevating your legs - Changing your sitting or standing positions regularly
There are supplements that increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and can reduce symptoms of varicose veins:
- Cayenne
- Grape Seed Extract
- Chromium
- Horse chestnut Extract
- Flavanoids
Treatment Options: Discussed by Dr. Ali Golshan
The day of your grandmothers vein stripping surgery are behind us. People often fear seeking treatment options because of the negative past experiences friends and family have described. With modern noninvasive treatment options treatment can be as easy as a 30-minute visit to the doctor with no anesthesia, no pain and no downtime. The key is finding the right doctor. Many people who taught themselves as “vein experts” are far from experts. I encourage you to find an interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon with fellowship training and board certification that dedicates their practice to the treatment of varicose veins. While each physician will have preferred tools and techniques for treatment. My preferred technique for treating the majority of varicose veins is Varithena. What is Varithena: Varithena is an FDA approved treatment for varicose veins. It is a foam medication that is a mix of gas (CO2) and a medication called Polidocanol. I describe it to my patients as medical shaving cream. After the insertion of a tiny needle into the vein under ultrasound the foam is injected into the diseased vein and causes the vein to heal shut. Post procedure the patient needs to wear a compression stocking for 2 days. There is no strenuous exercise for 2 days as well. But the patient can resume their normal activities including walking, working, normal diet and medications immediately after the procedure. Most patients will experience a mild soreness after the procedure for a few days and ibuprofen can assist in treating the symptoms if the patient does not have an allergy to ibuprofen or health reason the precludes them from taking ibuprofen. In Conclusion: Varicose veins are common, unsightly and in some patients the cause of significant pain, swelling, skin changes and even ulcerations. The problem stems in damaged veins with faulty valves beneath the surface of the skin. Finding an interventional radiology or vascular surgeon with fellowship training and board certification can be the key to simple painless treatment. I prefer Varithena in the treatment of most of my patients with varicose.
My sincere thanks to Dr. Golshan for educating us on the best treatment option for varicose veins. Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Ali Golshan MD at Beach Wellness MD @beachwellnessmd, beachwellnessmd.com 310-974-8767 with any questions. Don't forget to mention code "DrNaghmeh" to get 20% off sclerotherapy for varicose and spider veins.
Stay well and stay healthy. Dr.Naghmeh Pharm.D and Dr. Ali Golshan MD
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