Understanding Varicose Veins

Your legs are equipped with a clever system to make sure blood returns to your heart efficiently, even when you're standing. This system includes tiny one-way valves in your veins that guide blood upwards, against gravity. But when these valves weaken, blood can start moving towards the feet instead of upwards towards the heart. This leads to increased pressure in the veins, causing them to stretch and enlarge.

The result is what we commonly know as varicose veins — veins that are visibly bulging and larger than usual.

Varicose Veins

The Impact of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins might start off as a minor nuisance, but without attention, they can lead to more significant issues. Here's a closer look at what you might experience:

Common Symptoms and Concerns

Initially, varicose veins may present few or no symptoms, with concerns often centred around their appearance. However, as they develop, you may notice a range of discomforts:

  • Aching or Throbbing
    A constant, uncomfortable sensation in your legs.

  • Itching and Burning
    Also uncomfortable, especially at the end of the day.

  • Cramping
    Sudden pains, often occurring during rest or at night. 

It's important to note that varicose veins are not directly linked to restless legs syndrome.

Advanced Symptoms

As varicose veins progress, the pressure build-up can lead to more serious skin and circulatory issues: 

  • Skin Changes
    Discolouration, swelling, and the development of eczema are common as the skin is affected by the increased vein pressure.

  • Thickening of Skin
    Over time, the skin over the veins may thicken, becoming more prone to injury.

Risks of Superficial Blood Clots

Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT)

This condition refers to blood clots that form in the veins just under the skin. While often considered less severe than deep vein clots, they require careful monitoring. If these clots extend into the deeper veins, they can lead to a more serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Innovative Treatments for Varicose Veins

At VeinMed, we're proud to offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, providing effective relief with minimal downtime. Gone are the days of surgical stripping, replaced by cutting-edge techniques that ensure comfort and swift recovery.  

Here’s how we make it happen:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Our leading treatment method, RFA, utilises the latest in radiofrequency technology to target and close off problematic veins. Here's what makes RFA stand out:

  • Minimally Invasive
    A small catheter is inserted into the vein to deliver targeted heat, sealing the vein and stopping blood flow.

  • Quick and Comfortable
    The procedure is performed in short bursts of radiofrequency energy, focusing on the vein's collagen to effectively close it without affecting the surrounding areas.

  • No Hospital Stay Required
    It's a "walk-in, walk-out" treatment, meaning you can return to your daily activities immediately after the procedure, with little to no discomfort.

  • Local Anesthetic
    The entire procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, ensuring you're comfortable and pain-free throughout.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

In addition to RFA, we utilise Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) for comprehensive varicose vein treatment. UGS offers:

  • Precision Mapping
    With the help of ultrasound, we identify and map out veins that aren’t functioning properly.

  • Effective Closure
    A sclerosant solution is injected into the faulty veins, causing them to close and gradually be absorbed by the body.

  • Improved Circulation
    By redirecting blood to healthier veins, UGS enhances overall vein function, reducing symptoms and improving the appearance of varicose veins.

 

Combining the Best of Both Worlds

At VeinMed, we often employ a combination of RFA and UGS to achieve optimal results. This dual approach allows us to address varicose veins comprehensively, improving your venous system's efficiency, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing leg appearance.

Our commitment is to your health and comfort, offering treatments that are not only effective but also ensure a quick return to your everyday life, free from the pain and discomfort of varicose veins.

Ready to take the next step?

We service Auckland and Hamilton regions