Do you have unsightly varicose veins? When you see people with smooth, silky skin on their legs, you may wonder why you have those rope-like veins running down your legs while others don’t. How did you pull the short straw?
Our board-certified radiologists with REDI Diagnostics Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, treat cases of varicose veins every day. Using modern technology, our physician specialists can whisk away your varicose veins through minimally invasive techniques.
Risk factors for varicose veins include both a genetic component and environmental factors.
There are a couple of things you can’t change that increase your risk for varicose veins.
Age is a major contributing factor to varicose veins. As you age, your risk for varicose veins increases. Valves and vein walls weaken.
As you get older, your body doesn’t produce as much collagen and elastin, key proteins that keep your veins, skin, and soft tissue healthy. Your veins lose their elasticity and your blood vessels stiffen. Just like car parts wear out, the valves that pump blood through your veins may also wear out, causing blood to pool in your veins.
If your mother or father had varicose veins, you’re more likely to have them too. In addition, more women than men get varicose veins. Your genetic makeup is a significant factor in determining whether you get varicose veins.
Several lifestyle factors increase your risk for varicose veins. By knowing what they are, you can take steps to lower your risk.
If you’re a woman and your BMI is 25-29 (signifying overweight), you increase your risk of varicose veins by 50%. If your BMI is more than 30, you have three times the risk of developing varicose veins as a woman whose weight is in the normal range.
Extra weight places undue stress on the valves in your veins that pump blood up to your heart and on the veins themselves. The valves are more likely to become damaged and stop working properly, allowing blood to pool in your legs.
Does your job require you to stand for long periods? Perhaps you’re a teacher, nurse, warehouse worker, security guard, or work in the trades. You’re more at risk than others who don’t stand for hours on end. Blood has more of an opportunity to pool in your veins. Standing also exerts extra pressure on your vein walls, weakening them.
Sitting at a computer all day can increase your risk for varicose veins too. Being too sedentary causes blood to pool in your legs. Your calf muscles may become weak, also weakening your vein valves.
Our expert radiologists treat varicose veins using several methods, including ablation, sclerotherapy, or a chemical solution. Your radiologist explains which methods are appropriate for you.
Sometimes varicose veins can lead to health complications such as leg ulcers or blood clots. You don’t have to live with varicose veins. Call REDI Diagnostics Corp or book an appointment online today for advanced treatment to restore your skin’s beauty.
