June 8, 2024
Varicose veins are a common vascular condition affecting millions of people worldwide. These enlarged, elevated and twisted veins often appear on the legs and can cause various symptoms, including leg swelling. If you are experiencing swollen legs and suspect that varicose veins might be the culprit, this article will provide you with helpful information and address your concerns in an informative, professional, and reassuring manner. What are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins that typically appear on the legs. They often have a bluish or purplish color and a twisted, cord-like appearance. Varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins become dilated and the valves no longer close properly. These weakened valves allow blood to backup down the leg causing the next segment of vein to stretch and enlarge. Common risk factors for developing varicose veins include genetics, age, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and pregnancy. Dr. David Verebelyi, a leading vein specialist at Colorado Skin & Vein, explains, “Venous insufficiency is the underlying cause of varicose veins. When the one-way valves in the veins fail to function properly, blood backs up in the vein of thighs and legs, leading to their enlargement and the development of varicose veins.” The Connection Between Varicose Veins and Leg Swelling Varicose veins are intimated associated with the cause of leg swelling, venous insufficiency. When the valves in the veins are stretched or damaged, blood struggles to return to the heart efficiently and backs up in the veins within the thighs and legs. This backup causes the veins in those areas to stretch out. This stretching of those veins causes damage to the vein wall making it easier for the fluid pooling in them to leach out into the surrounding tissue causing swelling. In addition to swelling, this process causes other symptoms such as pain, heaviness, fatigue, cramping, Restless Leg Syndrome and skin changes like discoloration or vascular eczema. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical advice from a vein specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Is Leg Swelling a Serious Condition? Leg swelling, also known as edema, is usually a sign of an underlying health issue. They can be related to issues with the lymphatic system (lymphedema), heart or kidney problems but most often lower leg swelling signifies vein issues. These symptoms should always be evaluated to understand to source of the swelling. It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any type of regular, persistent or severe leg swelling. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Dr. Verebelyi advises, “If you notice leg swelling or experience pain and discomfort along with the swelling, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your overall health.” Diagnosing Varicose Veins and Leg Swelling If you suspect that your leg swelling is caused by veins, consulting a vein specialist is crucial. At Colorado Skin & Vein, their team of experts has over 20 years of extensive experience in diagnosing and treating various vascular issues. During your consultation, the specialist will perform a physical examination and may use diagnostic tools like duplex ultrasound to assess both your deep and superficial veins. This will help determine the cause and severity to ensure you understand which treatments will be most effective in treating your swelling. Treatment Options for Varicose Veins and Leg Swelling Treatment for varicose veins and leg swelling depends on the severity of your condition. Conservative measures such as wearing compression stockings, making lifestyle changes (e.g., maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly), and elevating your legs can help alleviate symptoms and improve circulation. For more advanced cases, Colorado Skin & Vein offers a range of minimally invasive treatments: Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRF) and Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA): These procedures involve using radiofrequency energy or laser energy to heat and seal the damaged vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. VenaSeal medical adhesive: This innovative treatment uses a medical adhesive to close the diseased vein, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins. Sclerotherapy with Varithena foam: A special foam is injected into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. The body then naturally absorbs the treated vein. Microphlebectomy: This procedure involves making tiny incisions to remove the superficial, bulging varicose veins through a minimally invasive technique. Dr. Verebelyi states, “Our practice is dedicated to providing the most advanced and effective treatments for varicose veins. We have seen excellent results and high patient satisfaction with minimally invasive procedures like EVRF, EVLA, and VenaSeal. These treatments can significantly reduce leg swelling and improve overall vein health.” Taking the First Step Towards Healthier Legs Vein issues in the thighs and legs are the most common cause of leg swelling, and seeking medical advice is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of swelling, don’t hesitate to consult with a vein specialist. The experienced team at Colorado Skin & Vein is committed to providing the most advanced and effective treatments in a comfortable, luxurious setting. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards healthier, symptom-free legs.
