Varicose veins are typically not a serious health concern, but if left untreated they have the potential to develop into one over time. The chief complaint of individuals with varicose veins is cosmetic. They are often described as “ugly” or “unsightly” and can certainly have an impact on one’s level of comfort in baring their legs for all to see.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins most often found on the legs. Common symptoms of varicose veins include the following:
- Aching or discomfort in the legs after long periods of sitting or standing
- Swelling of the legs
- Spider veins
- Ropy, protruding leg veins
- Burning, throbbing or heaviness in the legs
- Itching and soreness behind the knee
There are some tactics you can implement to relieve symptoms of varicose veins and slow their progression but if you still cannot find relief, it might be time to consult with a vascular specialist and determine your options for treatment. At Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville we offer a number of options for treatment of varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): This non-invasive treatment for larger veins utilizes laser energy delivered through a small puncture in the leg to heat and close off the vein. Blood is then naturally re-routed to healthy veins. To learn more about laser treatment for varicose veins click here.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This minimally invasive in-office procedure utilizes radiofrequency energy delivered through a small puncture below the knee to shrink and seal off a diseased vein. As with EVLT, blood is then rerouted to healthy veins without any disruption of blood flow. To learn more about the difference between EVLT and RFA click here.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This outpatient procedure was developed in Europe for the treatment of medium to large diseased veins. During ambulatory phlebectomy, large bulging varicose veins are removed section by section through the surface of the skin by a phlebectomy hook inserted through microscopic incisions on the leg. Ambulatory Phlebectomy is often used in conjunction with EVLT or RFA for optimal relief of symptoms from varicose veins. To learn more about ambulatory phlebectomy download our ebook.
Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is also often used in conjunction with RFA or EVLT for optimal results and treating spider veins often found with varicose veins. During the procedure diseased veins are injected with a solution causing them to swell, collapse and eventually fade away. The abnormal vein is absorbed back into the body.
The treatment of varicose veins is not for cosmetic reasons only. When the symptoms of varicose veins negatively impact activities of daily living or there is evidence of venous disease, you should consult with an experienced vascular surgeon about your options for treatment. Premier Vein Clinics is locally owned and operated by Knoxville physicians you know. We are here when you need us.
Request an appointment with one of our Premier Vein Clinics specialists today!