Varicose veins are very common vein conditions that people rarely talk about as an illness. For those who haven’t experienced them, they may see it as a purely cosmetic problem. However, for those who have them, these bulging veins are more than just an eyesore. They can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort in the legs.
Varicose Vein Causes
Our legs are made up of a complex system of veins that rely on little valves to circulate blood back to the heart. These valves are fragile and can deteriorate over time. Once these valves no longer function the way they used to, blood doesn’t go up as effectively as before.
A weakened valve can cause blood to leak backward and flow in the opposite direction. When this happens, blood can accumulate in the veins, which eventually becomes enlarged and swollen.
Risk Factors
About 40 percent of the population will develop varicose veins at some point in their lives. For many, this may occur once they reach middle age.
Being a woman and having a family history of the disease increases one’s risk of developing them. While they’re common among females, varicose veins can also affect males.
There are also other factors that can further increase one’s risk. This includes obesity, pregnancy, and standing or sitting for long periods of time.
Treating Varicose Veins at Premier
Premier Vascular and Vein Center of Knoxville, TN offers different vein treatment options. Some of the treatments we offer include:
Sclerotherapy
This is an in-office and minimally invasive procedure that works well for both small and large spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a vein-irritating solution that causes the diseased vein to swell, collapse, and fade away.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Usually recommended for medium to large varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy is performed through pinhole incisions. This is another in-office procedure that requires little to no downtime at all.
Endovenous Laser and Radiofrequency Therapy
These procedures use laser energy to heat and irritate the inside of the vein, causing it to scar and eventually clot off. Blood flow is redirected to other healthy veins. The heat energy or laser is delivered through a small puncture in the leg. These minimally-invasive procedures are often recommended for larger veins.
Premier Vascular and Vein Center has experienced vascular and vein specialists who will evaluate your vein condition and recommend the most appropriate vein treatment. We have the largest team of Vascular Surgeons in East Tennessee!
We offer FREE vein screening for a limited time. To request an appointment, call us at (865) 588-8229 or go online to https://www.premierveinclinics.com/free-vein-screening/.