The risk factors and consequences of suffering with vein problems should no longer remain the life threatening issue that they once were. Efficient and safe treatment options are becoming more widely accepted as necessary specialty procedures.
Vein treatment involves the procedures and techniques used in treating varicose veins, spider veins and vein disease. It is a fairly new addition to the list of medical specialties that are available. Extensive training and knowledge are essential to the proper care and treatment of conditions involving the veins.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Advances in vein treatment technology have grown rapidly due to the increasing number of sufferers with vein problems. The risk factors in untreated vein problems can be painful and life threatening.
When the veins are not properly functioning, blood flow becomes insufficient. This results in the enlargement of the congested veins. Varicose veins are distended and very large. Spider veins are small and closer to the surface of the skin. They are often red, blue or purple in color.
Varicose veins, spider veins and vein disease are often inherited and tend to plague women more than men. Risk factors in untreated vein problems often stem from hormonal factors. Whenever there is a drastic change in hormonal development, the risk of vein problems increases. Young women who are coming into puberty are at risk. The use of birth control pills can contribute to developing vein problems. Pregnancy and the changing levels of estrogen and progesterone during menopause can all contribute to the development of vein problems.
Other factors that may place a person at risk include occupations that require standing for excessive periods of time, aging, obesity and injury to the legs. Also, any condition that may be responsible for the increase in blood volume can cause the veins to become enlarged and begin creating problems with them.
Consequences of Untreated Vein Problems
Patients who suffer from problems with the veins in their legs often suffer from frequent leg pain, especially after standing for long periods of time. Resulting symptoms often include:
* Feelings of fatigue in the legs
* Feeling constant heaviness in the legs
* Burning, itching and aching legs
* Throbbing and cramping in the legs
* Restlessness that is often diagnosed as RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome)
Vein problems not only bring many forms of pain and discomfort, but can be life threatening as well. Any condition that affects the efficiency of blood flow throughout the body can result in consequences that may include heart problems and even death.
Vein Treatment Options
Health care practitioners are establishing more and more proof of the risk factors and consequences of untreated vein problems. As this trend grows, insurance carriers are becoming more willing to provide coverage for the evaluation and treatment of vein problems.
At one time, vascular surgery was the only option available for the treatment of vein problems. This involved the surgical removal of the problem veins. Technology has advanced far beyond this method of treatment as technological advancements have been tested and approved.
As the study of varicose veins, spider veins and vein disease advances, the specialty of their treatment is becoming more popular and accepted. People who feel they may be at risk for vein problems should consult their general practice physician for advice on how to proceed.
Those who already suffer from vein problems have treatment options available to them which may include:
* Endovenous laser treatment
* Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
* Saphenous vein ablation
* Phlebectomy
The risk factors and consequences of suffering with vein problems should no longer remain the life threatening issue that they once were. Efficient and safe treatment options are available and becoming more widely accepted as necessary specialty procedures. The field of treating vein problems is advancing in its popularity and effectiveness as medical technology continues to grow and improve.