The Varicose Veins You Can’t See
Varicose veins are an unpleasant and often uncomfortable ailment that you may experience in your lifetime. Varicose veins are most commonly associated with bulging, twisted veins that are visible on the skin’s surface, but what about the varicose veins you can’t see? If you are experiencing discomfort, itching, pain, cramping and/or restless legs, you may have varicose veins that are hidden below the surface.
What causes varicose veins?
There isn’t a lot known about the specific causes of varicose veins, but most often they are hereditary and occur more commonly in women than men. Obesity, aging, jobs that involve a lot of standing, lack of mobility and leg injuries can be reasons for developing varicose veins.
Varicose veins are not just found in the legs, but can also present themselves in the pelvis and groin areas of your body. This is especially common for women after pregnancy, but it is also possible for men to suffer from pelvic varicose veins. If you are experiencing a similar discomfort around the pelvis, it is possible that there are hidden varicose veins present under the surface.
What are hidden varicose veins?
Many people believe that varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, but that is not true. When a vein becomes varicose – even if it is not visible on the surface of the skin – it can still cause a great deal of discomfort, swelling, and pain in the affected area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, but cannot see any varicose veins, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a vein specialist.
How are Varicose Veins diagnosed?
As an experienced surgeon specializing in Vascular Surgery, Dr. Gonzalez is able to evaluate and diagnose a variety of circulatory problems. Dr. Gonzalez and his team will perform a comprehensive examination and take a complete medical history to figure out if you have venous insufficiency. He will then order imaging tests to identify the source of the problem and diagnose the affected veins.
Are hidden varicose veins treatable?
There are several different ways to treat veins that are not visible at the surface. Treatments such as Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), Varithena transcatheter Sclerotherapy (TCT), and microsurgery can help treat your hidden varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
This revolutionary new therapy is the best available treatment for large varicose veins. Through a single needle stick, a fine laser fiber is inserted into a varicose vein. Laser energy is used to generate heat which seals the vein closed. Performed under local anesthesia, patients quickly resume their normal activities. The published success rate for EVLT at Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the highest for any physician, anywhere in the world.
Varithena Transcatheter Sclerotherapy (TCT)
TCT is a method of treating small to medium sized varicose veins. While duplex ultrasound imaging demonstrates the abnormal veins, the doctor closes them with Varithena, a microfoam sclerotherapy.
Microsurgery
Vastly different from the traditional vein stripping surgical procedure, microsurgery is a technique which utilizes special instruments to remove veins through a very few, very tiny, "micro" incisions. The incisions are so small that with normal healing one can scarcely find them on the leg.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Varicose veins can occur deeper within the vein networks of your legs and pelvis and may not always be visible on the surface. These unseen veins are often accompanied by the same symptoms as surface veins that can include; discomfort, itching, pain or cramping, restless legs, etc.
We invite you to consider scheduling a consultation with us at Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center. During that time, our team will diagnose your venous insufficiency, discuss your specific treatment plan and provide an estimate of your treatment costs. Keep in mind that varicose vein treatment is covered by most medical insurance plans. At that point, the decision to proceed with treatment is entirely up to you.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.