by Seung S. Gwon, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Varicose veins can develop through a combination of weakened vein walls and faulty valves that allow the recirculating blood that should be moving toward your heart to flow backwards so that blood pools in your legs and creates varicose veins. If your legs feel tired or get swollen by the end of the day, varicose vein disease may be the culprit. If you have large bulging veins that you can see and feel on your legs or have green, purple or red tinged veins on your legs, you probably have varicose vein disease.
- What are some of the causes of varicose vein disease? History of trauma or injury to the leg, pregnancy, hereditary factors (if your parents or relatives have varicose veins, you might have them too), behaviorial factors (do you stand all day long or have a job where you sit in a chair all day), history of thrombosis or phlebitis, obesity and age.
- What are some of the symptoms? Your legs get tired or swollen throughout the day and these symptoms are worse at the end of the day. Elevating your legs at the end of the day makes your legs feel better. Pain, itching, cramping, fatigue, tingling, swelling, feelings of heaviness can all be symptoms of varicose vein disease.
- What can you do about varicose veins? Compression hose worn during the day decreases your symptoms and are a good indicator that you will benefit from treatment. Treatment options include laser ablation, microphlebectomy (removing bulging veins through tiny 2-3 mm incisions) and sclerotherapy (injections or laser).
- Does insurance pay for treatment? Varicose veins are a medical disease. The majority of insurance companies will pay for varicose veins procedures for patients that experience symptoms.
Dr. Gwon is a surgeon in the Temecula Valley with a practice that specializes in treating varicose veins and spider veins. The number for the Vein Clinic of Temecula Valley is (951) 600-9111. For more information, visit fabulouslegs.com.