Monday 24 August 2015

Some Facts On Varicose Vein Treatments Somerville Patients Should Know

By Shawn Hunter


Varicose veins are arguably the commonest vascular disorder. Although they are associated with many complications, the main reason for clinic visits is the unsightly nature of the vessels under the skin. Venous thromboembolism is a complication that is life threatening if timely intervention does not take place. There are a number of other important facts on varicose vein treatments Somerville residents need to know if they have this problem.

The underlying cause of this problem is failure of venous valves found in the upper and lower limbs. These valves may be affected by both infective and non-infective diseases. When their function is compromised, back flow of blood occurs with subsequent distension of vessels. Clot formation occurs more easily than in the ordinary person and these clots predispose the individual to pulmonary thromboembolism and the damage of other organs.

The available treatment modalities are focussed on reducing the appearance of the tortuous vessels through the skin as well as reducing the risk of forming these clots. The options also seek to limit progression of the disease by eliminating or reducing the impact of other risk factors. Some of the risk factors that are known to predispose and exacerbate this condition include pregnancy, obesity, advancing age and physical inactivity.

A number of factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing the preferred treatment option. Screening for risk factors that may exacerbate the condition as well as the general state of health are done to determine whether or not the chosen treatments will be tolerated. Other determinants that commonly affect the choice include cost, patient preference and the severity of the condition.

Conservative therapies should ideally be considered first. The widely used option under this category is the compression stocking. These are important in reducing the size of veins that are visible through the skin. In addition, they assist in blood flow and reduce the risk of clot formation. There are several types available in the market but the pantyhose is the most widely used.

Sclerotherapy is another form of management that is used. In this technique, special chemicals are injected directly into the affected vessels. This therapy has been found to have optimal results when used for small and medium-sized vessels. While in the vessel, the chemical induces scar formation. As they heal, they reduce the elasticity of affected blood vessels effectively reducing the tortuous nature.

Surgery should be considered only after the conservative options have failed to yield desirable results. Several types of surgery may be performed for this problem. Ligation and stripping is arguably the most commonly performed. Here, section of the affected vessel is tied in two places and surgically removed in its entirety. Other vessels are left to take up its function.

The important thing to remember about varicose veins is that one should seek help as soon as possible. The disease is easier to manage in its early stages as opposed to the more advanced stages which are often unresponsive to conservative measures. Visiting the clinic also provides you with an opportunity to undergo screening for any risk factors that may exacerbate the condition.




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