Treat Your Legs – They Take You the Extra Mile!

If you’ve experienced varicose veins in your legs, you know they are not pretty. They can be unsightly, painful, throb, ache, itch, make you feel tired and indicate other more serious health issues. So, why do you get varicose veins? And can you get rid of them?

Varicose veins are caused from pooling in blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Blood gets trapped in blood vessels due to gravity, weakened vein walls and low-performing vein valves. This creates bumpy, purple artery clusters beneath the skin. Contrary to what many may believe, spider veins are not actually varicose veins. Although they are both caused by circulation issues, the small blue, red starburst-looking veins are generally painless and are caused by increased blood pressure in veins and blood vessels.

Varicose veins are largely attributed to heredity, but can also occur during pregnancy or for patients who are overweight. Patients experience an increased risk for varicose veins as they get older, if they sit or stand for long periods or have an inactive lifestyle. There are some measures you can take to help prevent or decrease varicose vein occurrence. Practices such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, elevating your feet while sitting, wearing support hose and not sitting or standing for extended periods of time without movement.

While usually not medically urgent, untreated varicose veins can potentially clot and lead to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or chronic venous disease – both serious conditions which should be treated right away. 

The good news? Adena can help treat your varicose veins and restore your legs’ look and health. And most treatments are relatively quick with a short recovery time. There are procedures to close off the veins, thus removing the excess pressure and pooling. Varicose veins can be sealed using ablation or inter-vein sealant. Veins can also be surgically removed or “tied-off” in a procedure called vein ligation or stripping. Other treatment options may include medication or compression therapy or a combination thereof.

Adena Heart and Vascular offers free vein screenings to help patients assess risk and learn about treatment options. We work with patients to identify a treatment path that works for them. Call our offices at 740-779-4360 and we’ll schedule you into one of our open screening times. Treat your legs, they go the extra mile for you!