Some problems just fade away with the help of an Interventional Radiologist.^TM

Varicose veins are most often, enlarged, bulging, twisted or rope-like veins that most frequently occur in the legs, ankles and feet near the surface of the skin. They are produced by a condition known as venous insufficiency or venous reflux in which blood circulating through the lower limbs does not properly return to the heart. In normally functioning veins, tiny one-way valves open as blood flows toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves malfunction, blood pools in the veins, resulting in a buildup of pressure that weakens their walls and causes them to bulge.

More than 25 million Americans suffer from venous reflux disease, including teenagers. Often the first indication of venous reflux is the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins that may not cause any symptoms. In some people, the condition worsens and backward flowing blood pooling in bulging leg veins can cause symptoms of pain and fatigue in the legs, swollen ankles and calves, burning or itching in the skin, muscle cramping, leg throbbing, easy bleeding and restless leg sensations. These symptoms may result in people being unable to walk, stand or sit without feeling pain or exhaustion. If untreated, venous insufficiency can even cause a change in skin color (known as stasis pigmentation), dry and thinning skin, inflammation of the skin and open sores called ulcers that can lead to serious infections.

An estimated 72% of American women and 42% of men will experience varicose veins symptoms by the time they reach their sixties. Women are at greater risk than men due to hormonal changes that relax vein walls during pregnancy, pre-menstruation or menopause. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may also increase the risk. Obesity, a family history of varicose veins or spending a great deal of time standing increase the chances of developing varicose veins, but varicose veins can occur in almost anyone at almost any age.

To determine whether venous reflux disease is causing your varicose veins or symptoms your physician may conduct an examination and probably order an ultrasound examination to evaluate the veins of the affected legs. The ultrasound examination is a non-invasive test that is able to detect venous reflux and helps identify what veins are involved. If the ultrasound does not indicate venous reflux in the legs, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test may be ordered to pinpoint the source of the varicose veins and symptoms which can occasionally arise from vein problems in the pelvis such as Pelvic Venous Insufficiency or May-Thurner Syndrome.

If ultrasound confirms the diagnosis of venous reflux, your physician will commonly prescribe conservative measures like compression stockings as a first step in your treatment. If symptoms persist, there are several new options for curative treatment. For decades the only option was in-hospital surgical ligation or vein stripping requiring general anesthesia and prolonged recovery. Today, RAS's Board Certified Minimally Invasive Specialists are proud to offer highly effective outpatient alternatives including Vena Cure endovenous laser and VNUS radiofrequency treatments as well as ultrasound guided injections.

If you would like more information, or are interested in seeing one of our Specialists, please call 916-732-7777.