Varicose Veins: More Than A Cosmetic Concern

Jeffrey Ware | June 10, 2008

In addition to being ugly in appearance, varicose veins may have a serious impact on the general public’s quality of life. This is generally because vein disease affects the younger working population.

Approximately one third of the population between the ages of 18 – 64 suffers from varicose veins that may be caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This medical disease may cause chronic pain in the legs and inhibit patients from standing for long periods of time. Other symptoms including fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, cramping, itching, and restlessness of the legs may preclude patients from performing their daily jobs. Patients suffering with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) often must rest to alleviate the symptoms.

Failure to recognize varicose veins as a medical disease by the patient as well as many family doctors may often lead to failure to treat properly. Without proper treatment of varicose veins, the disease may advance to end stage CVI. End stage CVI may include venous stasis dermatitis, chronic brawny leg edema, phlebitis, hemorrhage, or ulceration. The manifestation of these end stage conditions will require further advanced treatment and rehabilitation for the patient. Therefore, it is critical that patients with varicose veins be examined and evaluated by a qualified phlebologist.

New endovenous technologies have revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. Patients no longer require a surgical procedure with general anesthesia, scarring, and prolonged rehabilitation to treat this disease. Endovenous procedures may be performed in the physician’s office by a qualified phlebologist. The entire procedure requires only a needle puncture without general anesthesia and leaves no scarring. The patient may return to normal activity immediately following the procedure.