Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large surface veins that become twisted and discolored, often leading to painful knots. You may have a propensity for developing varicose veins due to your family history, but they are preventable. Your doctors at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center believe that prevention is always the best path to take. Don’t wait until varicose veins leave you immobilized. Visit the vein specialists in Queens, NY to learn healthy steps to take now to avoid the unsightly, painful condition. And if you do need treatment, there’s no better place than a multi-specialty practice like Medex. Call today.

Your veins carry deoxygenated blood to the heart. When it’s restored with sufficient oxygen from your lungs, it travels back through your body via arteries. Valves in the veins open and close to prevent the blood from flowing backward as the blood travels to your heart. When the valves become damaged or weakened, blood pools in that area and leads to spider veins and varicose veins.

Spider veins are a milder version of varicose veins. Symptoms may vary, but they rarely cause the same consequences as varicose veins. Both types of vein disorders create cosmetic concerns. Both varicose veins and spider veins are mostly avoidable by making lifestyle changes and closely following your vein specialist’s recommendations.

How Can You Prevent Varicose Veins?

The best way to prevent problem veins is to improve your muscle tone and circulation. Exercise is the most effective means to keep your veins and your entire body healthy. Strong muscles are especially important in your legs, where varicose veins are most prevalent. Muscle contractions act as super pumps to keep valves operating at top efficiency. And your circulation improves greatly with aerobic exercise.

Various risk factors increase your chances of developing varicose veins. But you can reduce those risks by taking preventative action. Ask your doctor at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY about your risks and the steps to take to prevent varicose veins. Risk factors include:

• Aging. As you get older, vein valves and vein walls weaken from years of wear and tear. This weakness increases your risk of developing varicose veins. Maintain a rigorous exercise regimen as you age and see a vein specialist to catch problems early. Don’t wait until they impact your mobility.
• Family history. If other members of your family suffer from varicose veins, you’re at a higher risk. Take extra precautions, such as keeping your weight in check, wearing compression socks before you have any symptoms and avoiding work that requires you to stand all day. It’s recommended that you develop a relationship with a vein expert so you can get early intervention when you need it.
• Gender. Women are more prone to varicose veins because of the many hormonal changes they undergo throughout life. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause cause hormones to change drastically and lead to weakened blood vessel walls. Medications used to treat hormonal deficiencies also play a role in varicose vein development.
• Obesity. The pressure that extra weight puts on your blood vessel walls and valves makes it difficult for your veins to keep the blood flowing smoothly. A diet high in fat and low in fiber, coupled with a lack of aerobic and strengthening exercises, contribute to obesity and varicose veins. Losing weight and adopting healthy eating habits prevent varicose veins and other obesity-related disorders.
• Lifestyle. Wearing high heels contributes to varicose veins because of the pressure placed on your leg muscles. Sitting in one position increases the chance of blood flow being cut off and pooling. By taking pressure off your legs and elevating them whenever possible, you improve circulation and reduce the work your veins must do to fight the pull of gravity.

Symptoms That Accompany Varicose Veins

You may not show any symptoms from varicose veins; many people don’t. But you may notice the unsightly purple bulges on your legs. For most people, varicose veins also cause:

• Leg cramps at night
• Aching pain
• Skin color changes
• Swelling and itching
• Heaviness in your feet and legs

Untreated, varicose veins can lead to blood clots, skin ulcers, deep vein thrombosis and permanent skin color changes. Bleeding veins constitute a medical emergency for which you should seek immediate care. Varicose veins aren’t always dangerous, but they do lead to dangerous consequences.

What Are Treatments for Varicose Veins?

Your vein doctor may run a few tests to confirm the depth of your vein problems. Since varicose veins are so visible and painful, an accurate diagnosis isn’t difficult. At the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center, you have access to a number of effective treatments for varicose veins, such as:

• Endovenous laser ablation
• Endovenous radiofrequency ablation
• Venaseal
• Sclerotherapy for varicose veins
• Ulcer treatment
• Ambulatory phlebectomy

Your physician in Queens always begins treatment with the least invasive home treatments. Even when medical intervention is required, the recommendations for preventing varicose veins still apply. Once you’ve had varicose veins or other vein disorders, your chances of developing them again increases significantly.

Follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to treating your veins properly. Contact the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center today to find out how to avoid the pain of varicose veins. Make an appointment to receive the most appropriate treatment and compassionate care.

We can help you find a doctor. Call (718) 275-8900

Licensed by the state of New York, Medex is an Article 28 diagnostic and treatment center. Our physicians provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages in the Forest Hills, Queens area, for over 15 years. Start receiving expert care now by calling or scheduling an appointment online with one of the skilled specialists.

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