Varicose Vein
Pretty much everyone who has them hates them. They can be passed on genetically. They can pop up at any time. Both women and men have them. They are almost always unattractive and often painful. And most people who have them want to get rid of them. Do you have them? What causes them? Keep reading.
Varicose veins – why, who, what
Our veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing toward the heart. If the valves become weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool in our veins. This causes those swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the skin, most commonly in the legs.
Unsightly and painful veins can form for many reasons. But you are more likely to have them if you are a woman, overweight, pregnant, older, don’t exercise or have a family history of the problem.
You can try at-home treatments to manage your veins and the swelling that can come with them, or you may need medical procedures to remove or treat them. At the Body Chic Center for Cosmetic Enhancement and Vein Treatments, Dr. Buch offers several options for dealing with your veins, depending on your particular condition and overall health:
Five ways we can treat your vein issues
- For cosmetic treatment of spider veins and other vein problems
Sclerotherapy — uses saline injections - Lasers
- For larger varicose veins
Radiofrequency ablation – uses heat to destroy the vein - For smaller varicose veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy – uses a series of tiny skin punctures - For various varicose vein issues
Vein stripping — removes a long vein through small incisions
Five ways you can help your varicose veins issues at home
- Drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon.
- Avoid adding salt to your food and processed foods which have lots of salt
- Elevate your legs above your heart to prevent blood accumulation and swelling. Sleep with a pillow under your feet.
- Move more!
- Wear compression hose
To learn more about options for your vein problems, call 908-725-8755.