So you say you’re living with your varicose veins. You’re fine. They’re not that bad. Sure, they hurt. Sure, they keep you off your feet… sometimes. But are you really just making excuses for a very treatable condition? One of the problems we see often here at the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City is patients putting off varicose vein treatment…sometimes for years! So many say, “I wish I would have done this sooner!”
Varicose Veins Do Not Get Better Naturally
The bad news is that venous insufficiency (the disease that causes varicose veins) is a chronic disease. That means it will not get better. Most likely it will get worse. The very definition of a chronic disease is a disease or condition that usually lasts for over a year or longer and may worsen over time. Chronic diseases can be controlled but not cured. Your varicose veins will not get better. There are some things you can do to slow the progression of the disease, but the varicose veins you have today will not disappear. More than likely, they will get worse and more will appear in the future.
Activity Checklist
Now that you know the facts, take this test to see how much varicose veins are interfering with your life. It may be more than you realized. If you check more than three boxes, your varicose veins are interfering with your everyday life:
- Stopped taking walks for exercise
- Make your spouse do the grocery shopping
- Quit activities with friends (pickle ball, bowling, swimming, fishing, etc)
- Elevate your legs after being on your feet
- Have trouble sleeping because of leg pain
- Suffer from restless leg syndrome
- Don’t go to the mall to shop anymore
- Park closer to the door to reduce walking
- Stopped wearing heels
- Wear compression stockings to help with the pain
- Stopped wearing shorts or skirts because you don’t like the way your legs look
- Deal with burning, itching, or aching legs on a regular basis
Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are caused by a disease called Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins malfunction, causing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back to the heart. It can lead to varicose veins and other venous disorders. Here are some common causes of venous insufficiency:
- Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in whether or not you’re prone to varicose veins. If your parents or close relatives have them, you’re more likely to develop them too.
- Age: As you age, the valves in your veins may weaken. Aging causes wear and tear on the veins, making them less efficient at returning blood to the heart.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, pre-menstruation, or menopause, can contribute to their development.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases, and the pressure on the veins in your legs also increases. Hormonal changes and the weight of the uterus can weaken vein walls and valves.
- Obesity: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins, especially in your legs. This can lead to the development of varicose veins or worsen existing ones.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can impair blood circulation. Sitting or standing for long periods without movement can also contribute to the development of varicose veins.
- Occupational factors: Jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing, such as office work or nursing, can increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the deep veins of the legs can cause damage to the valves, leading to varicose veins.
- Injury or trauma: Previous injury to the veins in the legs can increase the risk of varicose veins.
These are some of the primary causes, but there can be other contributing factors as well. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you’re experiencing symptoms of varicose veins.
Treatments Are Fast & Easy
It ultimately doesn’t matter what caused your varicose veins… you are living with them and the discomfort they cause. Today’s treatments are fast and easy and we do them right here in our office. There’s no need for hospitalization or general anesthesia. We use local anesthesia. You are awake and talking the entire time. Procedures take less than two hours and most take less than one. There is no downtime after. You can go back to work or carry on with your day. You may need to wear compression stockings for the first week and the only thing you need to avoid is heavy exercise.
Treated Veins Are Gone for Good
Our patients are always surprised at how easy it is. Once your veins are treated, they will not return. Your body naturally absorbs the old damaged veins and reroutes the blood to healthy veins. Does this make your remaining veins work harder? No, your body is amazing and actually creates new veins to carry the blood to where it is needed!
We never say anyone is “cured” of their varicose veins because venous insufficiency is an ongoing condition and you may develop other varicose veins over time. But when you come in for treatment, the veins we treat are gone for good along with the pain they caused. Most patients require more than one visit to treat all of their varicose veins and Dr. Barbieri recommends annual checkups as well.
Stop Letting Varicose Veins Affect Your Life
Think back. What’s the last thing you didn’t do because of your varicose veins? If you’ve been procrastinating, make an appointment for an evaluation. Get rid of the pain and the unsightly veins. It’s easier than you think. Plus, most varicose veins treatments are covered by insurance. See if your insurance provider is on this list. If so, call to see what your policy covers. Come in and see Dr. B. and be free!