Varicose Veins and Women’s health

What you need to know about Varicose Veins and Women’s Health

Did you know that more than half of all women suffer from varicose vein disease in their lifetime? If you have aching, painful or restless legs, heaviness, swollen ankles or muscle cramping, you may have varicose veins.  While many women experience such pain and discomfort, for some women  varicose veins, or the milder spider veins, are only a cosmetic concern.

A diagnostic ultrasound vein mapping is needed to determine the cause and severity of the vein problems.  State-of-the-art corrective treatments include endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), sclerotherapy and ultrasound guided sclerotherapy.  With these procedures there is no sedation needed and patients are able to resume their daily activities immediately.

EVLA eliminates the abnormal saphenous vein, which is the source of most varicose vein issues. Using ultrasound technology, a thin laser fiber is guided into the vein through a very small opening to deliver energy to the diseased vein wall, causing the vein to close and eliminating backward blood flow.

Sclerotherapy is a treatment in which a tiny needle is used to inject veins with a medication that irritates the inner lining of the vein and causes it to close. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy uses an ultrasound to locate the veins below the surface of the skin while the medication is injected. This procedure is often used in addition to EVLA.

There is no way to completely prevent varicose veins but improving your circulation and muscle tone can reduce your risk. For healthier veins watch your weight, exercise regularly, eat a diet high in fiber and low in salt and wear compression stockings. If you think you may have varicose or spider veins, see a qualified vein specialist.

For more information, you may contact Vein Specialists of Illinois at 847-468-9900, located at 1670 Capital Street, Suite 500 in Elgin. You may also use this form to schedule your Free Vein Screening!