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If Left Untreated, Varicose Veins Can Pose Risks

Varicose veins are an unsightly nuissance for one in two people over 50 who enjoy wearing warm weather clothing during summer months. For many people, the aesthetic benefit of getting treatment to clear up these bulging, ropy, or bruised looking veins offers enough incentive. However, few people are aware of the health dangers that can arise if varicose veins are left untreated.

Varicose Veins are englarged veins that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin and are commonly found on the back of calves or on the inside of the leg. The cause of this condition is the weakening of veins pumping blood back to the heart that causes blood to leak back into the vein and collect there. Over time, varicose veins enlarge and severe pooling of blood in the veins can slow return of blood to the heart. The result is a increased possibility of blood clots that can travel from the legs to the lungs, where they can block the heart and lungs from functioning. Other problems associated with untreated varicose veins include sores, skin ulcers, ongoing irritation, swelling, and painful rashes of the legs.

"It's generally caused by venus valve dysfunction, and many people believe when they see the vein, they say 'well, this looks ugly', but they do not take care of them, especially men. And what happens over time, because of the venus congestion, you develope what is called stasis dermatitus around the ankle, and that can progress to the venus ulcer."

To address varicose veins, there are several medical procedures available. Sclerotherapy uses an injection of solution to irritate the lining of a blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vein fades into scar tissue. The venus closure technique utilizes the insertion of a catheter with an electrode tip into the vein to cause the inner lining of the vein to adhere to itself, and close off. A phlebectomy removes the varicose vein with tiny incisions in the skin overlying the vein. All of these procedures are done under local anasthesia and do not require the patient to be hospitalized over night.

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