Varicose veins are arguably the commonest vascular disorder. Although they are associated with many complications, the main reason for clinic visits is the unsightly nature of the vessels under the skin. Venous thromboembolism is a complication that is life threatening if timely intervention does not take place. There are a number of other important facts on varicose vein treatments Somerville residents need to know if they have this problem.
The cause of this problem is defective venous valves in the lower or upper limbs. Under normal circumstances, these valves play a vital role in ensuring that blood flows in one direction as it moves towards the heart. When they are damaged, however, there is significant back flow and stasis which provide favourable conditions for clot formation and consequently increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism and organ damage.
The available treatment modalities are focussed on reducing the appearance of the tortuous vessels through the skin as well as reducing the risk of forming these clots. The options also seek to limit progression of the disease by eliminating or reducing the impact of other risk factors. Some of the risk factors that are known to predispose and exacerbate this condition include pregnancy, obesity, advancing age and physical inactivity.
Before choosing the modality to be used in a particular case, the patient has to be assed fully. Screening for risk factors is done at this point as well as assessment on the general health status. Since some options have unpleasant side effects and complications, it is important to determine whether or not this will be the case for the patient. Patient preference, cost of treatment option and disease severity are other factors that play a significant role.
The best plan of management is one which is started with conservative therapies. In this category, compression stockings are the most commonly used option. Advantages of stockings include non-invasive nature, cheap and great safety. They reduce the bulges of veins seen under the skin and more importantly aid in blood flow from the affected limbs. There are three types of stockings used; pantyhose stockings, prescription strength and over-the-counter stockings.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive technique that may be considered in some cases. This procedure involves the injection of a special chemical in the affected vessels with the aim of inducing scar formation. As the scar heals it adds onto the strength of the vessels and reduces the irregular outline. It is especially effective for the small and medium sized vessels.
Surgery should be considered only after the conservative options have failed to yield desirable results. Several types of surgery may be performed for this problem. Ligation and stripping is arguably the most commonly performed. Here, section of the affected vessel is tied in two places and surgically removed in its entirety. Other vessels are left to take up its function.
It is vital to seek help for varicose veins as soon as you notice the abnormal vessels. Timely interventions have been associated with better outcomes. Moreover, when you start early, you will have a wide range of options to consider with your doctor. Any risk factors likely to worsen the situation will be identified during the visit.
The cause of this problem is defective venous valves in the lower or upper limbs. Under normal circumstances, these valves play a vital role in ensuring that blood flows in one direction as it moves towards the heart. When they are damaged, however, there is significant back flow and stasis which provide favourable conditions for clot formation and consequently increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism and organ damage.
The available treatment modalities are focussed on reducing the appearance of the tortuous vessels through the skin as well as reducing the risk of forming these clots. The options also seek to limit progression of the disease by eliminating or reducing the impact of other risk factors. Some of the risk factors that are known to predispose and exacerbate this condition include pregnancy, obesity, advancing age and physical inactivity.
Before choosing the modality to be used in a particular case, the patient has to be assed fully. Screening for risk factors is done at this point as well as assessment on the general health status. Since some options have unpleasant side effects and complications, it is important to determine whether or not this will be the case for the patient. Patient preference, cost of treatment option and disease severity are other factors that play a significant role.
The best plan of management is one which is started with conservative therapies. In this category, compression stockings are the most commonly used option. Advantages of stockings include non-invasive nature, cheap and great safety. They reduce the bulges of veins seen under the skin and more importantly aid in blood flow from the affected limbs. There are three types of stockings used; pantyhose stockings, prescription strength and over-the-counter stockings.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive technique that may be considered in some cases. This procedure involves the injection of a special chemical in the affected vessels with the aim of inducing scar formation. As the scar heals it adds onto the strength of the vessels and reduces the irregular outline. It is especially effective for the small and medium sized vessels.
Surgery should be considered only after the conservative options have failed to yield desirable results. Several types of surgery may be performed for this problem. Ligation and stripping is arguably the most commonly performed. Here, section of the affected vessel is tied in two places and surgically removed in its entirety. Other vessels are left to take up its function.
It is vital to seek help for varicose veins as soon as you notice the abnormal vessels. Timely interventions have been associated with better outcomes. Moreover, when you start early, you will have a wide range of options to consider with your doctor. Any risk factors likely to worsen the situation will be identified during the visit.
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