Diagnosing Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are inflamed veins that have risen and are above the skin’s surface. Like the heart, the veins also have valves that stop the blood flow from traveling backward.  Muscles in the legs push the veins to allow blood to go back to the heart.  Varicose veins that are bigger can cause aches and fatigue can be the source of a rash, cause skin to become red and sometimes sores.

It is estimated that approximately forty million Americans, the majority women, suffer from varicose veins.  This condition affects one out of every two people who are over the age of fifty.

A hemorrhoid is a kind of varicose vein as are spider veins in a smaller version.  Veins that are healthy are generally only visible on the ankle or foot.  The cause of varicose veins can include, but aren’t limited to valves that are defective, being pregnant and blood clots.

Standing for an extended period and an increase of pressure in the abdomen can increase the chances of being diagnosed with varicose veins or can make the current condition worse.  The varicose veins that pregnant women experience are generally caused because of changes in hormones that make the walls and the valves of the veins more flexible.  However, if new dilated varicosities occur during pregnancy you should have a complete evaluation since these might be a new bypass pathway linked to severe DVT.  Varicose veins are blue or purple, appear swollen and expanded, and look twisted.  Normally there is no pain associated with varicose veins, but if a patient begins to feel pain you should consult your physician.

Diagnosis of varicose veins is determined by nothing more than seeing the veins themselves.  In the majority of instances most patients suffer from varicose veins in their legs.  Occasionally the veins are somewhat visible however; most of the veins are larger and more visible which makes some patients feel uncomfortable about the way their legs look.

In either case your doctor will observe both and ask for information concerning whether a patient suffers from any pain associate with the varicose veins.  In severe cases, the doctor may recommend that the patient have an angiogram which will measure blood flow through the vessels.

Symptoms of varicose veins

The majority of cases of varicose veins, there are no symptoms with the exception of the vein showing through the skin, however, in some cases these veins could be a symptom of other problems in your circulatory system.  Most varicose vein diagnoses are not a threat to your health, but you should consult your doctor to be sure.

Treatment for varicose veins

Depending on several factors with your varicose veins you and your doctor will come up with the treatment plan that is specialized for only you.  Several options that are available to you might include:

• sclerotherapy (microsclerotherapy),

• laser surgery

• minimally invasive catheter-assisted techniques

• surgical vein stripping

• ambulatory phlebectomy

• endoscopic vein surgery