Beacon provides non-surgical treatments for spider and varicose veins that are safe, virtually painless and will have you back to your normal, daily activities sooner than you think.
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- https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/vein-health/
- https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/vein-health/
Home > Services > Heart, Vascular & Stroke Care > Beacon Heart, Vascular & Stroke Team > Vein Health
Vein Specialists
Burning or itchy legs? Swollen legs? Leg pain, heaviness or discomfort? If you said yes to any of these questions, you may have varicose veins.
If you’ve been suffering from varicose veins, you’re not alone. Nearly 40 percent of women and 25 percent of men suffer from lower extremity venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Beacon provides non-surgical treatments that are safe, virtually painless and will have you back to your normal, daily activities sooner than you think.
About Vein Disease
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins can develop through a combination of weakened vein walls and faulty valves. Normally toned, elastic vein walls can become weak, causing the blood to flow backward. This is known as venous reflux or venous insufficiency. The reversal of blood flow allows blood to pool and pressure to build up, which further weakens and damages the veins, causing them to become twisted, enlarged and painful, which is seen in varicose and spider veins.
Varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs and ankles because standing increases pressure in the legs. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and found closer to the skin’s surface. They are usually red or blue in color and vary in size.
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Any condition that puts more pressure on leg veins – including standing for long periods of time, being overweight or pregnancy – increases the risk of varicose veins
- Women are at greater risk than men due to hormonal changes that relax vein walls during pregnancy, pre-menstruation or menopause; however, 25 to 30 percent of varicose vein cases occur in men.
- Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may also increase the risk.
- History of blood clots and conditions that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as tumors, constipation and tight garments.
What are the symptoms of vein disease?
- Visual appearance of varicose/spidery veins
- Heavy, tired or achy legs
- Burning or throbbing of the lower legs
- Skin color changes
- Dry, flaky or thin skin
- Inflamed skin or open sores
- Itching or bleeding around one or more of your veins
Treatments for Vein Conditions
While rare, varicose veins could indicate a critical blockage in deeper veins, a condition called deep vein thrombosis, which can be life threatening. As a result, proper medical evaluation and treatment of varicose veins is important. Because chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive disease, symptoms will often worsen if left untreated.
The evaluation includes a visual and physical examination of the legs and feet by a physician, who checks for inflammation, areas that are tender to the touch, changes in skin color, ulcerations and other signs of skin breakdown. In most cases an ultrasound test is ordered to determine if the valves in the veins are functioning properly and to check for evidence of a blood clot.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Endovenous laser ablation eliminates unsightly varicose veins with minimal-to-no scarring, no lengthy recovery and minimal side effects.
Sclerotherapy Treatment
Learn what's involved in this procedure to treat varicose veins, including the risks and what improvements you can expect.
VeinGogh – Cosmetic Spider Vein Treatment
The VeinGogh Ohmic Thermolysis System generates a tiny, regulated, high frequency current delivered to the vessel via a hair-thin probe.
Call to learn more.