Varicose veins are condition that affect women and men as they age. With varicose veins, you have a vein that starts to have issue with blood flow. The valves of the vein does not close properly and the blood begins to flow in a backwards motion. The blood is supposed to flow from the leg to the heart. This does not take place when you have a varicose vein issue.

1. Dangers of Ignoring Varicose Veins Issues
Varicose veins are condition that affect women and men as they age. With varicose
veins, you have a vein that starts to have issue with blood flow. The valves of the
vein does not close properly and the blood begins to flow in a backwards motion.
The blood is supposed to flow from the leg to the heart. This does not take place
when you have a varicose vein issue. The blood then begins to accumulate and the
abnormal pressure will cause the vein to swell. The vein then becomes visible and
bulges from the leg.
There are several factors that can lead to varicose veins. Being overweight,
pregnant, hormones, leg injury, standing for long periods of time and so on. It is
important to live a healthy lifestyle to try and avoid this issue as it can be harmful
to your health. Women are more likely to develop the condition over men and it is
important to understand the symptoms of the condition so you can seek treatment
in the early stages.
Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins:
 Aching in the leg area
 Heavy feeling in the legs
 Tiredness
 Swelling in the leg
 Itching in the area
 Spider veins
 Protruding or visible veins on the leg
 Cramping of the leg
 Burning sensation
 There are also less common signs that should be considered if you begin to
see the symptoms frequently:
 Nightly restless legs
 Cramping in the legs at night
 Superficial blood clotting

2. It is important to note that if you have any of these symptoms, you should head to
the doctor and have your situation evaluated. This will help to determine if you
need treatment. Below are the severe symptoms that should not be ignored and a
physician should be contacted immediately. These symptoms are:
 Discoloration above the ankle
 Bleeding from a superficial vein (after trauma)
 Skin ulceration (open sores in the area)
 Rashes or skin condition near the affected area
 Tissue hardening above the ankle area
If you experience any of these severe symptoms, you need to visit a physician
immediately. Many individuals will ignore the symptoms and they can be put at
risk. Without treatment, you are subject to dilated veins that are twisted and
swollen. You will have episodes of pain in the area and can develop leg ulcers on
the skin of the affected area. Varicose veins, especially severe cases, can lead to a
serious complication with your health. With early treatment, you will be able to
prevent the situation from becoming advanced with additional difficulty.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with varicose veins, you will need to seek immediate
treatment. There are several options for treatment. The most common form is
prescription compression stockings. These are pantyhose like stockings that reduce
the amount of swelling in the affected area. The risk of blood clots are also
decreased.
Sclerotherapy is another treatment and is minimally invasive. A solution is injected
into the affected vein and will block the vein causing the vein to disappear. This
treatment requires multiple injections until the affected area is healed.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is another option that is also minimally invasive. This
treatment requires anesthesia either local or general. A small hook is used to
remove the affected vein after a tiny incision is made in the skin. After the vein is
removed, the skin is pulled together and sterile tape is used to secure the incision
for healing.

3. Overall, it is essential that you consult a physician if you believe you have varicose
veins. With a full checkup, your physician will be able to determine if you are
suffering from the condition and then prescribe the best treatment for your
condition.
About CFIM
The mission of Center for Interventional Medicine is to provide the greater
Washington D.C. region with the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments
performed using radiologic guidance, under the direction of a skilled and
compassionate staff. Using the latest technology, CFIM offers a broad range of
minimally invasive outpatient treatments performed under local anaesthetic and
intravenous sedation. Patients are given the personalized attention and the time
needed to have all of their questions answered and calm any apprehensions they
may have.