Varicose Vein Misconceptions: Women Only

Are women the only group at risk for varicose veins and vein disease?

Many who are unfamiliar with vein disease believe that varicose veins are the exclusive territory of females, or the elderly, or people in poor health.

Men and women of all ages and body types, however, are susceptible to varicose veins.

As many as 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with varicose veins. About 50 percent of women and 45 percent of men will develop varicose veins at some point in their life.

Varicose Vein Causes & Symptoms

Varicose veins appear in the leg as twisted, bluish, unsightly protrusions beneath the skin. These superficial veins appear when non-functional or ‘leaky’ valves are unable to form a seal within the vein.

These abnormal valves allow blood to trickle backward and collect in the extremities, adding pressure to the leg veins that eventually causes varicose veins to bulge out and appear at the skin’s surface.

Varicose Vein Symptoms:

• Throbbing
• Leg/ankle swelling
• Fatigue
• Burning & itching
• Aches & pains
• Heaviness
• Restless legs
• Skin changes (darkening/redness)
• Skin ulcers

The risk factors below are a more accurate indicator of vulnerability to vein disease than gender.

Varicose Vein Risk Factors:

• Age. Valves in your veins can become faulty over time, as natural wear and tear makes the valves incapable of forming a perfect seal.
• Heredity. If immediate family members have shown symptoms of vein disease, you could be susceptible to vein disorders as well.
• Lack of Movement. Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods can contribute to insufficient circulation in the legs. Poor circulation may cause increased pressure in the extremities, leading to the appearance of varicose veins.
• Weight Gain. Obesity or excessive weight gain can put also add pressure on your veins, especially when combined with a lack of movement.
• Hormones. Hormonal imbalances, in women and men alike, can affect circulation and weaken valves in the veins of the legs.

Varicose Vein Diagnosis & Treatment

Successful varicose vein treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis of your vein disease, as well as any underlying medical causes in your venous system.

At OC VeinCare, Dr. Maraya Altuwaijri diagnoses vein disorders with a comprehensive history, physical examination and a duplex ultrasound.

This cutting-edge, non-invasive test provides a detailed picture of your unique anatomy and the direction of blood flowing through your veins. An ultrasound targeting your veins specifically outlines any ‘leaky valves’, the size of veins, branches such as varicose veins, the source of the varicose veins and the deep venous system. In addition, an ultrasound will pick up any clots (thrombus) visualized within the vein system.

Once your varicose veins have been diagnosed, Dr. Altuwaijri will provide treatment options. Treatment options may include conservative management with compression stockings, foam injection of varicose veins (also known as sclerotherapy) and the most common, and successful, treatment for varicose veins at OC VeinCare, the Venefit™ procedure. The Venefit procedure is a quick procedure (on average 15 minutes or less), covered by most insurance carriers performed while wide awake with local numbing medicine. The Venefit procedure targets the closure of the leaky veins of the legs that typically lead to venous symptoms and/or varicose veins. There is no downtime following this procedure and one can resume regular activities immediately following the procedure.

According to a growing body of research, Venefit™ is highly successful in eliminating the source of varicose veins and preventing the return of symptoms. One recent year-long study showed no recurring symptoms in more than 98% of patients. At one year follow-up, veins treated with the Venefit procedure will have been absorbed by your body. In general, patients notice a substantial difference in leg symptoms 1-3 weeks following the procedure.

Dr. Altuwaijri and her dedicated staff will answer any questions you may have about vein disease or the Venefit™ procedure, and work with your insurance company to obtain preauthorization for your vein disorder treatment.

Varicose Vein Misconceptions: Women Only

OC VeinCare is currently offering a free vein screening to new patients. Call (949) 364-0080 or click here to schedule your appointment today!