When Is Laser Therapy the Best Treatment Option for Varicose Veins?
Looking for an alternative to sclerotherapy for varicose veins? Learn why laser therapy is sometimes the best option.
When are Varicose Veins a Health Concern?
More than 30 million Americans suffer from varicose veins and venous insufficiency at any given time, but only a fraction of those seek treatment. Many people don't get help for varicose veins until they're embarrassed by the unsightly appearance or start experiencing bothersome symptoms like leg pain, discomfort, itching, burning, and cramping.
However, even without symptoms, untreated varicose veins can lead to potentially serious health problems.
Venous insufficiency, the condition that causes varicose veins, can result in various issues, from minor skin problems to severe leg ulcers.
At Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Inc. in Riverside, CA, Board-certified Cardiologist Dr. Syed W. Bokhari encourages everyone with varicose veins to get them checked out. This allows you to detect early signs, prevent complications, and learn about treatment modalities to treat the veins and address venous insufficiency.
About venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in your leg veins don't work correctly. Usually, these valves ensure that blood flows toward the heart, but blood can flow backward to the legs and feet if they're damaged.
This backward flow causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to varicose veins. While the appearance of these veins might be the most noticeable issue, venous insufficiency also slows down blood flow and increases pressure in the veins of your lower legs.
These issues can lead to several health conditions, including:
Non-healing leg ulcers
Non-healing leg ulcers, known as venous stasis ulcers, are a severe complication of venous insufficiency. Increased pressure in the veins forces fluid into surrounding tissues, causing the skin to break down and form ulcers. These ulcers heal poorly and can lead to infections if not treated properly.
Unsightly skin conditions
Venous insufficiency can cause several skin changes, including:
- Stasis dermatitis: inflammation with symptoms like redness, scaling, and itching due to fluid leakage
- Hyperpigmentation: reddish-brown discoloration caused by the breakdown of blood cells
- Lipodermatosclerosis is a thickening and hardening of the skin, making it look leathery. It often affects the entire lower leg
How are varicose veins treated?
Dr. Bokhari assesses your varicose veins via a physical exam and noninvasive duplex ultrasound imaging and then recommends the optimal treatment method.
This may entail:
- Lifestyle changes: exercise, low-salt diet, avoiding long periods of standing
- Compression stockings: elastic stockings squeeze the veins and prevent blood from pooling
- Sclerotherapy injections: FDA-approved medication (for example, Sotradecol) is injected into the varicose veins
- Endo-venous ablation: a minimally-invasive ablation therapy using various modalities such as laser, radiofrequency, and/or VenSeal
Don’t wait until your varicose veins hurt or cause potentially serious complications that could be prevented if treated early. Book a consultation with Dr. Bokhari. Call (951) 682-6900 today or request an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
The Best Exercises for Heart Health
Exercise improves your heart function, lowers your blood pressure and has the added benefit of boosting your mood and overall well-being. If you’re concerned about your heart health, get your body moving.
Should I Be Worried About the Health Risks of Varicose and Spider Veins?
Varicose and spider veins aren’t just unsightly: These abnormal blood vessels can spell trouble over time if left untreated. The good news is that patients have several nonsurgical and surgical treatment options to choose from.
What You Should Know About Heart Murmurs
Finding out you have a heart murmur may seem scary, but be assured that most heart murmurs are harmless. Learning more about your condition is a good step toward understanding what you’re dealing with.
Key Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
Few surgeons have the training and skill to perform minimally invasive heart surgery, an option that many people are unaware is available to them. Learn why minimally invasive heart surgery offers advantages over the traditional approach.
Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Prevent Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a warning sign of a more serious condition of venous disease of the legs. Learn how lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of varicose veins and effectively manage the ones you have.