Varicose Veins Specialist
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Y. H. Salem, MD, FACS
Acid Reflux and General Surgeon & Varicose Vein Specialist located in Huntington Beach, CA & Anaheim, CA
Nearly 35% of Americans suffer from large bulging veins, also known as varicose veins, that cause a variety of symptoms, including cramping, bruising, and swelling. Dr. Y.H. Salem evaluates patients at his Foothill Ranch, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim, California offices, and develops individualized treatment plans to address this troublesome condition. Using innovative methods, such as laser-guided procedures, he restores your skin’s appearance and prevents further complications. If you have varicose veins on your arms or legs, call or schedule an appointment online today to learn about your treatment options.
Varicose Veins
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are large, bulging veins that most commonly appear on your legs and feet, although any vein can become varicose. Standing up and walking around applies pressure to the veins of your lower body.
In some cases, varicose veins are strictly a cosmetic issue. However, this condition can also lead to painful symptoms, or even present a risk of developing more severe health problems, such as circulation issues, blood clots, or ulcers.
What are the common signs and symptoms of varicose veins?
Some of the outward signs of varicose veins to look for include veins that are deep blue or dark purple or veins that appear twisted, bulging, or cordlike on your legs.
In addition to visible abnormalities, painful symptoms of varicose veins often include:
- Leg discomfort
- Severe itching
- Aching
- Throbbing
- Burning
- Heaviness
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Bleeding from varicose veins
- Pain when standing or sitting for a long time
If you notice signs of varicose veins, or experience symptoms, particularly painful ones, seek medical attention right away.
What causes varicose veins?
In your body, arteries transport blood from your heart to the rest of your tissues, while your veins send blood back to your heart to recirculate blood. Sending blood back up your legs works against gravity. Specific factors, such as aging and pregnancy, can affect the elastic walls and valves of your veins.
Other factors that increase your risk of having insufficient or improper blood flow that leads to varicose veins include:
- Obesity
- Gender (women are more likely to get varicose veins)
- Occupation (sedentary jobs)
- Family history
Dr. Salem performs a thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic testing to pinpoint the cause before developing an individualized treatment plan for you.
How do you treat varicose veins?
First, Dr. Salem typically recommends wearing compression stockings, which squeeze your legs, helping your veins and leg muscles circulate blood properly. Dr. Salem works with you to find the right stockings. You can buy them online or go to a pharmacy, and there are even prescription-strength stockings available, depending on the specifics of your condition.
Dr. Salem also provides in-house procedures to treat varicose veins. During endovenous ablation, a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure, he administers laser energy directly into the affected vein, heating and closing it. Typically, this procedure takes about one hour.
Another minimally invasive procedure Dr. Salem performs is a phlebectomy to remove varicose veins just beneath the surface of your leg. He makes tiny punctures in the skin near the varicose vein. Since veins are very collapsible, he numbs the treatment area with a local anesthetic and removes the veins using a unique phlebectomy hook inserted under the skin. In all, it takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
If self-care measures don’t provide any relief or if you’re concerned about the appearance of varicose veins on your skin, call or schedule an appointment online today.
