Intro:
Varicose veins are usually the result of malfunctioning valves throughout the large veins of the legs and can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Symptoms:
Patients suffering from venous insufficiency can experience:
- Unsightly varicose veins
- Leg pain
- Leg swelling
- Leg heaviness
- Leg throbbing
- Discoloration to the legs and ankles
Risk Factors:
Risk Factors for developing varicose veins or venous insufficiency include:
- Family history
- Gender
- Pregnancy
- Blood clots
- Lifestyle (Prolonged standing – ie. Teachers, hair stylist, nurses)
Diagnosis:
Varicose veins and venous insufficiency can be diagnosed based on a thorough clinical exam and a non-invasive venous ultrasound.
Treatment:
Depending on the extent of the problem, varicose veins can be managed or treated in a number of ways.
- Compression stockings for symptom relief:
- Although not a definitive treatment, compression stocking help with symptom relief for most people
- If worn regularly, they can slow down progression of this problem
- There are many styles, lengths, and compression strengths (Ask your specialist which is right for you )
- Surgical stripping:
- Traditionally reserved for severe cases, this surgery is done in the hospital under a general or spinal anesthetic
- Recovery can be 2-3 weeks off of work
- Can be covered by OHIP in some circumstances but there is usually a considerable waiting list
- Recurrent varicose veins can often be seen
- Endovenous laser ablation (EVLT):
- This is a quick 40 min procedure done under local freezing in the office
- Patients are often able to return to work or exercise on the same day with very little down time
- Results are often much more durable when compared to traditional surgical stripping
- Endovenous Glue Induced Thrombosis (EGIT):
- Similar to EVLT, Endovenous Glue Induced Thrombosis is a quick office based procedure with little down time and similar long term results
- This can be done with very few injections
- Sclerotherapy:
- Often reserved for tortuous varicose veins, usually after surgical stripping, EVLT or EGIT
