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Leg Veins: Why they appear and how to treat them?

Visible leg veins, such as varicose and spider veins, are more than just a cosmetic concern; they can also cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, lead to serious health complications. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to manage and even eliminate these troublesome veins. This article will explore why leg veins become visible, the different types of leg veins, and how vascular and endovascular surgeons treat them.

Understanding Varicose and Spider Veins

 

Varicose veins are large, swollen ones that often twist and bulge, protruding above the skin's surface. They can appear blue, red, or flesh-coloured and are most commonly found on the legs. Spider veins, on the other hand, are smaller and often resemble webs or branches, appearing close to the surface of the skin in a red, blue, or purple hue.

These veins are more than just an aesthetic issue. Varicose veins, in particular, can lead to significant discomfort, including aching, swelling, and leg fatigue. In some cases, they may even increase the risk of blood clots or open sores, particularly if left untreated.

Why We Get Visible Leg Veins

 

Both varicose and spider veins result from damaged veins. Healthy veins have tiny, one-way valves that help direct blood back to the heart. When these valves weaken or fail, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins. This increased pressure causes the veins to enlarge and become visible as varicose or spider veins.

Several factors contribute to the development of these veins:

  • Genetics: If you have family members with varicose or spider veins, you are also more likely to develop them.
  • Lifestyle: Sitting or standing for extended periods, particularly regularly, can contribute to vein damage.
  • Age: The likelihood of developing visible leg veins increases with age, as the valves in the veins weaken over time.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can also cause veins to enlarge.
  • Sun exposure: For spider veins, in particular, sun exposure can cause damage to the small veins under the skin, leading to their appearance.

 

How To Treat Leg Veins

 

There is a range of treatment options, from self-care recommendations to minimally invasive procedures, to manage and eliminate visible leg veins.

  1. Self-Care

 While self-care cannot eliminate existing varicose or spider veins, it can help prevent new ones from forming and alleviate symptoms associated with them.

Some self-care tips include:

  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps improve circulation and strengthen the muscles that support your veins.
  • Elevate your legs: This simple action can reduce the pressure in your leg veins and improve blood flow back to the heart.
  • Move frequently: If your lifestyle requires you to sit or stand for long periods, take breaks every 30 minutes to move around and promote circulation.
  • Avoid prolonged hot baths: Soaking in hot water for extended periods can cause veins to swell, increasing the risk of visible leg veins.
  1. Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are a common, non-invasive treatment for varicose veins. These stockings apply steady pressure to your legs, which helps blood flow back to your heart and reduces swelling. While compression stockings do not eliminate varicose veins, they can alleviate discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening. Specialists can prescribe the correct size and pressure level for optimal results.

  1. Sclerotherapy

 Sclerotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for spider and small varicose veins. During the procedure, a vascular and endovascular surgeon injects a solution into the affected vein, causing it to scar and close. Blood is then rerouted through healthier veins, and the treated vein eventually fades away.

Here’s what you can expect from a sclerotherapy session:

  • The specialist injects the solution into the vein, causing it to irritate and close.
  • After the injections, the area is massaged to ensure the solution spreads evenly.
  • A compression stocking is applied to help the vein close and heal.
  • You’ll be monitored briefly before being allowed to go home.
  • To ensure optimal results, you’ll need to wear compression stockings for 2 to 3 weeks and take daily walks to promote circulation.

Spider veins typically disappear within 3 to 6 weeks, while larger varicose veins may take 3 to 4 months. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results.

  1. Endovenous Thermal Ablation

Endovenous thermal ablation is a non-surgical way to eliminate varicose veins. Using laser or radiofrequency to seal the veins, endovenous thermal ablation allows healthy veins to restore normal blood flow.

 

Treatment for Aneurysms

Here’s what you can expect from an endovenous thermal ablation session: 

  1. Use ultrasound imaging to locate the affected vein.
  2. Make a small incision in your leg, typically below the knee or near your ankle.
  3. Insert a thin tube (catheter) through the incision and guide it into your vein.
  4. Use a specialised tool inside the catheter that emits laser or radiofrequency energy to generate heat, which effectively seals off the vein.
  5. Inject a numbing fluid around the vein through a series of small injections to ensure you remain comfortable.
  6. Apply a bandage to the incision site. In most cases, no stitches are required.

This straightforward, minimally invasive procedure helps to treat vein issues efficiently, allowing for a smoother recovery. 

  1. VenaSeal

VenaSeal is an exciting, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that offers a promising alternative to surgery. Instead of requiring an operation, VenaSeal works through a simple injection to close the affected veins, making it a much gentler option with a reduced risk of pain or complications. While it's often used to treat smaller veins, VenaSeal is versatile enough to treat larger veins as well, and it can also address chronic venous insufficiency, the underlying cause of many vein issues.

The procedure is quick and straightforward, typically taking just a few minutes. Your vascular and endovascular surgeon will clean the treatment area and apply numbing medication to ensure comfort. Then, the VenaSeal adhesive is injected directly into the vein. Once the adhesive is in place, a special device activates it, sealing the vein shut. After the procedure, you'll be asked to wear compression stockings for a few days to support healing. Mild bruising and swelling are common, but these effects usually resolve quickly, making VenaSeal an excellent choice for treating vein problems with minimal downtime.

The Importance of a Physical Exam

 

Before any treatment is recommended, a physical exam is essential. Your vascular health specialist will closely examine your leg veins and review your medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment. Non-invasive tests, such as Doppler ultrasound or plethysmography, may also be used to assess blood flow and detect any underlying issues.

Based on this information, your specialist will recommend the most effective treatment plan, which may include one or more procedures. It's important to inquire whether your treatment will be covered by insurance, as some procedures performed solely for cosmetic reasons may not be eligible for coverage.

Expertise Matters

 

The success of leg vein treatments largely depends on the skill and experience of the specialist performing the procedure. Specialists have been at the forefront of developing safer, less invasive treatments for leg veins, making them uniquely qualified to achieve the best results.

If you’re concerned about visible leg veins, consult a vascular and endovascular surgeon to discuss your options. With the right treatment plan, you can improve both the appearance and health of your legs.

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