More than 30 percent of our population has some form of vein disease. When you factor in spider veins, that percentage increases dramatically. Although most people understand that varicose veins will not resolve without treatment, many put off enlisting the services of a vein treatment specialist.

Some delay scheduling a consultation because they don’t realize how advances in medical technology have expanded their treatment options. Others delay scheduling a procedure because they are not convinced that they have enough information to make an informed decision.

We understand your concerns. Knowing the pros and cons of each of the many treatments designed to eliminate problematic veins could help you determine which treatment option might be right for you.

Many people initially consider their varicose veins little more than an annoyance, a cosmetic concern. Far too few realize that varicose veins can eventually cause a significant amount of discomfort as circulation and vein health continues to deteriorate. While elevating your legs and other lifestyle modifications can temporarily ease your suffering, varicose veins will not resolve on their own. Chronic venous insufficiency, the cause of varicose veins, is a progressive vein disorder.

In our not-so-distant past, people living with varicose veins had two primary treatment options, wearing medical-grade compression stockings or having diseased veins surgically removed.

While compression stockings are still considered the first line of defense, today’s vein specialists are far more likely to recommend one of the many minimally invasive treatment options made available through advances in medical technology. As an alternative to surgical intervention, your vein specialist may recommend treating your varicose veins with a Venefit™ Closure Procedure, a safe, effective, treatment option.

Varicose veins are a common health condition that affects millions of people around the world. In fact, an estimated 25% of all adults have varicose veins.

If you or a loved one have varicose veins, or if you are interested in preventing the development of varicose veins within your body, you may have many questions about this condition, such as:

• What exactly are varicose veins?
• How do they develop?
• What are the risk factors associated with varicose veins?
• What are the different types?
• What are some common symptoms of varicose veins?
• How are they treated?
• What strategies for prevention are most effective?

This beginner’s guide to varicose veins will answer these and other questions that you may have. First, let’s understand what varicose veins actually are.

Healthy veins remove waste products and direct blood flow to your heart and lungs. A series of valves lining the inside of your veins keeps your blood moving against the pull of gravity. As your muscles contract, the valves open to keep blood moving forward. When muscles relax, the valves close to keep blood from flowing in reverse.

Varicose veins are most often the result of valve damage. Once a valve fails to close securely, a condition known as venous insufficiency, leaking valves allow blood to flow downward towards your feet.  When damage occurs in the tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin, you will likely notice the familiar web-like configuration of spider veins (telangiectasia). When larger veins are affected, the veins below the damaged valves can bulge, twist, and cause a significant amount of discomfort.

Unfortunately, far too many people living with the discomfort of varicose veins unnecessarily delay medical intervention. Some put off having their varicose veins treated because they don’t think their veins are damaged enough to justify treatment. Others mistakenly assume they would have to dedicate a significant amount of time to recover after surgery. While surgery is still the best option in some cases, doctors today are more likely to recommend minimally invasive varicose vein treatment.