Living with Varicose Veins? Discover Today’s Minimally Invasive Treatments

Anyone between the ages of 30 and 70 is most at risk for developing varicose veins, and though these veins can be anywhere on your body, they most often develop in the legs.

Varicose veins can be a largely cosmetic problem, but they can also cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms. And sometimes they may even be part of a larger, more serious problem. 

Our experts at Pinnacle Healthcare System see cases of varicose veins that are mostly a cosmetic concern and others that indicate a more serious underlying issue. 

When you visit our offices in Hollywood or Pembroke Pines, Florida, for an evaluation, you can expect a thorough diagnostic process, as well as a treatment plan to address the specific cause of your varicose veins. 

Why do you have varicose veins? 

As we mentioned above, varicose veins usually appear in the legs, and that’s due to the nature of the problem. Your blood vessels aren’t just empty tubes. They’re complex structures that keep your blood moving through your body. 

Between each of your heartbeats, there’s a moment when gravity controls the direction of your blood flow. In your legs, that means the blood tries to drop down to your feet in the brief pause between beats. 

The reason your blood continues to flow up your legs and back to your heart is due to a series of valves that snap shut and prevent the blood rushing back down your legs. 

When you have varicose veins, it’s because those valves are leaky, and blood pools around them, creating the visible bumps and ropey appearance. 

Some people are more likely than others to develop varicose veins. Age is a factor. Some other things that increase your chances of having varicose veins include: 

• Family history
• Occupation
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies

About half of pregnant women develop varicose veins during pregnancy, but in the majority of cases, they go away within a year or so. Often, treating varicose veins begins with some lifestyle changes. 

When varicose veins are a symptom

Most of the time, varicose veins are bothersome because of how they look, but sometimes they are a symptom of another problem, such peripheral vascular disease. Blood circulation is a critical part of good cardiovascular health. 

Pinnacle Healthcare System offers preventive cardiology services. When you come to us for treatment of varicose veins, we make sure there’s not a related cardiovascular issue that we need to address in order to protect your health. 

Treating varicose veins

The good news when it comes to varicose veins is that treatment is usually straightforward. Most of the time, we begin by suggesting some simple changes, like wearing compression socks, adding exercise to your daily routine, and avoiding standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time. 

If that approach doesn’t work, we offer a treatment called endovenous laser therapy. This painless treatment uses energy to damage the affected vein, which causes it to close. Your blood then flows through a different, healthy vein instead. 

You won’t likely see results from laser therapy right away, but over time, the visible veins disappear, along with any uncomfortable symptoms you may have been experiencing. 

If you don’t like the way your legs look because of varicose veins or if your legs feel achy, itchy, or heavy, schedule an appointment with one of the experts at either our Hollywood or Pembroke Pines locations of Pinnacle Healthcare System.