With spring break shorts and swimsuit season here, many people are showing off their legs for the first time in months, and for some, that also means deciding what to do about unsightly varicose veins. The bulging purple or blue lines may be simply a cosmetic issue, or they could be a sign of a serious medical problem, says Mayo Clinic vascular surgeon Peter Gloviczki, M.D.
“Twenty to 25 percent of Americans have varicose veins and about 6 percent have more advanced venous disease including skin changes or, occasionally, ulcerations,” says Dr.
Gloviczki, who helped develop Society for Vascular Surgery and American Venous
Forum guidelines for the treatment of varicose veins. “Evaluation of
varicose veins with ultrasound is an easy and accurate way to assess the need
for treatment. New, minimally invasive therapy is available today that is
effective and is performed as outpatient treatment.”
Varicose veins are virtually impossible to prevent, Dr. Gloviczki says. Like their smaller cousins _ spider veins _ varicose veins typically appear in the legs, ankles and feet, because standing and walking put more pressure on veins in the lower body. The loss of vein elasticity through aging may cause varicose veins, and pregnant women often develop them. People who are obese, sit or stand a lot or have a family history of varicose veins are also likelier to get them.
Enlarged veins can ache, itch and burn, and patients with such discomfort should have a physician check whether the varicose veins are a sign of more serious medical problems, Dr. Gloviczki says. Varicose veins can lead to swollen legs, skin changes, bleeding from varicose veins, blood clots (phlebitis) and ulcers. Exercising, losing weight and elevating the legs can ease pain and prevent varicose veins from worsening. Special hosiery called compression stockings that squeeze the legs, improving blood flow, is often suggested before medical procedures are pursued.
For the majority of patients, varicose veins are merely unsightly. They can opt to have cosmetic work, but it may be difficult for consumers to know which options are safe and best. Dr. Gloviczki advises people to screen treatment providers’ credentials rather than simply choosing someone based on a TV ad or billboard. Checking for membership in a credible national medical organization, looking up a provider’s history on the state medical licensing board website and seeking recommendations from one’s primary physician are some of the ways consumers can find a sound specialist to treat varicose veins.
“New therapy with radiofrequency or laser is safe and effective, but such procedures should be done after careful evaluation, in selected patients only,” Dr. Gloviczki says.
To schedule an interview with Dr. Gloviczki, please contact Sharon Theimer at (507) 284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu.
Journalists: The following video clips are available for embedding and use in your stories. In the first, Dr. Gloviczki discusses the differences between varicose veins and spider veins, why people get varicose veins, when they could be a sign of a more serious
medical problem, how to research treatment options and whether varicose veins
can be prevented.
What varicose veins are, 41 seconds: .mov
Why people get varicose veins, 35 seconds: .mov
Role of sitting, standing and genes in varicose veins, 15 seconds: .mov
What spider veins are, 22 seconds: .mov
Signs varicose veins may mean more serious problem, 42 seconds: .mov
How to choose a physician, 40 seconds: .mov
New varicose veins treatment guidelines, 1 minute, 48 seconds: .mov
Whether you can prevent varicose veins, 32 seconds: .mov
Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are inflamed, distorted veins that appear right under my skin’s surface. While varicose veins can appear anywhere on the body, they are most prevalent on my legs. I feel frustrated. I feel devastated. I need proper help.
I have varicose veins in my left leg after my pregnancy. I didn’t notice that now Its swollen and purple. I feel itchy. I am afraid these kind of operation/surgery. Please let me know if there is painless treatment or natural method.
Hello Wendy, Just to share my experience, I would like to tell you that I was also affected by varicose veins. I was recommended to contact USA Vein Clinic to set up an appointment to see a doctor that specializes in Varicose Vein Treatment. I was so glad I did. The doctor and staff were wonderful. I was able to have the procedure done the same day as my appointment. I felt so relieved and I had no pain afterwards. I will recommend USA Vein Clinic to others who have the same issue. Thanks for the help.
http://www.usaveinclinics.com/
I have varicose veins but I don’t want surgery. Are there any medicines that my doctor could prescribe to treat my varicose veins?
Here’s some information that may be useful to you, Frances: http://www.mayoclinic.org/varicose-veins/
Thanks