Wondering what you can do about your varicose veins? Your interventional radiologist, Dr. James McGuckin of Pennsylvania Vascular Institute, offers treatments that will improve the appearance of your legs and end your pain. His offices are conveniently located in King of Prussia, PA.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins form due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that affects the flow of blood through your legs. The blood vessels in your calves contain valves that keep blood flowing one way. If the vessels become damaged or don't work as well as they should, blood may begin to pool around the valves. Eventually, this can enlarge or twist the vein.
You may be more likely to develop varicose veins if:
- Other people in your family have varicose veins
- You stand for long periods of time
- You're pregnant
- You're overweight or obese
- You've had blood clots in your leg or surgery on your leg
- You're female
- You injured your leg
What Can Be Done About Varicose Veins?
Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend one or more these varicose vein treatments during your visit to the Jim Thorpe, East Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, Philadelphia or King of Prussia, PA, office:
- Compression Stockings: Compression stockings help prevent blood from pooling in your legs, and reduce pain, swelling and fatigue. Although you can buy some compression stocking in stores or online, stockings that provide the most compression must be prescribed by a doctor.
- Diuretics: Diuretics are medications that get rid of excess fluid that presses on varicose veins. Taking the medication can help ease pain and swelling.
- Sclerotherapy: Used to treat both spider veins and moderate varicose veins, sclerotherapy may be one of the options your doctor recommends. During the treatment, a salt or chemical solution injected into the veins closes and scars them.
- Thermal Ablation: This treatment uses laser or radiofrequency energy to heat and close your varicose veins.
Are you ready to talk to Dr. McGuckin of Pennsylvania Vascular Institute in King of Prussia, PA about varicose vein treatment options? Call (800) 296-9294 to schedule an appointment.