Varicose veins: The truth about causes and treatments.

Nobody wants bulging purple veins on their legs or ankles. However, about half of adults have them, and they become more prevalent with age.

What causes varicose veins and what can you do about them? Many people think they know, but George Anton, MD, a Cleveland Clinic vascular surgeon who practices in Mayfield Heights, sets the record straight.

Myth 1: Varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue.

Varicose veins can cause aching in the legs, painful phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) and – in some cases – venous ulcerations (sores).

Myth 2: Recovery from varicose vein treatment is difficult.

“Whether the treatment performed is sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation or surgical removal, there is typically no downtime. And most people can exercise within 24 to 48 hours.”

Myth 3: Varicose veins are visible.

One can actually have varicose veins deep in the muscle. A full vascular exam with ultrasound is the best way to define the nature and extent of the vein problem.

“Pain and swelling can be present without any visible indication of varicose veins,” says Dr. Anton. “The patient can have deeper, underlying vein and valve problems that only imaging equipment can see. You can’t always tell by looking at the leg.”

Myth 4: Spider and varicose vein therapy is a one-time treatment.

“It’s a process and can involve one or multiple therapies including sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation or surgical procedures,” says Dr. Anton. “We match the anatomy with the right technology to treat the vein issue.”

Myth 5: Women should wait to treat varicose veins until they’re done having children.

If you have varicose veins either before your first pregnancy or after your first delivery, you should have them evaluated.

“Early in the first trimester, hormones dilate the veins. Increased pressure in the pelvic veins can then start to damage the vein valves,” says Dr. Anton. “During each subsequent pregnancy, symptoms can exacerbate tremendously. Early treatment can help reduce the amount of pain and damage.”

Important tips

The truth is, you may not be able to avoid varicose veins. But you can delay their onset or make them less pronounced. Dr. Anton shares these important tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight. • If you stand for long periods, wear compression stockings. Otherwise, take frequent breaks to sit down, elevating your legs when possible. • If you sit for long periods, move your legs or stand

up every now and then. • Regular exercise can help improve circulation and

vein health.

To learn more, download our treatment guide at clevelandclinic.org/veincare. Schedule an evaluation at one of our Vein and Vascular Centers by calling 440.312.1151 (Mayfield Heights) or 440.899.4646 (Westlake). Or, find a Cleveland Clinic vascular surgeon online at clevelandclinic.org/vascularsurgeons.

George Anton, MD