Varicose Veins
Coastal Vascular Center
Vascular & Endovascular Surgeons located in Oxnard, Camarillo, & Simi Valley, CA
Varicose veins are often considered a cosmetic issue, but they can develop from a number of underlying causes, including poor blood circulation. The team of vascular surgeons at Coastal Vascular Center, with offices in Oxnard, Camarillo, and Simi Valley, California, specializes in the management of varicose veins and can determine if your veins are affecting circulation and provide the most effective treatment. For an evaluation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Varicose Veins Q & A
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins refer to the bulging, gnarled, and twisted veins that are visible under the skin. Any vein in your body can become a varicose vein, however, they most often appear on the legs.
Your veins are responsible for returning blood to your heart and lungs for reoxygenation. As your muscles contract to push the blood, tiny valves in your veins open and close to match the rhythm of the contractions. If a valve in your vein has failed, it may not close properly, allowing blood to pool back, creating the bulging vein.
Should I be concerned about my varicose veins?
For many, varicose veins aren’t a medical concern. However, if your varicose veins are causing aches and pains in your legs, or making them feel heavy, then you may have venous insufficiency. This common condition indicates that your varicose veins may be affecting circulation.
In addition to the aches and pains, venous insufficiency may also cause swelling and itching in your legs, as well as skin changes in the ankle.
The team at Coastal Vascular Center can determine if your varicose veins are causing venous insufficiency through an ultrasound test. Once diagnosed with venous insufficiency, the team recommends treatment to improve blood flow.
How are varicose veins treated?
The team at Coastal Vascular Center usually begins treatment for varicose veins with conservative measures, including compression stockings, the elevation of your legs and exercise.
If conservative treatments fail to improve your varicose veins and blood circulation, the team may recommend endovenous ablation of the saphenous vein, which is the vein that runs along the inside of your thigh and calf and is usually the primary culprit behind the development of varicose veins.
The team performs this minor procedure at the office under local anesthesia. Your vascular specialist begins by first inserting an intravenous (IV) catheter into your vein, then a thin radiofrequency catheter is passed through the IV, which “heats” and closes the vein.
After closing the main vein, the team treats your residual varicose veins with sclerotherapy, which is a chemical they inject into the vein, causing it to close.
Depending on the severity of your varicose veins, your treatment may take 2-12 months.
For expert care of your varicose veins, contact Coastal Vascular Center by phone or online today.
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