The Latest Procedures in Varicose Vein Treatment: Introducing Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

When it comes to the things that women fear most about the aging process, varicose veins is right behind wrinkles. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that create a gnarled look on the leg. While it’s possible to have varicose veins anywhere on your body, it most commonly occurs on veins in your legs and on your feet. The reason for this is that standing and walking increase the pressure of your veins, and vein pressure is one of the underlying causes of varicose veins.

More Than Just A Cosmetic Concern

Varicose veins, and their milder but just as unattractive cousin, spider veins, are more than just a cosmetic concern. Varicose and spider veins can cause persistent pain or discomfort. They may also be red flags for more serious health problems. In general, they’re a sign that you may have to be concerned about other circulatory problems. However, a variety of treatments are available, that will alleviate not only the cosmetic blemish of varicose veins, but also the discomfort that varicose veins have been known to cause. One of the newest options on the market is endovenous laser treatment.

So how do you know if you have varicose veins or not? Now, we’ll go over the symptoms of varicose veins. If these symptoms match your situation, you may be a candidate for endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). To learn more about varicose and spider veins as well as endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), continue to read on. This article will help you determine whether or not this describes your situation and whether endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is right for you.

Determining whether or not endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is right for you

Varicose veins have been known to cause pain, however they don’t always. Some of the leading symptoms of varicose veins in your legs include, but are not limited to: dark purple or blue veins, twisted, bulging, or gnarled veins, a heavy feeling in your leg that may ache or persist, burning sensation in your legs, throbbing sensation in your leg, persistent leg cramping, swelling (also known as edema) in your legs, pain that gets worse with sitting for a long time, pain that gets worse from standing for a long time, itchy veins, red discoloration in the skin around a vein, hardened veins, inflamed skin or veins, and skin ulcers near your vein or ankle. This is not an exhaustive list, so please be sure to check with a licensed physician. They will also be able to advise whether or not endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is right for your situation.

We mentioned spider veins as well. They are a less serious form of varicose veins. Spider veins are smaller, and they happen closer to your skin’s surface. They may be red, blue, or purple. You can still seek treatment for spider veins, even though they are less serious. They are also commonly found on the legs, but may also occur on the face. Varicose veins do not occur on the face.

Seeing a doctor and exploring endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)

Preventative measures are great, and there are some treatments for varicose veins that can be done at home. These include things like wearing compression stockings, keeping a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and keeping your legs elevated. If the appearance of your varicose veins are getting you down or your symptoms are getting worse, you may want to consider endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). To pursue endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), you will have to visit a licensed physician who offers endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) as a treatment plan.

What causes varicose and spider veins? What are the risk factors?

Varicose and spider veins are caused by a malfunctioning in the valves in your leg veins. This occurs for many reasons, including:

• Natural aging process. As you age, some people are predisposed to have their veins lose elasticity. When your veins lose elasticity, they may stretch. The valves then are weakened. That’s when the blood starts flowing backwards, which causes the appearance of varicose and spider veins.
  
• Pregnancy complications. Some pregnant women may develop varicose and spider veins. Pregnancy increases the amount of blood in your body, but it also decreases the amount of blood that’s flowing towards your legs, because it is redirected in service on the baby. These changes are designed to support your pregnancy, but unfortunately, it can cause problems for the veins in your legs. They typically become much worse later in the pregnancy, when the baby is closer to birth. In addition to this process, hormonal changes also play a significant role in circulatory problems. Varicose or spider veins that happen during pregnancy should go away on their own up to a year after birth of your child, however, sometimes they don’t. In this case, you will want to pursue endovenous laser treatment (EVLT).
  
• Being a woman. Yes, you read that right! Being a woman is actually a “risk factor” of varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to develop varicose and spider veins. Not only does pregnancy play a role, but PMS and menopause can also make you more susceptible to varicose veins. Female hormones have been known to relax vein walls, which will cause the blood in your leg to flow backwards.
  
• Hereditary.  Varicose veins can be inherited. If your mother or grandmother had varicose veins, there’s a chance you’ll develop them too.
  
• Weight. If you are overweight or medically obese, you are more likely to develop varicose veins.
  
• Your job. If you have a job that has you sitting or standing for long periods of time, you’re at risk for developing varicose veins. Jobs include long haul trucking or working retail. Any activity that has you sitting or standing for too long causes circulatory problems.

