Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are visible, tortuous and enlarged superficial veins just beneath the skin surface. They are more common in the legs and feet because the effects of gravity in the standing and sitting position increases the pressure in these veins.
Veins return blood from the body to the heart. Leg veins have valves that open to allow blood to flow toward your heart and close to stop blood from 'refluxing' back down as a result of gravity. If these one way valves fail, blood “pools” in the legs stretching the elastic walls of the veins. When the veins are large enough to be seen or felt, they are known as varicose veins.
Varicose veins cause symptoms of pain, cramping, heaviness, fatigue, itching and burning. In severe cases, varicose veins may cause swelling, ankle discoloration and skin ulcerations.
Factors Contributing to Varicose Veins
We know that multiple factors contribute to their development:
- Heredity. People with varicose veins often have a close relative with vein problems.
- Gender. Women are more likely than men to suffer from varicose veins.
- Women often develop varicose veins during pregnancy, and women who have multiple children are more likely to suffer from varicose veins.
- Activity or occupation. People who spend their day sitting or standing are more likely to develop varicose veins.
- Other factors include aging, obesity, and injury.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
We use effective minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins: Endovenous Radiofrequency Closure (Laser), ambulatory phlebectomy and sclerotherapy. All treatments are offered in the comfort of our office under a gentle, local anesthesia with a mild, oral sedation if requested.
If you are looking for a vein specialist, Dr. Harper has treated thousands of patients suffering from varicose veins since 1997. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Phlebology. Dr. Harper, also, has been recognized as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation signifying his credentials in vascular testing. He was the first physician in Georgia to offer endovenous procedures (2000) and has performed over four thousand endovenous Closure and Laser procedures.
What Next?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discover which varicose vein treatment is right for you. Click here or call 478 743 2472.