Oftentimes, people hear the diagnosis of varicose veins and are upset because they don’t have an understanding of what exactly the condition is. It’s certainly nothing to be alarmed about though, especially since there are reputable treatment centers available, such as Shore Vascular & Vein Center, serving Atlantic County, Cape May County and Ocean County, New Jersey. Instead of simply worrying about varicose veins and spider veins, this FAQ will provide insight to the condition.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are veins that become large and swollen, usually due to the vein valves becoming damaged or diseased. This leads to vein valve failure, known as venous reflux. This causes backward flow in the veins, and a pooling of blood which increases pressure in the leg veins. The increased pressure can cause surface veins to become dilated, or varicose, and bluish in color, leading to the noticeable marks we tend to see.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are a smaller type of varicose veins. These usually don’t cause as much discomfort as larger varicose veins, but most people with vein disease suffer from a combination of both varicose and spider veins.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins can be linked to both age and gender, although both men and women may develop them. Other factors that increase the risk of developing varicose veins are obesity, having a genetic predisposition or family history, and having a standing profession. In addition, pregnancy, or multiple pregnancies, can contribute to the development of varicose veins.
How common are varicose veins?
Research has shown that a large percentage of both women and men will experience some degree of varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s. In fact, an estimated 27% of the adult population in the United States has some sort of vein disease of the legs.
What are some varicose veins treatment options?
Varicose vein treatment can come in many different forms, depending on a person’s particular problem. The good news is that all of these options should be minimally invasive. Vein treatments can be focused treating the underlying cause for the varicose veins as well as treating the veins themselves. Some of the most common of these safe and effective treatments (link: https://getgreatlegs.com/best-treatments-for-varicose-veins-and-other-vascular-problems/) include the Excel V Laser, sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy and the Venefit procedure (or VNUS closure). The procedures range from using radio frequency energy, lasers, sclerosing agents and the complete removal of the vein.
Are those options safe?
Most varicose vein treatments can be completed within a few hours and are typically a simple outpatient procedure. Many times, local anesthetics are used, so patients don’t have to be “put under” at all. And since the treatments are minimally-invasive, most patients are also able to carry one with their everyday activity within a short amount of time after the procedure.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Treatment for varicose veins isn’t always for cosmetic purposes. Typically, treatments for venous insufficiency – or venous reflux disease – are covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare.
Have any more questions? Give Shore Vascular & Vein Center a call at (609) 927-VEIN (8346) and Dr. Jeffrey Gosin and his staff will be more than happy to help.
