We’re still about a month away from the official start of summer. But, for many Canadians, summer begins with this forthcoming Victoria Day long weekend. The majority of our nation’s population longs for the warm and sunny days of summer. They can’t wait to ditch their boots, coats and toques for shorts, skirts and tank tops. That is, of course, unless they’re dealing with varicose vein problems.
Varicose veins are deep, large veins that generally appear in the legs. They often wreak havoc on a sufferer’s confidence in wearing anything other than long pants. While there is a number of factors that can exacerbate varicose veins (including pregnancy which places extra pressure on the lower extremities) these veins can impact anyone at any time. In fact, approximately 25 percent of the adult population struggles with varicose veins.
What causes varicose veins?
As you know, blood flows through your veins. However, when there is a malfunction in the veins that cause the blood to either pool or flow the wrong way, it can cause the veins to bulge. Dr. Jim Dooner of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery explains the issue in clearer detail.
“In almost all cases, the malfunction of valves at critical junctions of the venous system allowing wrong way flow of blood down the leg in the opposite direction through which veins were intended to conduct the flow of blood,” he writes, “The valve malfunction is often a spontaneous problem, not generally related to injury or occupation.”
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Well, firstly, varicose veins are often considered unsightly. This is the main reason that even lovers of summer may skip out on beach day. However, there are some physical complications that can arise from having varicose veins.
Symptoms include aches and pains, swollen feet and ankles, burning or throbbing, muscle cramps, itchy skin, skin discolouration and fatigue in the legs. The symptoms tend to worsen in the heat, making the summertime a lot less fun for sufferers.
What is the best way to treat varicose veins?
Sclerotherapy is a proven solution for both varicose veins and those annoying smaller spider veins that appear in the legs. The treatment entails a sugar solution being injected into each vein that is causing irritation in order to create closure.
Tom Seymour of MedicalNewsToday.com describes sclerotherapy this way: “This procedure involves injecting a foam called sclerosant into a varicose vein. The foam causes the vein to spasm, scar, and clot, which will then close the vein off. This type of clot is not dangerous and, over time, the varicose vein will disappear.”
Using this minimally invasive and quick treatment, the team at Aurora Skin & Vein can provide you with long lasting relief from the pain and annoyance that varicose veins and spider veins can cause. Let’s work together on restoring your beach days! For more information about sclerotherapy, please don’t hesitate to call Aurora Skin & Vein at 403-358-5818. You may also fill out the form on our Contact Us page!