May 2, 2023
Knowing how varicose veins form — and which circumstances can trigger or accelerate their appearance — helps you understand your chances of developing them so you can take steps to prevent them. Varicose veins are common: More than one in three adults (35%) in the United States currently has them, and many more can expect to get them at some point in life. While anyone can develop these twisted, bulging viscosities, certain factors make them more likely. Knowing how varicose veins form — and which circumstances might trigger or accelerate their appearance — can help you understand your chances of developing them. With that awareness, you can manage your risk and prevent unwanted vein problems. Read on as board-certified vascular specialist Dr. David Verebelyi and our skilled team at Colorado Skin and Vein discuss the underlying mechanisms and intensifying factors behind varicose veins and explain how you can minimize your risk of developing them. Weak valves set the stage for varicose veins Your veins have one job: transport deoxygenated blood from your body tissues, organs, and extremities to your heart and lungs. They contain a series of one-way valves to keep your blood flowing efficiently and in the right direction on this continuous journey. Unfortunately, vein valves aren’t impervious to dysfunction. They can weaken with age, like any other part of your body, and they can weaken under pressure. Leg veins are more likely to become varicose — their valves frequently work against the effects of gravity to keep blood flowing toward your heart. A condition called venous insufficiency begins when weak or damaged vein valves no longer work as they should. Instead of flowing through them, blood pools behind the dysfunctional valves and exerts pressure on the surrounding vessel wall. There are three main risk factors for weak or dysfunctional vein valves, including having a family history of varicose veins, being middle-aged or older, and female gender. Circulation issues rapidly accelerate the process Weak vein valves and venous insufficiency may effectively set the stage for varicose veins, but other factors usually accelerate the process, which include the following four basic categories: Sluggish blood flow Venous insufficiency is already a form of poor circulation, but one that can get worse with too much sitting or lack of physical activity. When inactive, your blood flow becomes even more sluggish and readily pools behind weak vein valves. Increased pressure Venous hypertension, or high blood pressure inside your veins, places vein valves under stress and strain. This can happen when pregnancy or carrying excess body fat requires your veins to handle a higher-than-normal blood volume; it can also happen if you’re often on your feet for long stretches. High-estrogen state Female gender is a risk factor for varicose veins because estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. While estrogen contributes to vascular health, higher estrogen levels can weaken vein valve function and increase the likelihood of varicose veins. This is why the high-estrogen state of pregnancy can accelerate varicose vein formation. Injury and obstruction You’re more likely to develop varicose veins if you’ve ever had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clot, in one of your deep veins. You’re also more likely to get them if you’re a smoker — tobacco damages the lining of your veins and slows circulation. Here is how to reduce your varicose vein risk While you can’t mitigate unchangeable risk factors for varicose veins like family history, older age, and female gender, there’s a lot you can do to promote optimal circulation and minimize your risk of developing vein problems. Everyone’s leg circulation can benefit from: Avoiding long stretches of sitting or standing still Getting at least 30-60 minutes of exercise each day Losing excess body weight and quitting smoking Switching to a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet plan If you have significant accelerating risk factors for varicose veins — such as pregnancy or an occupation that requires you to stand for long periods — you can assist lower extremity circulation by wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs as often as possible. And remember, while there’s a lot you can do to improve your circulation and reduce your varicose vein risk, you can’t eliminate that risk altogether. If you happen to develop an unsightly, uncomfortable, or unwanted varicose vein, we can help. To learn more about the minimally invasive varicose vein treatment options at Colorado Skin and Vein in Englewood, Colorado, call or click online and schedule a consultation today.
April 7, 2023
One in three adults in the United States has varicose veins. Knowing how to spot the warning signs that may signal their development can help you take steps to prevent their progression. Learn more here. Approximately one in three US adults have varicose veins — the distorted, purplish leg veins that bulge, swell, and twist under the surface of your skin. While anyone can get them, certain risk factors and circumstances make their appearance more likely. You can’t always avoid varicose veins, but you can take steps to minimize their severity — and treat them to prevent their progression. How? Learn your risk factors for varicose veins and how to spot the warning signs that signal their development. Our skilled team at Colorado Skin and Vein in Englewood, Colorado, offers a full scope of advanced varicose vein treatment options for Denver-area patients. Here, board-certified vascular specialist Dr. David Verebelyi discusses the ins and outs of varicose veins, from risk factors and warning signs to helpful lifestyle changes and interventions. How do leg veins become varicose? Your veins have one job — to return deoxygenated blood from your body to your heart and lungs, so it can pick up fresh oxygen and head back out to your body through your arteries. To help them perform this continuous task as efficiently as possible, they