Varicose veins result naturally from the accumulated pressures of life. Also called spider veins, these distended or discolored veins can be an unsightly aesthetic concern and could potentially indicate other health concerns as well. Although one in four people in the United States will deal with varicose veins at some point in their lifetime, the good news is that symptoms can often be reversed through noninvasive therapies or lifestyle change.
At Glendale Foot and Ankle Podiatry Center, we advise patients in the Glendale and Burbank areas of Los Angeles on treating varicose veins. Hermoz Ayvazian, DPM, FACFAS, QME has years of expert experience in podiatry. Here’s what he advises you to know about the potential causes and treatments for varicose veins.
Spider veins result from time and pressure
When you have varicose veins, your veins appear twisted and enlarged. You may also experience aches or heavy feelings, swelling, or leg pain. Varicose veins most commonly appear on your legs.
Varicose veins are more common on your lower body because they represent the ongoing impacts of time, pressure, and gravity on your circulatory system. As your blood pumps through your lower body and extremities, your veins experience ongoing stress. Over time, the valves in your veins can weaken, allowing blood to pool in some areas, causing enlargement and discoloration.
Varicose veins commonly appear in adults with age. Women who are or have been pregnant are at elevated risk for varicose veins, due to the elevated levels of blood production during pregnancy. However, varicose veins don’t just pose a cosmetic problem. They also signal an increased risk of serious conditions, including blood clots and ulcerated ankles.
What you can do to erase varicose veins
Simple changes in your life or treatment routines can help reduce the appearance of your varicose veins. Some of the noninvasive options that might reverse your symptoms include:
- Changes to your diet and exercise routine resulting in weight loss, taking pressure off your lower extremities and strengthening your cardiovascular health
- Changes to your daily routine to break up long blocks of sitting or standing time, keeping your blood flowing
- Supporting your circulatory system by wearing compression stockings with a pressure of 18-21 mmHg
For more serious cases, more invasive therapy and surgical treatment options may ultimately become necessary. At Glendale Foot and Ankle Podiatry Center, Dr. Ayvazian typically recommends these procedures:
- Sclerotherapy, a procedure in which we inject a sealant fluid into the affected veins, redirecting your circulatory flow
- Laser therapy, a treatment using concentrated pulses of light to similarly target and seal off affected veins
At Glendale Foot and Ankle Podiatry Center, we can diagnose your varicose veins and recommend the right lifestyle changes or treatment options for your unique health care needs. To schedule your initial consultation appointment, call our Los Angeles office today, or use the online booking tool.