Varicose veins are one of the most common vein-related issues, affecting about three of every 10 adults. Though they typically don’t cause serious health problems, varicose veins can trigger leg pain, swelling, and itching. At Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston in Tomball, Texas, cardiologist Jamil C. Mohsin, MD, uses minimally invasive treatments like radiofrequency ablation and microphlebectomy to treat varicose veins. To schedule an appointment, call or book online today.
Varicose veins are bulging, knotted, and rope-like veins. They occur on the legs and thighs, just beneath the surface of your skin.
Varicose veins occur when the vein valves in your legs fail to close completely. Over time, faulty vein valves allow blood to flow backward and pool.
Varicose veins usually aren’t a major concern, but they can make it uncomfortable to walk, stand, or exercise. In some cases, they also increase the risk of blood clots.
Symptoms of varicose veins include:
As your varicose veins grow in size, you might also experience pain after sitting or standing for long periods.
Varicose veins affect people of all genders and races, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
You’re also more likely to experience varicose veins if you live a primarily sedentary lifestyle.
To diagnose varicose veins, Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle.
Afterward, they conduct an ultrasound to determine if your veins function normally and if there’s evidence of any clots.
Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston uses several methods to treat varicose veins, including:
Radiofrequency ablation uses an electrode and radiofrequency energy to heat up and destroy a varicose vein. Following this outpatient treatment, your vein collapses and your blood reroutes to healthier veins throughout your body.
Radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive, safe, and usually well-tolerated.
Microphlebectomy is another outpatient procedure used to treat varicose veins. During microphlebectomy, your provider makes a small incision near a vein. Then, they use a tool with a small hook on the end to pull the diseased vein out. After removing the vein, blood reroutes to healthier passageways throughout your body.
Microphlebectomy doesn’t require sutures or stitches. There’s little downtime and recovery is easy and painless.
If varicose veins negatively affect your quality of life, schedule an appointment at Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston. Call or book online today.