contain a series of one-way valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. However, when those valves are weak or dysfunctional, it causes your circulation to become sluggish — and allows blood to repeatedly pool behind the problematic valves and exert pressure on the surrounding vessel wall. This perpetual, localized buildup of blood and intravascular pressure eventually causes the affected area of the vein to swell, bulge, twist, distort, or become varicose. Significant varicose vein risk factors Most varicose veins are a product of a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), commonly referred to as poor circulation. Anyone can develop CVI and associated varicose veins, but certain risk factors make their appearance more likely. Varicose vein risk factors fall into four general categories: Inherited You’re more likely to develop varicose veins if you’re tall or have a family history of the problem. Tall height puts your leg veins under pressure, while family history increases the likelihood of inherited vein valve problems. Acquired Being overweight elevates your varicose vein risk by increasing blood pressure within your veins; getting older boosts your risk merely because your vein valves are aging, too. Lifestyle Smoking (tobacco use) and prolonged sitting or standing can injure your blood vessels or increase pressure, setting the stage for varicose veins. Hormonal Being in a “high-estrogen state” can make you more vulnerable to varicose veins because high estrogen levels can decrease vein valve function. Female gender is a high-risk factor for varicose veins, and pregnancy amplifies that risk. Early warning signs of varicose veins Often, no early warning signs or symptoms indicate the impending arrival of a varicose vein — the painless process happens quietly and gradually, even if the vein changes appear suddenly just beneath the surface of your skin. However, In other cases, your body may send subtle signals that you’re in the early stages of poor lower extremity circulation or that precipitates varicose vein formation. You may notice: Persistent achiness or heaviness in your legs Unusual leg pain when you’re physically active Leg discomfort during prolonged inactivity Unexplained leg muscle cramping and swelling Intense skin itchiness in the affected area Flaky or dry skin that begins to scale Visibly raised or inflamed sub-surface veins Noticeable skin changes over the affected area As CVI advances — even if it hasn’t caused varicose veins — you may start to see orange-brown speckles of discoloration (so-called “cayenne pepper spots”) on your itchiest areas of skin. These spots develop when pressure and swelling burst tiny capillaries beneath the surface of your skin. What can I do about varicose veins? For many people, varicose veins are little more than a cosmetic concern. But when CVI or varicose veins cause symptoms, taking the correct steps can improve the problem and stop its progression. Whether you’ve just noticed your first varicose vein or you’re worried you may be developing one, the following actions can help slow the process: Don’t smoke or use tobacco Reach and maintain a healthy weight Get 30-60 minutes of exercise most days Elevate your legs several times a day If you’re pregnant or your job keeps you on your feet, it can be helpful to use compression stockings. These custom devices assist and improve circulation in your lower legs to help prevent varicose vein formation. And if you already have problematic varicose veins, we can help. To learn more about the minimally invasive vein removal options at Colorado Skin and Vein in Englewood, Colorado, call or click online and schedule a consultation today.
September 29, 2022
Contrary to popular belief, diabetes does not cause varicose veins – but the two conditions are closely linked. The risk factors for both are similar and patients who have diabetes should be vigilant about any varicose veins they may experience. Both diseases damage the circulatory system and the additional weaknesses caused by varicose veins could make the effects of diabetes worse. Those with risk factors for both diabetes and varicose veins are those who are: Aging Pregnant Obese Have a family history or genetic predisposition Patients with diabetes have high levels of sugar in the blood, causing the veins to weaken or causing weight gain – both recipes for varicose veins. Additionally, diabetes can result in nerve and tissue damage in the legs, a common site for varicose veins. *Individual Results May Vary. Lifestyle changes and proper treatment can prevent or mitigate the effects of varicose veins for those without diabetes. Measures taken to prevent varicose veins can also help with circulation problems caused by diabetes. Patients should keep salt intake down and eat plenty of fiber, elevate the legs when resting and avoid constricting clothing. If you suffer from diabetes and do not have varicose veins, be sure to continue to manage your diabetes symptoms and be on the lookout for any changes to the veins. However, if you have diabetes and begin to notice varicose veins, you should seek treatment. Varicose veins can be treated, helping patients stay healthy. Untreated varicose veins can get infected, and the infection can be critical and life-threatening. Diabetics have a higher risk due to their weaker immune system. There are several ways to treat varicose veins and safely and effectively close down damaged veins such as varicose veins and other veins leading to leg ulcers. These procedures include Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), VenaSeal™, and Endovenous Radiofrequency (EVRF). Colorado Skin & Vein offers outpatient procedures for varicose veins. Avoiding surgery is particularly important for diabetics, who tend to have problems healing. Be sure to let the doctor know if you have diabetes. Request your vascular treatment consultation with us by calling 303.683.3235 or completing our online contact form today. Colorado Skin & Vein serves Englewood and the greater Denver, CO area.
