Those who suffer from varicose veins tend to have enlarged and twisted blue veins located on the back of their legs. They usually develop when the walls of the veins get weak or the valves become damaged.

Though most of us can readily identify a varicose vein, there are still many myths about this condition.

One of the most common myths about varicose veins is that they only affect older people. This is not the case. This condition can develop in people of all genders, ethnicities, and age groups.

We often dismiss the appearance of varicose veins as a minor cosmetic issue. However, these can actually cause pain and inflammation, and if left untreated, can lead to blood clots and ulcers.

Another common misconception about the condition is that there’s nothing one can do about it. Fortunately, treatment for varicose veins has improved significantly over the years.

There is a lot you can do!

According to Dr. Sawar, a vascular surgeon at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida, the current methods of treating varicose veins have been undergoing rapid evolution.

With the wide variety of treatment options for varicose veins, people have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing the right approach. They can even customize their treatment to their individual needs.

“When there are multiple veins are affected, we compare ultrasound readings to view visually the location of origin,” said Dr. Sawar. “One vein may run deeper and trigger greater pain and discomfort while another vein might be more superficial. Even still, both could cause significant reflux. It may be causing heaviness, discoloration, and possible complications like ulcers.”

Varicose veins come in different types and can be treated through different methods depending on their individual condition and lifestyle.

For those with deep varicose veins, Dr. Sawar sometimes suggests a type of treatment that involves radiofrequency ablation. This method involves heating scar tissue to the point where it forms and closes the vein. This can be done through a small incision in the leg. After the procedure, the patient goes home wearing a compression stocking.

Within a month or two, patients usually experience a majorly positive change, with their pain eliminated. In other cases, there might be spider veins or varicose veins that are closer to the surface of the skin. In these cases, Dr. Sawar might decide to take a different approach.

He went on to add that “If the vein we are treating is close to the surface, using heat might burn the skin, we might decide on a technique that doesn’t involve heat or a laser.”

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that involves the injection of a solution into the vein. This process then collapses the vein and causes it to become healthier. After the procedure, either the doctor will remove the varicose veins or they will gradually recede.

Tampa Cardiovascular Associates Vein Center offers these advanced options:

• VenaSeal™ Closure System
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Microphlebectomy
• Sclerotherapy
• Chemoblation

The staff members at the Tampa Cardio vein center of Tampa Bay, Florida are a team of physicians who work together to make informed decisions regarding the best course of treatment for your condition.

If you have varicose veins that are causing symptoms or that you feel you’d like removed, talk to your physician or contact the Tampa Cardio Vein Center. You don’t have to live with varicose veins.

813-975-2800 | www.TampaCardio.com