Complications of varicose veins

As we mentioned, varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic problem. They can also pose a health risk. Complication are rare, but they do happen. These complications include:

• Ulcerated skin. You may develop ulcers on your skin if your varicose veins go untreated. Typically, these ulcers will occur around your ankles, however, they may occur elsewhere too. Ulcers happen when there’s long term fluid retention in your tissues. Ulcers begin as discolored skin—so you may be at risk as soon as you see a brown or red spot. Ulcers are not only extremely painful, but if left untreated can lead to amputation or death.
• Blood clots. Conditions like deep vein thrombosis are caused by the same mechanisms that cause varicose veins. If left untreated, they can be fatal. If your leg  suddenly begins to swell, you may have a blood clot. In this event, please seek medical attention immediately.
• Bleeding. Varicose veins can actually burst, which is horrifying to imagine, but a real risk. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention. This can be life threatening.

Prevention

Sadly, you can’t always prevent varicose veins. You can reduce your risk through diet and exercise, but sometimes it’s just genetic. That’s why recommend asking your physician about endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)—but more on that later. First, let’s go over how to get a diagnosis for varicose and spider veins.

Seeking treatment for your varicose veins and pursuing endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)

Diagnosis for varicose veins begins with a physical exam. Your doctor will then ask you to describe the symptoms you’re experiencing, to help determine severity. In some cases, an ultrasound may be required to see if your varicose veins are indicative of a more serious health problem. They may also check to see if you have a blood clot, which can be life threatening. If you have a blood clot, this is called DVT or “deep vein thrombosis.”

Your risk for DVT is increased if you are overweight or medically obese, smoke, are on hormone treatment or birth control, have just taken a long flight, sit or stand for most of the day, or take certain medications. We recommend that you always choose to do an ultrasound to ensure that DVT is not on the table. Many people have unnecessarily lost their lives to DVT. It’s something that can catch people off guard.

When you are diagnosed with varicose veins, there are several routes you can pursue, including endovenous laser treatment (EVLT).

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for your varicose veins

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a new but heralded treatment in the world of varicose veins. In some circles, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is considered the “gold standard,” or in other words, the best treatment you can get for varicose veins. Here’s a little bit about endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) so you and your doctor can determine if it’s the right treatment for you.

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) uses a laser, which is light technology. The laser targets the vein with extreme precision. Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is extremely safe and effective. Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) will target the vein in question, without affecting any surrounding veins or tissues. This is noninvasive and a very low risk procedure. Depending on your insurance, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) can also be very affordable.

In endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), a very thin fiber will be put inside the affected vein. To do this, your doctor will create a minuscule entry point in your skin. Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) helps re-route blood to healthier veins, so the varicose vein disappears.

Why you should pursue endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)

If you’re suffering with varicose veins, consider pursuing endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). It’s affordable, noninvasive, and doesn’t require any hospital downtime. Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic problem, and you don’t want to risk something as important as your legs!

In worst case scenarios, although rare, varicose veins can cause more than just unsightly legs—they may cause amputation or death. Catch them while they’re still minor and treat them immediately to avoid swelling and leg pain that can do serious damage. Surgeries can carry high price tags and high risk. Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is an “in and out” treatment, and doesn’t require a hospital stay. There is little scarring, as well.

Varicose veins won’t only age your appearance, they also affect your quality of life. Besides obvious health concerns, consider a life where you can no longer be athletic, go dancing, or even enjoy a vacation. When it comes to health concerns, it can affect your job performance or impact your lifespan. They can be the domino that creates other major health problems. There are myriad ways varicose veins can impact your life. Many people mistake varicose veins for simply being a cosmetic issue. A cosmetic issue is easy to “get over,” even if there’s an emotional impact. Varicose veins go much further than that.

Consider Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

Call your insurance provider today and see if endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is covered under your insurance plan. Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) can be the treatment that solves your varicose vein problem for once and for all. It can be the key that unlocks the door of this prison. Varicose veins are reversible with endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). It will get rid of your pain, but it will also give you a renewed sense of life. You’ll love the way your legs look after endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). You’ll be able to go dancing again. You’ll be able to do everything you did before varicose veins.

Many people have said endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) was something of a “life saver” for them. Who can blame them? Varicose veins are unsightly and can be painful. Swelling legs and ankles can even affect the type of clothing and shoes you wear. This doesn’t have to be your life. All this can be reversed with endovenous laser treatment (EVLT).

Why suffer with varicose veins when there are treatments like endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) that are easy and low risk? If you suffer with varicose veins, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) will change your life.