Varicose veins are extremely common. Heredity is the most common cause for large vein problems. Pregnancy, prolonged standing and heredity are the primary causes of spider veins. Varicose and spider veins can be a cosmetic nuisance because of their unsightly appearance but even small veins can cause painful legs. Larger veins can cause skin irritation or break down with ulcers forming around the ankles and lower legs as well as pain and swelling.

Treatment for varicose veins depends on the type of vein problem that exists. On your first visit with Dr. Balharry for this problem, a full medical, surgical and obstetric history will be taken. This is followed by a clinical examination of your legs and usually, a full ultrasound examination of the vein system in your legs. This will allow Dr. Balharry to understand what your problem is and to recommend the best course of treatment for your condition. Now, let’s looks at the options for treatment.

SURGERY. For large veins with damaged valves, it is sometimes necessary to treat the veins with a surgical procedure called ‘stripping’. This is done in a Hospital operating room, usually under local anaesthetic. The large vein in the thigh is removed by a relatively non-invasive procedure although there is a small wound in the skin at the groin and the knee. Sometimes, other large veins are also removed at the same time by what is called ‘hook phlebectomy’. This involves small punctures over the vein with a needle, and removal of this segment of the vein with small hooks that look a little like crochet hooks.

ULTRASOUND GUIDED INJECTIONS. Some large veins can be treated in the office with this technique. The vein is visualized on the ultrasound machine and an injection is made into the vein while it is viewed on the ultrasound screen. Then a fluid, usually turned into foam first, is injected into the vein. This will result in closing of the veins and its absorption by your body.

Dr. Balharry has sophisticated ultrasound equipment for this purpose and has taken special training in vascular ultrasound.

SCLEROTHERAPY. Smaller veins and spider veins are treated by the injection of a fluid into the veins that again results in the vein closing and being absorbed by your body.

We will usually recommend some form of compression after these treatments, such as stockings. Varicose and spider veins are, unfortunately, often a maintenance problem as the body does like to create new veins. The treatment of varicose veins, apart from surgery, is not covered by Alberta Health Care.

For more information, please check this link; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sclerotherapy