Varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable and may indicate poor circulation and blood flow. The Heart One Associates team offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for your varicose veins at their offices in Peoria, Buckeye, and Phoenix, Arizona. If you have varicose veins and want advanced treatment options, call or schedule a consultation online today.
Varicose veins are a form of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which affects blood circulation to and in the extremities. Varicose veins are large, tender, dark-colored veins just below the skin in the legs.
Varicose veins occur when there is consistent increased pressure on the large veins in the lower extremities. The elevated pressure damages the valves of the veins, preventing effective forward movement and causing a buildup of blood and fluid. The vein becomes engorged and inflamed and then enlarges over time.
Women are more likely to get varicose veins or spider veins, a less severe form of varicose veins. This may be due to hormones, which can weaken vessel valves, and because pregnancy is a leading cause for increased pressure on the lower extremities.
Other risk factors for varicose veins include obesity, diabetes, advanced age, and family history. Occupations that require long periods of standing, such as nursing, factory work, or food service, may also increase someone's risk for varicose veins.
If you can see or feel the large veins in your legs, it may be an early sign that you have insufficient blood flow. You may have developing or progressing varicose veins if you notice:
If you have varicose veins or spider veins, you may also suffer from poor-healing or nonhealing leg or foot ulcers. Insufficient blood flow means tissues don't get the oxygen they need to heal, so when you get even a superficial wound, it may not heal correctly and cause gangrene or blood infection.
As part of preventive cardiology assessments, your provider screens you for signs of varicose veins. If you show early signs of venous insufficiency, they may recommend lifestyle changes or wearing compression dressings while standing to improve circulation.
If you develop varicose veins, Heart One Associates offers a range of advanced treatment options, including:
These varicose vein treatments use different methods to collapse or remove the ineffective vein and encourage the body to reroute blood flow to other vessels.
If you have varicose veins, call or schedule a consultation with Heart One Associates today.
