Conditions Dr McConnell treats
Varicose Veins
What are varicose veins?
When vein valves stop working properly, blood pools and the veins become enlarged, causing the condition known as varicose veins. In addition to having an unsightly look, varicose veins can cause discomfort, itchiness, and burning, which reduces your quality of life. Varicose veins affect approximately 26% of the adult population.
The most common cause of varicose veins is venous valves that leak. Veins rely on a network of one-way valves to ensure that blood flows in only one direction to your heart. When these valves fail to operate properly, blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein. This causes veins to dilate, resulting in the formation of varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
- Pain
- Swelling
- Cramping
- Itching
- Leg ulcers
These are just a few of the unpleasant side effects that varicose veins can bring on. In some circumstances, they can even result in more severe disorders like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening.
What causes varicose veins?
Although varicose veins can affect anyone, there are several main contributing factors, including advancing age, obesity, extended standing, pregnancy, and a family history of the condition.
While lifestyle changes can help reduce many of the contributing factors to the development of varicose veins, there are various minimally invasive treatment methods available.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Varicose veins are mostly harmless and do not present a serious health risk. Certain problems, however, may arise as a result of untreated venous incompetence. These include bleeding, skin ulcers, superficial or deep vein thrombosis.
Dr McConnell can diagnose your varicose veins condition accurately and provide a customised treatment strategy for you following a thorough venous ultrasound and clinical evaluation. These tests can help rule out conditions like blood clots and assist with treatment planning for your condition.
Treatment of varicose veins
Treatment options for the removal of varicose veins range from conservative measures and minimally invasive procedures. These include ambulatory phlebectomy, medical glue therapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy.
- A vein specialist may use sclerotherapy (or microsclerotherapy), a minimally invasive procedure, performed by injecting a solution called a sclerosant into the vein, which causes it to break down and eventually disappear.
- Both endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation involve inserting a catheter into the offending vein and treating it with heat to collapse the vein.
- An outpatient surgical treatment called an ambulatory phlebectomy is used to remove visible, swollen, and unhealthy veins.
- Medical glue treatment (VenaSeal) is a relatively new method of treating varicose veins. To do this, a specific medical-grade, antibacterial glue is injected into the damaged vein, which closes it off.
- Compression stockings are a type of hosiery worn to increase blood flow and lower the risk of varicose vein development. There are different pressure levels of compression stockings so you can get the right amount of pressure for your condition.
Frequently asked questions
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are blood vessels that are swollen and rope-like in appearance. Dark purple, blue, or occasionally skin-coloured veins that are enlarged and elevated can be present.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are usually caused by one main problem: leaky vein valves.
How are varicose veins treated?
There are several treatment methods available for the removal of varicose veins, the most effective solution for the patient depends on the severity of their symptoms and each patients’ individual needs.
As a way to treat pain and other symptoms, you can do self-care (changes to your lifestyle), have non-surgical treatment through a vein specialist or surgery done in a hospital.
Is vein therapy painful?
Prior to your varicose vein treatment, your doctor usually applies a topical numbing cream to the injection sites. You may feel some minor discomfort or pain. The majority of patients compare it to a mosquito bite, but symptoms subside quickly.
When should I see a specialist?
If you are concerned about your veins or are displaying symptoms that aren’t getting better, schedule an appointment.
Dr Ryan McConnell provides treatment for varicose veins and spider veins at any of his locations in the Blue Mountains and Nepean regions.