Varicose veins trouble millions of Americans–particularly women. Blue to purple, ropelike, and twisted, these surface veins are very noticeable in the legs, ankles, and feet. Let’s talk about what living with these incompetent blood vessels is like, how you can feel better, and where you can go for outstanding vein treatment in St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, and Largo, FL.
The Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop because of poorly functioning one-way valves in the blood vessels of the lower extremities, rectum, vagina, and more. Their smaller counterparts–threadlike spider veins–also may appear in the legs and in prominent places, such as the cheeks and around the nose.
Why do the check valves in some veins lose their ability to keep blood from pooling in various body areas? Frankly, varicosities may be attributed to heredity. However, more often, these are the contributing factors:
- Lack of exercise (sitting too much)
- Smoking (decreasing circulation of oxygen and nutrients to the extremities)
- Pregnancy and obesity
- Crossing the legs at the knees and ankles
- The aging process
Sadly, varicose veins don’t spontaneously resolve. They need care at home and, when severe, from an expert vascular surgeon.
The Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Here’s what it’s like to live day to day with untreated varicose veins. The symptoms are:
- Aching, fatigued legs and feet
- Swelling
- Raised, bumpy, prominent veins which bulge through the skin’s surface
- Dry, itchy skin
- Skin color and texture changes
Plus, varicose veins can lead to more serious health complications, including leg ulcers, bleeding, blood clots (either superficial or within deeper veins), and infections.
Varicose Vein Treatments You Can Do at Home
Your vascular surgeon may recommend some of the following practical interventions to help you manage your varicose vein symptoms:
- Compression wear (stockings) to support your legs and move blood back to the heart
- Loose clothing, particularly at the waist
- Shoes that fit comfortably and provide adequate support and protection
- Stretching exercises for the legs
- Cool room air and cold compresses to swollen areas of the legs and feet
- Low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking and swimming, for 30 minutes five times a week
- Rest and elevate your feet and legs about the level of your heart
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Smoking cessation (see your PCP for a monitored program)
Varicose Veins Treatment in St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, and Largo, FL
If you are looking for compassionate vein care, you can trust the expertise and experience of the board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Edward Mackay of Edward G. Mackay and Associates. At an informative consultation with him, he will evaluate your lower extremities and your symptoms. He may recommend a number of interventions to help you have smoother, healthier legs and improved blood flow.
Our facility can help you achieve optimal vascular health and function. Besides non-invasive treatments, we offer laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, vein stripping, microphlebectomy, VenaSeal, and more. Dr. Mackay has years of experience in vein care, and he is double-certified in general and vascular surgery.
To arrange your consultation, call us today at (727) 781-5652, or request a convenient appointment time by filling in our online request form.
