Venous Reflux disease is a common progressive condition that can cause varicose veins, pain, and swelling of the legs, changes in skin color around the ankles, inflammation of the leg, chronic leg ulcers. Venous Reflux Disease has been largely ignored by the medical community and is usually not addressed until complications have developed. At Eureka Medical Clinic we have taken this problem seriously and have established Eureka Vein Treatment Center, to offer a complete range of treatment for this disease process. Dr. H Vanterpool, together with nurses and ultrasound technicians- perform Duplex Ultrasound mapping of incompetent, refluxing veins, and treat with radiofrequency endovenous ablation (VNUS Closure ), stab phlebectomy and sclerotherapy, as appropriate
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are abnormal veins that can occur in the legs. They can be small, thin purple-colored lines (called “spider veins”) that lie just below the skin surface, or can appear as thick, bulging, or knotty veins. While many people think that varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, there is in fact often an underlying medical problem that causes varicose veins. This medical condition is called venous reflux disease.
Varicose veins can be a sign of a medical problem?
Yes. In healthy legs, your veins contain valves that normally allow blood to move in one direction, returning blood from your legs to your heart. When the valves in your leg veins cannot close properly, the blood pools in your leg veins cause pressure and swelling. This pooling and pressure caused by diseased vein valves is a symptom of venous reflux disease.
How common are varicose veins and venous reflux disease?
Varicose veins are a common medical condition. It is estimated that 25 million people in the United States and 40 million people in Europe suffer from painful symptoms of varicose veins caused by venous reflux disease.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
People with varicose veins frequently say that their legs feel “full” or tired, or are heavy, itchy or throb. Varicose veins can be painful. Sometimes people with varicose veins experience swelling of the legs or ankles. Left untreated, the signs and symptoms of varicose veins can also include skin changes such as discoloration, inflammation, and even ulcers.
It is important to know that venous reflux is a progressive disease. That means that if left untreated, it can progress to more serious symptoms. Varicose veins caused by venous reflux disease will not go away by themselves.
Am I at risk for developing varicose veins?
Varicose veins are often common within families. Also, people who stand for long periods of time or perform heavy lifting, women who have had multiple pregnancies, and those who are obese may be more at risk for varicose veins.
How do doctors treat varicose veins?
Each person’s vein problem is unique. The types and severity and locations of varicose veins on your legs will be unique. But a vein specialist is trained to provide a treatment plan that is specific for you. The good news is that today, varicose vein patients have a choice. Patients no longer have to undergo painful “vein stripping” in the hospital. Varicose veins can now be treated right in your doctor’s office with the VNUS Closure method. This procedure is fast, is performed while you are awake, and typically allows you to return to normal activities the next day.