Varicose Veins: Evaluation and Treatment
10/26/2011
In addition to being experts in the evaluation and treatment of CCSVI, the physicians at Synergy Health Concepts are experts in all fields of venous disorders, including the common venous abnormality of varicose veins. Many patients ask about the significance of varicose veins during their CCSVI evaluation. Some patients wish to have a basic work up and sometimes treatment for their varicose veins with Synergy Health Concepts while in Southern California. We hope the following information helps patients understand the cause of varicose veins and how they are treated.
Varicose veins are abnormal veins that cause the skin to bulge. They range from 1/8th inch to 1 inch in diameter and are typically purple or blue in color. When normal valves open and close in our veins, they allow blood to be pumped towards the heart and prevent blood from pooling back down into our legs. When valves are “leaky” they don’t close completely, thus allowing blood to pool back down into the veins of our legs as varicose veins. This is also called valve reflux and leads to chronic venous insufficiency. In addition to causing varicose veins, when valves are “leaky” they can also cause symptoms of heaviness, swelling, burning, itching, and fatigue within our legs. If left untreated, skin color changes and venous ulcerations can occur.
“Leaky” valves can be diagnosed on a venous ultrasound of the leg veins. Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that looks at valve performance within our leg veins. It can see them open and close and can assess whether the valves are leaky.
The treatment can be an out-patient procedure. Radiofrequency and laser ablation are revolutionary techniques being performed to treat varicose veins. Both techniques use heat to cause scarring within the diseased vein, resulting in complete closure of the vein, a relief of symptoms, and cosmetic improvements.
Synergy Health Concepts offers complete work up, diagnosis, and treatment of all venous disorders ranging from CCSVI to varicose veins. Patients wishing to have their varicose veins evaluated during their stay in Southern California with Synergy Health Concepts are encouraged to ask our office for more details.