ASK THE NURSE
Question: What
are varicose veins?
Answer: Varicose veins are abnormally dilated blood channels
in the lower extremities. While
arteries bring blood from the heart to the extremities, veins, by
virtue of one way valves located inside
the lumen of the vein, channel blood back to the heart. When these valves
fail to function properly, the blood pools and the veins become enlarged
and congested. These enlarged veins are called varicose veins.
Question: What are spider veins?
Answer: Spider veins are small red, blue or purple veins situated
on the surface of the skin. Varicose by contrast are larger and situated
deeper in the tissues.
Question: Are varicose and spider
veins common?
Answer: It is estimated that more than 80 million Americans suffer
from some form of varicose vein disorder.
Question: What
are the symptoms of varicose and spider veins?
Answer: The functional symptoms are mostly pain in the lower
extremities. Other symptoms include fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning,
throbbing, itching and cramping in the legs. Occasionally swelling may
develop. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition
of the skin and lead eczema inflammation and occasionally
ulceration of the skin.
Question: How do spider veins
develop?
Answer: The causes of varicose veins include hereditary factors,
obesity and occupations which require prolonged standing. In women,
pregnancy and estrogen are particularly to blame for the venous insufficiency.
Question: Do varicose veins
require surgery?
Answer: In general, there is no need for surgical intervention.
The majority of spider and varicose veins may be treated without surgery
and with little risk involved.
Question: What is Sclerotherapy?
Answer: Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure where a solution
is injected into the small vein causing it to collapse and eventually
be absorbed by the body and lead to subsequent disappearance from the
legs.
Question: What types of solutions
are injected?
Answer: We use FDA approved pharmaceutical agents to cause obliteration
of the tiny veins. The most frequently used agents are Sotradecol and
Polydocinol.
Question: Can
laser be used to treat spider veins?
Answer: In the majority of cases, spider veins do not respond
to laser treatment.
Occasionally, small red colored spider veins may benefit from laser,
but otherwise the majority are treated by micro-injections.
Question: Who
performs the injections?
Answer: Physical assessment of your legs as well as subsequent
treatment is provided by registered nurses specialized in small vein
disease and treatment. The main focus is on educating patients about
promoting healthy circulation of the legs to minimize further vein
disease. We also provide a personalized
maintenance program to keep your legs looking their very best.
Question: Will my daily activities
be affected by Sclerotherapy?
Answer: With the exception of strenuous exercise, we encourage
our patients to stay as active as possible. In addition to walking for
at least one hour daily, graduated compression stockings are prescribed
and encouraged to be worn when standing or sitting for long periods.
Question: Are
there any medications which should be avoided?
Answer: We recommend abstaining from intake of Aspirin, Ibuprofen
and Vitamin E. We also
recommend the intake of Vitamin C (1000 mg per day), one week prior
to, during and following the treatments.
Question: What
are the complications of Sclerotherapy?
Answer: The majority of complications are mild and easily treated.
They include matting, allergic reactions, hyperpigmentation and small
areas of trapped blood. The hyperpigmentation can be treated with micro-dermabrasion
and bleaching agents. Trapped blood can be easily drained. Matting is
self-limited and may occasionally require treatment with
laser. Allergic reactions are easily treated with Benadryl. Ice is recommended
to minimize pain in the period following the injections.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: In general, the costs are $250.00 per hour. In that period
of time, an entire lower extremity can be treated.
