You're so Vein

Varicose veins are no longer solely a cosmetic issue - they can also lead to further complications affecting physical appearance, quality of life, time off from work - and treatment options may not even be covered by some insurance companies. Although varicose veins are more common in women, they also affect the male population (prevalence ranges from 25% to 33% in women vs 10% to 20% in men). They also tend to increase in frequency as one ages. Although varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs they can be found elsewhere. The most common presenting symptoms of individuals presenting with varicose veins include heaviness, fatigue, or throbbing pain in the legs. Additionally, pain and swelling may be common. These symptoms usually disappear when patients elevate their legs or get off their feet. So if you suspect varicose veins, what might some of your treatment options be? Some treatment options include external compression devices such as compression stockings (which remain the mainstay of therapy for varicose veins), drug therapy (some diuretics and horse chestnut extract), sclerotherapy (injection of a substance that obliterates the vein), laser and pulsed-light therapy (small veins), and surgery. Treatment considerations would of course depend on the level of necessary therapy needed. Treatment options have come a long way from days in the past where many patients left their physician's office dissatisfied with their treatment due in part to the limited knowledge of varicose veins and the limited treatment options available at the time. With the progression in varicose vein treatment, future developments will more than likely be better streamlined to meet the needs of patients.