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Arteries bring blood from the heart to the extremities.
Veins contain one way valves and channel blood back to the heart. When there
is obstruction of veins, or when prolonged pressure is placed on the veins,
the valves stretch and no longer close properly. This allows blood to travel
back down the veins towards the feet. The veins in the legs that are near to
the surface of the skin enlarge and result in what is commonly called varicose
veins. These can range from minor dilatations to large bunch of grape-like structures
in the calf. Very small purple or blue veins in the skin of the legs are called
"thread veins" or "spider veins" or dermal flares and often
occur alongside large varicose veins. Some people are only affected by dermal
flares. Both types of varicose veins are probably caused by the same factors.
Varicose veins is a slowly progressive disease which if left untreated can lead
to marked skin change damage or ulceration near the ankle. Why do varicose veins
arise? Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy,
Surgery, Thrombosis Heredity is important in the development of varicose veins,
thread veins and spider veins. Up to 20% of the adult population have varicose
veins and experience discomfort as a result. Many people know of other family
members with the same problem. A recent study showed that where both parents
had varicose veins there was an 80% chance of their children developing varices.
Environmental factors also play a large part in the development of varicosities,
for example, prolonged standing - especially for workers such as nurses, sales
assistants, flight attendants, waitresses and teachers, for example. Diet may
also be a factor, and our Western diet with high content of fat and refined
sugar with low fiber content may contribute to the development of varicose veins,
spider veins and thread veins. Varicose veins may also become more frequent
with advancing age, but may appear at any time of life and small varices are
sometimes seen in school children. Although all factors such as puberty, pregnancy
and the menopause also influence the course of the disease. As many as 70 -
80% of pregnant women develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy
causes an increase in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn causes veins
to enlarge. Later in pregnancy, the enlarge uterus causes increased pressure
on the veins in the pelvis. Approximately 60 - 70% of varicose veins due to
pregnancy will disappear within a few months of delivery. Little research has
been done to investigate the role of the pill and hormone replacement therapy
(HRT) in the development of varicose veins. These probably have no influence
on them. What are the symptoms of varicose veins, varicose vein problems and vein diseases that we can
resolve by laser therapy, vein treatment, and varicose vein operations in our
varicose vein clinics?
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by injections sclerotherapy PhotoDerm and surgery. VNUS Closure or RF ablation
is another recent method of treatment. This reduces the post-operative pain in after vein operations and venous operations
in venous clinics performed by vascular specialists for leg veins. Varicose veins may cause feelings
of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching and cramps in the
legs. These symptoms are often accompanied by swelling of the ankle, which frequently
appears after long hours of standing. Some people are very troubled by the aching
that varicose veins produce. Even small dermal flares can result in severe aching
which prevents standing for any length of time. What can I do to prevent them?
Treatment of varicose veins and thread veins by injections sclerotherapy PhotoDerm
and surgery and perhaps Veinwave. The can be managed by our vein consultants who make
a vein diagnosis in our vein clinics and treat veins by vein injections and other
varicose vein remedies. This is helpful in the management of thread vein problems by
thread vein remedies in our thread vein clinics. Many of the things that seem to cause varicose veins are difficult
to avoid such as a family history of Western way of life. Where possible standing
still for long periods should be avoided. Walking is much better for the veins
and helps the blood return to the heart from the legs. In occupations that require
extended periods of standing then a few steps should be taken at regular short
intervals to help circulation. Wearing support stockings may also reduce the
likelihood of varicose veins. No creams or drugs are available to prevent varicose
veins. The earlier varicose veins and dermal flares are treated the better the
long term and cosmetic outcome. We hope that this varicose vein information will help you understand the causes of thread veins.
Facial veins can be treated by IPL (PhotoDerm treatment). This is also useful for rosacea and broken veins on the face.
One the legs thread vein removal or broken veins can be treated by sclerotherapy (also known as microsclerotherapy) by a vascular surgeon or a nurse specialist. These may cause aching legs or swollen legs in some patients.
We have locations in London including Wimpole Street near Harley Street. |
