Over the years, there has been a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding varicose veins. Contrary to what some believe, they are not caused by crossing your legs. They can be caused by pregnancy though. Exercise helps prevent, not cause, them. Their appearance does have a genetic component. They are not the same as spider veins. They do not only affect women; men can develop them too. They are not merely a cosmetic problem; they can indicate serious health issues. And once treated with the new procedures, they do not return. Let’s look at some of these true facts in more detail.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are thick, deep blue and they bulge through the skin. (In comparison, spider veins are thin and can be red, blue or purple.) They can cause a great deal of pain. They are quite common, affecting over 80 million adult Americans. They are caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins. These valves normally keep blood flowing in only one direction — back to the heart. If the valves are compromised, blood can pool in the lower extremities, causing the veins to bulge and showing the characteristic blue color of oxygen-poor blood. The occur most commonly in the legs, because when blood isn’t being moved effectively back to the heart, it tends to settle low in the body.
Not Just a Cosmetic Problem
Aside from the pain they can cause, varicose veins are not in themselves dangerous. They should nonetheless be checked by a doctor, because they can be a warning sign of long-term health risks such as deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, and poor circulation.
A minimally invasive procedure called vein ablation uses radio frequency to remove varicose veins and spider veins (even though they are not the same thing). A catheter is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision in the skin and is pushed into the end of the vein. As the catheter is retracted, a radio frequency is activated, causing the vein to collapse and die, after which it is absorbed by the body. The procedure usually takes about one hour, entails little pain and does not cause scarring. Some patients experience immediate relief from their symptoms. Veins treated this way can not reappear.
EVLT treatment, also known as Endovenous Laser Ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to seal off varicose veins. This procedure offers several benefits, including minimal pain and scarring, immediate relief from symptoms for some patients, and the assurance that treated veins will not reappear. Dr. Manuel Abella at Abella Health specializes in this treatment and has extensive experience in successfully treating varicose veins using EVLT. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment today.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, EVLT treatment provides a range of advantages for individuals seeking relief from varicose veins. This innovative procedure can be conveniently performed in the comfort of the doctor’s office, typically taking less than an hour to complete. With an impressive success rate of up to 98%, patients can experience immediate relief from symptoms and return to their normal activities without prolonged downtime or discomfort. Furthermore, the minimally invasive nature of EVLT ensures minimal scarring, making it an attractive option for those concerned about the aesthetic impact of treatment.
Dr. Abella’s expertise and dedication to EVLT treatment further enhance the benefits of this procedure, offering patients reassurance and confidence in the effectiveness of their varicose vein treatment. If you are considering EVLT as a viable solution for your varicose veins, we encourage you to reach out to us at Abella Health for personalized information and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abella. Take the first step towards healthier, more comfortable legs today.”<
Abella Health provides Cardiology care with a specialization on cardiac and vein care. Dr. Manuel Abella, an Interventional Cardiologist and Vein Specialist who has been practicing in the Miami area for 34 years, specializes in the treatment of varicose veins and is highly experienced in the vein ablation procedure. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment today.
Varicose veins are quite common, affecting over 80 million adult Americans. These veins are not only a cosmetic concern but significantly impact both genders, with nearly 40 percent of women and 25 percent of men experiencing lower extremity venous insufficiency, which often presents as visible varicose veins. They are thick, deep blue, and bulge through the skin, causing a great deal of pain. This pain and discomfort can compromise daily routines, making it challenging for many to maintain their usual lifestyle.
Aside from the pain they can cause, varicose veins are not in themselves dangerous. However, they should nonetheless be checked by a doctor, because they can be a warning sign of long-term health risks such as deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, and poor circulation. If you find yourself suffering from long-standing leg symptoms that affect your daily activities, know that you are not alone and that treatments are available to help manage the condition effectively.