Why do Varicose Veins occur?

LJVascular2024-07-06T16:37:07-07:00

Unveiling Key Insights: Your Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, those twisted and bulging veins beneath the skin’s surface, affect numerous individuals, often causing discomfort and aesthetic worries. This informative blog post aims to explore the intricacies of varicose veins and the underlying venous reflux disease. From comprehending the causes to investigating symptoms and potential treatments, let’s embark on a journey toward vein health and relief.

Understanding Varicose Veins

Easily visible on the skin’s surface, particularly in the legs, varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins. Despite their commonality, these veins can induce pain and aesthetic concerns, underscoring the importance of proper understanding and treatment.

Identifying the Culprits: Causes of Varicose Veins

The primary cause of varicose veins resides in malfunctioning vein valves, leading to blood accumulation within the veins. This pooling causes the veins to stretch and expand, resulting in their distinctive appearance. Venous reflux disease, known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence, is a prevalent underlying condition contributing to varicose veins. This condition involves the backward flow of blood in deep and/or superficial leg veins.

Insights from Research

Dr. Nisha Bunke, spearheading our study published in the Journal of Vascular Ultrasound in 2018, scrutinized over 1,000 legs with varicose veins. The study underscored that a significant majority—over 90%—of varicose vein sources were the great and small saphenous veins. The Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) courses through the middle of the thigh and calf, while the small saphenous vein (SSV) travels along the back of the calf.

Unraveling Symptoms

Varicose veins and venous reflux disease present an array of symptoms, including aching, tenderness, heaviness, fatigue, restlessness in the legs, burning and throbbing pain, itching, leg cramps (especially at night), ankle swelling, skin discoloration, and even skin ulcers above the ankle. Left untreated, complications such as painful vein inflammation (superficial phlebitis), blood clots within varicose veins (superficial thrombophlebitis), and skin issues like discoloration, eczema, or ulcers may arise.

The Importance of Ultrasound Diagnosis

Duplex ultrasound technology is crucial for effective diagnosis, evaluating veins beneath the skin’s surface. This technology detects leaky valves, determines blood flow direction, and identifies blockages or scars within veins, providing essential information for tailored treatment plans.

Customized Treatment Approach

Comprehensive treatment of varicose veins involves multiple steps:

Step 1: Addressing the Root Issue

Effective treatment begins with targeting venous reflux, often focusing on the saphenous veins, the common source of the problem. Innovative vein ablation procedures like radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA), and Varithena Foam are employed to restore proper blood flow.

Step 2: Managing Varicose Veins

Post successful treatment of underlying reflux, attention shifts to managing varicose veins. Methods like foam sclerotherapy, injecting foamed medication to cause scarring and eventual vein dissolution, and phlebectomy involving tiny incisions to remove veins, are commonly employed.

Varicose veins and venous reflux disease impact numerous lives, causing discomfort and concern. By comprehending their causes, identifying symptoms, and exploring innovative varicose vein treatments, individuals can take control of their vein health. At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, we’re committed to providing personalized care and effective solutions to alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life. If you’re ready to embark on the journey toward healthier veins, contact us today and take the initial step toward lasting relief and wellness.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts!

Why do Varicose Veins occur?LJVascular2024-07-06T16:37:07-07:00

24, 4, 2024

What should I expect with Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy?
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What should I expect with Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy?

LJVascular2024-05-14T02:18:56-07:00

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: Elevating Vein Health

When addressing both visible varicose veins and those unseen by the naked eye, the efficacy of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy becomes evident. This advanced procedure combines precise administration with ultrasound visualization, providing a safe and effective solution for various vein conditions. In this piece, we’ll explore the intricacies of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, the role of polidocanol (Asclera®), treatment frequency, and what to expect during your treatment sessions.

Unveiling Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: A State-of-the-Art Solution

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy utilizes technology and medical expertise to target varicose veins that may not be immediately visible. Guided by ultrasound, the foam medication is precisely directed towards these veins. This technique effectively addresses veins near the skin or nerves and navigates complexly twisted veins.

Polidocanol (Asclera®): A Preferred Sclerosant

Polidocanol, known under the brand name Asclera®, stands out as a preferred choice among sclerosant medications. Its patient comfort and minimal risk of side effects make it a prime option for treatment. As a detergent-type medication, polidocanol gently disrupts the inner lining of veins, halting blood flow and eventually leading to vein closure. Approved by the FDA since 2010 for varicose vein treatment, polidocanol has a substantial success record in Europe for decades. Although the transformation of polidocanol into foam for treating larger veins is an off-label use, it has proven remarkably effective and well-tolerated by patients. Our experts at La Jolla Vein Care have extensive experience in foam sclerotherapy, ensuring capable hands for your vein health.

Treatment Frequency: A Tailored Approach

The number and frequency of treatments vary depending on individual anatomy, vein response, and patient goals. Typically, 2 to 5 treatment sessions achieve an 80% improvement. Some larger or stubborn veins may require multiple sessions for a complete response.

Your Treatment Days: Guided Steps Toward Vein Wellness

Preparing for your ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy session is simple:

Consent and Attire: You’ll sign a consent form and change into provided shorts.

Skin Preparation: Alcohol will cleanse your skin, and ultrasound will locate the veins for targeted treatment.

Injection Process: The foam medication will be injected into your veins using a fine needle, guided by ultrasound.

Recovery Period: Elevate your legs on a comfortable wedge pillow for about 15 minutes post-treatment.

Compression Stockings and Walking: After treatment, compression stockings will be applied, and you’ll walk for 30 minutes before leaving. Post-treatment, some achiness and tenderness may occur.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy propels improved vein health by offering precision and effectiveness. At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, our committed medical team provides personalized care for your vein health journey. By embracing advanced techniques like ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, you’re setting course for healthier, pain-free legs and elevated well-being.