If you've developed varicose veins, it's important to understand what causes them, how to treat them, and how you might be able to prevent them.
Gary Nackman, MD, FACS, at NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center in Oradell and Clifton, New Jersey, is a vascular surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive treatments that eliminate the physical and cosmetic concerns of varicose veins.
Dr. Nackman and his team can help if you're struggling with varicose veins.
Varicose veins occur when one-way valves in the veins, which are responsible for returning blood to the heart, become weak or damaged. This causes blood to collect in the veins, leading to their characteristic bulging and twisted appearance.
Over time, these changes in your veins can cause cosmetic concerns and physical complications noted with varicosities, including leg swelling, skin changes, pain, and problems such as open sores (ulcers) that require advanced wound care.
Anyone can develop varicose veins. However, certain factors increase your risks, including:
If your family has a history of varicose veins, you're more likely to develop them.
The risk increases with age as veins lose elasticity.
Varicose veins are more likely to develop in women than men.
Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to the formation of varicose veins.
Extra weight puts more pressure on the veins, increasing the risk of damage to vein walls and valves.
Spending hours at your desk or standing on your feet can cause excess blood to pool in leg veins, resulting in damage that may appear as broken capillaries (spider veins) or bulging varicosities.
At-home remedies may reduce the pain and swelling related to varicose veins. Things to try at home include:
If your job requires long hours sitting or standing, taking a quick walk or moving from one area to another can help improve circulation. Many of these actions may also help prevent varicose veins.
However, because damaged veins are not repairable, the only definitive solution is to close the affected vein. This process causes your body to reroute blood flow to a nearby healthy vein as the discoloration and bulging from the sealed vein(s) resolve.
Dr. Nackman and his group provide innovative, minimally invasive treatments to eliminate cosmetic and physical effects of varicose veins.
To seal damaged veins, your customized strategy may include radiofrequency energy (Venefit®), injectable foam (Varithena®), or injectable polidocanol (Asclera®). Each of these in-office treatments offers superior results with minimum discomfort.
Whether you’re bothered by cosmetic or physical effects of varicose veins or both, we can help. Schedule an evaluation at NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center today. Call our Oradell or Clifton, New Jersey office or request an appointment online.
