Varicose Veins

What are Varicose Veins?

The word "varicose" comes from the Latin varix, which means "twisted." Varicose veins are dark and twisted looking veins that have come to the surface of the skin.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins start with a weakness of the vein wall. Veins dilate, internal valve fail, and blood backs up or reverses flow back into the legs.

Genetics certainly play a role. If you have blood relatives who have shown varicose veins in their legs, chances are good that you will too.

Your job could be a factor too. People who stand a lot have a history of developing varicose veins, with teachers and hair dressers often suffering from them.

Being overweight also increases the odds that you will someday develop them.

Are Varicose Veins Painful?

In some (but not) all cases, sufferers will experience pain in the area of their varicose veins. In instances like this, doctors will recommend the patient takes action to remove them.

These people may feel an aching, heaviness, or fatigue in their legs. This can feel worse later in the day, prior to menstruation or after standing for a long time.

How Do I Treat Varicose Veins?

Compression stockings can help the syptoms of varicose veins, but your best bet is to speak with your doctor and have them removed by a trained professional.

Treatments For Varicose Veins

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

This technique for permanently eliminating unwanted veins uses insertion of a laser fiber, followed by the application of laser energy to heat and kill the veins.

It is one of the industry's most trusted techniques, with an impressive success rate of 98-99%.

Only 5% of all treated cases see veins return compared to 30-40% for vien surgery (stripping).

Sclerotherapy

This tried and tested procedure has been popular since the 1920s. It uses the injection of various fluids directly into problem veins. This produces injury to the vein with resultant closure.

It is used on veins of all sizes.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (Echosclerotherapy)

This technique involves the injection of various fluids, most commonly a foamed synthetic soap, directly into veins under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound machines make it possible to inject veins that are otherwise undetectable.

The most common vein treated by this technology is the largest superficial vein in the leg (greater saphenous vein). It starts on top of your foot and runs up the inside of the leg to your groin.

Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can help you with your varicose veins today. You can contact us by calling 905.853.3200 or you can click here to book an appointment.

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