Compression stockings that end below the knee cause a different type of compression and, in fact, are recommended, in some cases, for treatment and prevention. Avoid standing or sitting too long in one place without taking a break. Avoid crossing your legs when you are seated and lift them up when you rest, sit or sleep. Do physical activity to move your legs, improve muscle tone, and help blood flow through your veins.
For overweight patients, losing weight can help improve blood flow and relieve pressure on the veins. Also, avoid wearing tight clothing or high heels. Tight clothing can make varicose veins worse. Low-heeled shoes can help tone your calf muscles, which can help blood flow better through your veins.
Tight belts and socks should also be avoided. Our patients can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine through New York University's Langone Health MyChart or New York University's Langone Health app. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. Read our updated information on wearing a mask during your visit and our visitor policy.
Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities. Also known as intravenous techniques, these methods are used to treat deeper varicose veins. The problem vein is located with an ultrasound and a small catheter is inserted into the vein (see Intravenous Treatment). The catheter emits laser or radiofrequency energy, which shrinks and seals the vein.
As with other treatments, surrounding healthy veins maintain normal blood flow. Swelling and pain may occur, and you should wear compression stockings for at least two weeks. Superficial veins connected to the treated vein usually shrink after treatment, but if not, they can be treated with touch-up sclerotherapy. Increased heat can dilate the veins and cause pain, increased pain and tenderness.
Wear loose-fitting, breathable cotton clothing whenever possible. Varicose veins are a common condition involving swollen, twisted veins that can be seen just below the surface of the skin. Compression stockings that end below the knee cause a different type of compression and, in fact, are recommended, in some cases, for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure uses lasers or radio waves to generate heat and close a varicose vein.
Also known as injection therapy, this treatment is often the first choice for spider veins, reticular veins, and small varicose veins. Women who are moderately overweight are more likely to have varicose veins than thinner women, and the risk triples in obese women. Not only do blood vessels weaken with age, but so do the calf muscles, which normally help tighten the veins and send blood back to the heart when walking. In a varicose vein (B), the valves are deformed and don't close properly, so blood flows backwards, pools and enlarges the vein.
It pushes blood against gravity and also pushes it into a deeper network of veins to carry blood back to the heart. Varicose veins tend to run in families, probably due to hereditary weakness in the walls of the veins or in the functioning of the valves. An evaluation at The Vein Center at Lam Vascular %26 Associates is non-invasive and is the best way to learn about vein health. Reticular veins can branch into (or feed) spider veins, also called telangiectases, which are smaller than reticular veins and do not bulge or cause discomfort.
Varicose veins are usually hereditary and can affect up to 30% of the adult population in Western countries. In areas where varicose veins already exist, the additional pressure can cause these veins to dilate and bulge even more. .
