Oh, My Aching Legs

The summer months are creeping up on us. Soon the cool temperatures will be replaced by heat and humidity, and the protective layers of clothing worn during the winter months will be swapped out for short sleeved shirts and shorts, for most anyway. To those who are afflicted with what is known as varicose veins, the summer attire may be quite different as they may cause embarrassment.

To understand what a varicose vein, it is important to understand the role of veins in the general circulation. Unlike arteries, veins have small valves that prevent the reverse flow of blood as it is returned to the heart. Unfortunately, sometimes these valves fail, and what results is a series of tortuous veins that can cause mild discoloration of the skin to bulging, unsightly, painful clusters of veins. While most common on the legs, varicose veins can be present anywhere.

The cause of these abnormalities is related to pressure within the vein. The higher the pressure the valve has to close against, the weaker the valve becomes until it ultimately fails. Because of this, the populations most at risk for varicose veins are women who have born children, people who are on their feet for long periods of time, and the elderly as the valves fail with age. Leg trauma can also be a cause as it can damage the general working structures of the valves within the veins.

Signs and symptoms can vary from the small discoloration seen with what is termed spider veins up to much larger masses of prominently distended veins. Leg pain is common, and is often relieved by elevating the legs to promote venous return to the heart. A general heavy feeling that worsens at night can accompany the condition, and it is not uncommon for the ankles to swell.

There are many different supportive varicose veins treatments, but receiving some considerable attention of late is a process known as the closure procedure from VNUS. This is a new process of ablation using a radiofrequency catheter to heat the vein, hence causing its shrinkage and closure, and the redirection of the blood flow to more effective veins. It is preferred over other traditional treatments as it is less painful, causes less bruising, and the recovery time is abbreviated. The procedure is especially unique in that it is the only one to currently employ radiofrequency as a treatment method.