September 27, 2022
Varicose veins have a way of making people feel self-conscious about their appearance, as these large, bulging veins can be very noticeable. Varicose veins have a way of making people feel self-conscious about their appearance, as these large, bulging veins can be very noticeable. Whether you have varicose veins on your legs, arms, or elsewhere, Colorado Skin & Vein can help you get the smoother, vein-free appearance you’ve been dreaming about. *Individual Results May Vary. But this might leave you with one important question: “How much does varicose vein removal cost?” The Cost of Varicose Vein Removal in Denver According to RealSelf, the average cost of varicose vein removal in the greater Denver and Englewood areas is $975. Varicose vein removal can be as high as $5,000, depending on how many varicose veins you wish to treat. The cost also depends on the type of varicose vein removal treatment being offered, as various practices offer different solutions. REQUEST A CONSULTATION Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained staff members at Colorado Skin & Vein will reach out to your promptly to schedule your appointment. REQUEST A CONSULTATION How Does Varicose Vein Removal Work? At Colorado Skin & Vein, we offer many types of non-surgical varicose vein removal treatments to help you get back clearer, smoother legs. Let’s take a look at our top two treatments: Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), which involves the placement of a small cannula directly into the varicose vein. Once the cannula has been inserted into the vein, it emits waves of laser light energy. This energy helps encourage the varicose vein walls to close up, which redirects blood flow and causes vein death. The entire treatment takes about an hour to perform and delivers noticeable results in as little as one to two weeks. Endovenous Radiofrequency (EVRF), which is a treatment that is similar in function to EVLA. However, instead of using laser light energy, EVRF uses ultrasound energy to redirect blood flow to healthier veins, thus causing the varicose vein to close up and die. Over time, the unused vein is reabsorbed by the body, leaving behind a clearer and smoother surface. Take the Next Step Now that you know the cost of varicose vein removal, why not see if you’re a good candidate for our menu of varicose vein removal treatments? Schedule a consultation at Colorado Skin & Vein in Englewood, CO. (303) 683-3235
May 10, 2022
At some point in their lifetime, approximately one-third of adults develop varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels under the skin on your lower body. They usually bulge, are blue and purple, and can appear on your ankles, feet, or legs. Additionally, they are commonly surrounded by spider veins. You may find your varicose veins unsightly, and you’re probably wondering, “Are varicose veins harmful?” The answer may surprise you. Varicose veins may make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, but they are usually not harmful. Common symptoms of varicose veins may include burning or throbbing in the lower legs, increased pain after sitting or standing for long stretches of time, heavy or achy legs, and changes in skin color around the varicose veins. Over time, these symptoms may worsen, which is why you may want to consider varicose veins treatment. If you have noticed varicose veins on your skin, there are treatment options available. A visit with your healthcare provider can help you answer any questions you have about varicose veins as well as address any other concerns you may have related to treatment. It’s important to discuss any discomfort and find the best treatment option that works for you. What Causes Varicose Veins? Varicose veins appear when the walls of your veins weaken. As your blood pressure increases, your veins swell, and the valves that move blood in one direction cannot work as they should. Blood that is flowing more slowly pools in your veins, causing varicose veins. Veins weaken and appear for several reasons. The most prevalent causes of varicose veins include hormones, the aging process, being overweight, wearing tight clothing, and standing or stretching for long periods of time. In fact, hairdressers, teachers, retail industry workers, bartenders, and healthcare workers are most likely to develop varicose veins over time due to extended periods of standing at work. While varicose veins usually do not indicate severe illness, it’s important to have them examined by your healthcare provider. Doctors diagnose varicose veins by pointing out the obvious signs, as well as with an ultrasound. This pain-free exam uses sound waves to produce pictures of your tissues and can show blood clots as well as valve function. Varicose Veins Treatment Although no cure exists for varicose veins, there are several treatment and management options you can consider to decrease your discomfort. Try elevating your legs above your waist several times of day to increase blood flow and lower pressure in your veins. Additionally, you can wear compression stockings to prevent your veins from stretching. Other treatment options include sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a fluid into your veins to help them stick together and dissolve, as well as laser therapy, which is used to block a damaged vein. Your doctor also may recommend ligation and stripping, a surgery that involves tying off the infected vein to prevent blood from pooling and then stripping the vein to prevent the reappearance of varicose veins. Importantly, about half of the people who undergo varicose vein surgery see their veins reappear in five years. If you are considering varicose veins treatment and are wondering how to get insurance to pay for varicose vein removal, call your healthcare provider first. Many insurance companies will cover the costs of varicose vein removal if you are highly symptomatic or if it is medically necessary. You may be able to work with your doctor to make such a case to your insurance provider so that you can access treatment more affordably. Varicose veins can look unpleasant and cause discomfort, but there is typically no reason to be alarmed when they pop up. Still, if you’ve started to notice varicose veins on your skin, you may have other questions. If you live in Denver or the surrounding areas, the professionals at Colorado Skin & Vein are here to answer your questions and provide solutions related to varicose veins treatment and management.