BODY
BEAUTIFUL
How
Can I Eliminate Vericose Veins?
By Monica
Michelena
Gina has lived an active life – on her feet most days, all day. And she loves to go bowling, but now complains of hot, achy and swollen legs. Gina has sought various treatments for her veins over the years though the veins always reappeared. Unfortunately, Gina is not alone. In the United States approximately 80 million adults have varicose veins and spider veins of the legs. These veins can cause pain and discomfort in addition to cosmetic concerns.
According to Dr. Jesus Valdez of the South Texas Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery, “varicose veins are abnormal superficial veins that develop in the soft tissue beneath the skin. They are similar to empty water balloons in that when they are forced to carry more blood (because of leaky valves) they become distended and tortuous.”
Varicose veins can be more than unsightly. Your veins are a vital part of your vascular system. After the arteries deliver blood to all the extremities, your veins channel blood back to the heart using one-way valves. When these valves don’t open and close properly, blood can gather in the veins. When this happens, the veins become enlarged and are called “varicose.”
In addition to leg pain, symptoms can include feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping and restlessness of the legs. Severe cases can even compromise the nutrition of the skin.
The good news is that the veins can be effectively treated at the South Texas Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery. With only a few small incisions and little discomfort, these surgeons can get you back on your feet in no time. In fact, Gina plans on wearing shorts again this summer – something she hasn’t done in years.