VARICOSE VEINS AND TREATMENT
Large, bulky engorged veins that usually appear on the legs, although can be seen over other areas of the body. Women are more likely to have varicose veins and spider veins. Pregnancy, older age, and obesity can increase your risk of varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins can cause pain, achiness and discomfort in the legs, mainly after prolonged standing or walking. Sometimes they can also be asymptomatic.
1. What causes varicose veins?
The exact cause of varicose is still unknown, people with a family history of varicose veins have increased risk of developing varicose veins. The risk is also observed to be more in people who work in a prolonged standing jobs. Usually, females are more affected than men.
2. What are spider veins?
Spider veins are very small veins which will appear on legs and thighs and also other areas of the body.
3. How varicose veins area treated?
Thorough assessment and examination is done during the consult. Ultrasound examination will be done as well.
The treatment modalities depend on the examination and assessment findings
Smaller prominent veins and spider veins can be treated by sclerotherapy, where a detergent chemical is injected into the veins with very small needle.
The sclerotherapy can also be done under Ultrasound guidance called Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy or UGS.
Larger varicose veins can be treated by a Endo-venous Laser Ablation Treatment( EVLT). In EVLT ,a catheter is passed to the vein and through the laser the vein is treated.
Compression stockings after the treatment is essential part of the management. Duration and other details of stocking applications will be discussed at the time of consult.
4. What are the side effects of Sclerotherapy?
Most common side effects are bruising, local allergic reactions pain swelling which will settle without any major issues in a short time.
Haematoma can be seen in treated veins which will be managed at the time of follow-up. Pigmentation can be seen some times which is a self-limiting, over a period of time.
Mating- appearance of new small veins, after sclerotherapy- which may be self-limiting , but can also treated again if needed.
Ulceration can be seen some times but can be minimised by using safer techniques of injection,
Thromboembolism (clots in the legs or lungs) are rare with the sclerotherapies.
5. What does the consult involves varicose veins?
The first consultation involves detailed history taking, clinical examination, ultrasound scan of the veins. The U/S scan findings will be discussed and finally treatment plan is discussed. Initial consult will be charged 120 dollars with 76.95 dollars back from Medicare + 60 dollars for the U/S