Varicose Veins

Varicose veins affect millions of adults, yet misconceptions abound with many believing that they’re merely a cosmetic concern. However, they can lead to serious health issues if untreated. Understanding varicose veins is crucial to recognizing symptoms early and seeking appropriate medical intervention to prevent complications.

Varicose Vein Treatment in Evansville, IN

The days of painful vein stripping, hospital stays, and lengthy recoveries for treating varicose veins are long gone. At Evansville Surgical Associates, our varicose vein surgeons are dedicated to delivering top-tier care, aiding you in reclaiming the lifestyle you cherish.

Our wide array of treatments includes laser-based and foam-based approaches, each targeting symptoms at their root. These minimally invasive techniques ensure swift recovery, allowing you to promptly resume normal activities.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins that commonly appear blue or dark purple. They usually occur in the legs and feet due to malfunctioning valves within the veins. Healthy veins have valves that help regulate blood flow, ensuring it moves efficiently back to the heart. However, when these valves weaken or become damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to swell and become varicose.

Causes

Varicose veins can develop for a variety of reasons. Some people may have a family history of them. For others, it could be due to sitting or standing for long periods of time. Whatever the cause, the surgeons at Evansville Surgical Associates are here to help you feel better and more confident.

Family History

A family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing them. This is because genetic factors can influence the strength and integrity of vein walls and valves.

Age

The natural aging process can cause wear and tear on vein walls and valves, leading to varicose veins.

Sex

Females are more prone to varicose veins than males. This is possibly due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause that can weaken vein walls and valves.

Pregnancy

Increased blood volume and pressure on the veins from the growing uterus can contribute to the development of varicose veins during pregnancy. Hormonal changes also play a role.

Obesity

Excess weight can put added pressure on the veins. This impairs their ability to efficiently return blood to the heart and increases the risk of varicose veins.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Jobs or habits involving prolonged standing or sitting periods can hinder healthy blood circulation, leading to varicose veins.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity can weaken the muscles that support vein function, contributing to the development of varicose veins.

Previous Leg Injuries or Surgery

Trauma to the legs or past surgical procedures can damage veins and impair their ability to function properly, increasing the risk of varicose veins.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Known as DVT for short, deep vein thrombosis is when blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. This can cause damage to vein valves and increase the risk of varicose veins.

Chronic Constipation

Straining during bowel movements can increase pressure in the abdomen. This affects blood flow from the legs back to the heart and can potentially lead to varicose veins.

Symptoms

Varicose veins affect millions of Americans. They can usually be spotted by their hallmark conspicuous dark, twisted veins. However, detecting other subtler indicators can prove challenging. Additionally, the symptoms associated with varicose veins can significantly diminish one’s quality of life, to the extent of impeding participation in previously enjoyed activities.

It’s helpful to understand the other varicose vein symptoms. This empowers you to know when something is wrong and to seek treatment.

Sore and Aching Legs

Leg discomfort characterized by soreness and aching frequently accompanies varicose veins. Leg pain typically intensifies as the day progresses, making sitting down your top priority when you get home. This pain can manifest as sensations of heaviness and cramping to a deep-seated throbbing within the leg.

Chronic Swelling

Persistent swelling ranks among the prevalent symptoms associated with varicose veins. Like sore and aching legs, swelling usually worsens throughout the day, reaching its peak upon returning home. Women may find it particularly challenging, as swelling can be worse during the menstrual cycle. In severe cases, it can significantly hinder your ability to do routine tasks.

Itching and Burning

Itching and burning are some of the most uncomfortable varicose vein symptoms. Termed venous stasis dermatitis, these symptoms can lead to blood seepage into the skin. With time, this may result in the formation of sores that ooze and eventually form scabs. The severity of itchiness and burning tends to escalate gradually, often necessitating treatment intervention.

Discoloration

Skin discoloration can stem from various issues. In the case of varicose veins, it arises from the inadequate functioning of leg veins. In addition to discoloration, untreated varicose veins can lead to the hardening, scaling, and thickening of the skin on your legs.

Skin Ulcers

Skin ulcers typically follow a progression marked by skin discoloration and thinning around the lower leg and ankle. The outcome is the development of unattractive and often painful skin ulcers, which are susceptible to infection. Addressing these ulcers and achieving healing may take years, underscoring the importance of seeking treatment promptly.

Treatment

Symptoms can be broad and vary in severity. Fortunately, we offer multiple forms of varicose vein treatment to suit your unique case.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treats varicose veins by delivering radiofrequency energy to heat and scar the walls of the affected vein. This causes the vein to close off, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. RFA is minimally invasive and can be performed in an office setting under local anesthesia.

Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy (ambulatory phlebectomy) presents an optimal solution for addressing the dark, bulging veins. This is particularly the case for those too twisted to be treated with RFA. During this procedure, the vein is gradually removed using a small hook-like instrument inserted through minuscule pinholes in the skin.

This method is much less invasive than traditional vein stripping due to the small size of the incisions, nor does it require general anesthesia. Like other modern varicose vein treatments, microphlebectomy doesn’t require scalpels or stitches. Local anesthesia adequately reduces any discomfort during the procedure, although general anesthesia is used if you prefer it. 

Sclerotherapy

Using sclerotherapy, we administer a unique foam into your impaired blood vessels to close them off and alleviate your discomfort. These injections efficiently target large vein areas swiftly, effectively addressing underlying sources of symptoms. Often paired with RFA or microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy tackles deep varicose veins, reducing the likelihood of new, visible ones.

VenaSeal

VenaSeal is an advanced adhesive that seals problematic varicose veins—particularly targeting the saphenous vein in the thigh. Following the application of VenaSeal, the treated vein is absorbed by the body as scar tissue, eventually fading away.

Varithena

Varithena is a special foam utilized in sclerotherapy procedures, but it differs from conventional sclerotherapy methods. This treatment employs a specialized device that provides enhanced control over the foam application. It provides our surgeons with added precision to optimize contact between the foam and vein walls, yielding more efficient outcomes.