WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?

Varicose veins are large, dilated and tortuous veins that have lost their ability to carry blood back to the heart. They can cause any combination of aching, fatigue, a heavy feeling, itching, burning, cramping, discomfort and pain in the leg.  In advanced cases, they may also cause swelling, bleeding, phlebitis (inflammation), thrombosis (blood clots) or ulceration.

WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?

Varicose veins develop from the improper functioning of valves within the veins.  Normally, valves work to direct blood up the leg so it can be re-oxygenated by the heart.  When the valves are not functioning properly the veins become susceptible to blood pooling, as the force of gravity causes blood to flow backwards in these veins.  This pooling is seen as the veins bulge and become painful.

Heredity is the most common cause of faulty valves.  Frequently, the stresses of pregnancy also lead to stretching and wear on the valves.  Other common factors include prolonged standing, age, hormones, and injury to the veins.

WILL THE VARICOSE VEINS REOCCUR?       

There is always the possibility for the recurrence of varicose veins.  Over time, either new ones may form or the treated ones may open up again.  If they do redevelop, they can be treated again with Sclerotherapy.