Submitted by Drs. Bohn, Nielsen, Castillo, Benson, and Wright, The VEIN Specialists
If you have aching, painful, or restless legs; heavy, swollen ankles; or muscle cramping; you may have varicose veins. Approximately 50-55 percent of women and 40-45 percent of men suffer from varicose vein disease in their lifetime. Half of people over the age of 50 are affected by varicose veins. The number one cause of varicose veins is heredity. If your mother or grandmother had varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them. Pregnancy is another risk factor for varicose veins and the veins tend to get worse with each succeeding pregnancy. Occupations that require long periods of standing or sitting and even an injury to the legs can cause varicose veins.
Vein disorders are not always visible to the naked eye. A diagnostic ultrasound examination is needed to determine the cause and severity of the vein problems. State-of-the-art corrective treatments include endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. These in-office procedures require no sedation and patients are able to resume their daily activities immediately.
EVLA eliminates the abnormal saphenous vein, which is the source of most varicose vein issues. Using ultrasound technology, a thin laser fiber is guided into the vein through a very small opening to deliver energy to the diseased vein wall, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. The blood is re-routed to healthier veins.
Sclerotherapy is a treatment in which a tiny needle is used to inject veins with a medication that irritates the inner lining of the vein and causes it to seal shut. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy uses an ultrasound to locate the veins below the surface of the skin while the medication is injected. This procedure is often used in addition to EVLA.
There is no way to completely prevent varicose veins but improving your circulation and muscle tone can reduce your risk. For healthier veins, watch your weight, exercise regularly, eat a diet high in fiber and low in salt, and wear compression stockings.
Call now to get your legs evaluated by The VEIN Specialists, LLC. Call 309-862-4000 or visit the website at ILVEINS.com. They have locations in Bloomington, Eureka, Streator, and Peru.