Over 50% of adults over the age of 50 are in need of relief from harmful varicose veins.

Varicose veins and spider veins are one of the most common medical conditions. They affect up to 25% of adults, and approximately 50% of all people after age 50. Besides being embarrassing, varicose veins can be uncomfortable and extremely unhealthy. Behind the unsightly blue bulges that distinguish varicose veins lurks a serious medical problem. Each year, approximately 150,000 Americans die of varicose vein-related complications and 2.5 million others are severely disabled by them.

Varicose veins are the large, ropy, and twisting blue vessels which appear in the skin anywhere from the thigh to the foot. They are almost always the result of an incompetent saphenous vein, meaning that the one-way valves do not close properly. The reflux of blood back down the saphenous vein causes high vein pressures which are transmitted into the skin veins, resulting in the twisted and ballooned out skin veins. Varicose veins are often painful due to the high pressure inside the vessel, and the pain may affect the entire leg. When blood flow is slow or stagnant through these veins, they will often form a clot. The result is classic phlebitis, meaning the painful, hot, and red area around a clotted varicose vein.

Varicose veins occur in both men and women, but more frequently in women. The hormone estrogen may play a role in their development because puberty and pregnancy often seem to be a catalyst for diseased veins. During pregnancy the enlarged uterus may also restrict blood flow contributing to their development.
Varicose veins are often found in association with deeper vein problems such as dilated or leaking veins. Often dilated blood vessels cause aching, cramping and swelling especially with prolonged standing.

Endovenous Ablation Therapy

The treatments to eliminate varicose veins and all vein abnormalities have improved dramatically in the past 4 years. The abnormal saphenous vein is eliminated by modern endovenous radio-frequency ablation and by endovenous laser ablation. Both methods are excellent, and both have superior results when compared to the old stripping operation. Endovenous ablation is performed by placing the RF catheter or laser fiber inside the abnormal vein, and slowly heating the vein from the inside. The heat destroys the vein lining, blood flow through the vein is prevented as the vein shrinks and scars to a small cord. Dr. Kingsley performs the operation between 15 to 20 times each week, and has one of the largest experiences with this procedure in the U.S.

There is no known method of true prevention if they are hereditary but, wearing specialized venous support stockings may prevent some dilated blood vessels from developing in some people. Maintaining a normal weight, regular exercise, avoiding constipation and avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes may also be helpful.