My VaricoseVein 

A. Varicose veins are dilated, twisted bulging veins in the legs.

A. There are several risk factors identified among patients with varicose veins.  The most common being genetic or hereditary, sex (more frequently seen in females), aging, multiple pregnancy, obesity, history of leg trauma and others.

A.  Varicose veins may start as an innocent benign looking flat or bulging veins.  As these worsen, patient may develop symptoms such as leg ache, heaviness, pain and even itchiness.  In severe cases, varicose vein may lead to dermatitis, phlebitis, bleeding and ulceration ( so called venous stasis ulcer ).

A.   There are two vein systems in the legs: the superficial vein system and the deep venous system.  There role is to bring back blood from the feet to the heart.  This is a one way, upward direction in a standing patient. This one way flow happens due to the presence of multiple valves along the course of the veins.   If these  vein valves are not functioning properly, blood flow becomes bidirectional.  This is called venous insufficiency or venous reflux. This causes blood to pool at the lower leg.

A.  A vascular specialist performs an extensive clinical evaluation by doing a thorough history and physical examination.  An ultrasound duplex venous study of the leg may be necessary to confirm venous insufficiency or reflux.

A. There are several treatment options available depending on the initial evaluation of the vascular specialist.  The primary objective of the varicose vein management is to treat the venous reflux. The remaining veins can be treated with supplemental procedures such as microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy and/ or radiofrequency veinwave.