By Gregory A Carlson, M.D.
Varicose veins are a common and frequent sign of problems with the veins in your legs. However, they represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to venous disease of the legs and leg pain. Varicose veins are one of many signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, an underlying problem with the function of the valves in the unseen veins of the legs. Many patients who have this problem, known as venous insufficiency, mistakenly assume that the absence of varicose veins means an absence of vein problems.
In reality, people of all ages and gender suffer from symptoms such as leg pain at the end of the day, leg heaviness, tiredness, itchiness, throbbing, aching, swelling or burning. Or they simply feel as though their legs are a lot older than the rest of them. These can all be signs of venous insufficiency, even in the absence of varicose veins.
The good news is that this diagnosis is not the kind of circulation problem that is associated with strokes, heart problems or limb loss. However, it can be quite debilitating and lead patients to abandon hobbies and activities that they enjoy. Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive office-based procedure that can make a difference. Modern laser techniques allow us to abandon the inconvenience of the hospital and the pain of multiple incisions associated with the old vein stripping. There are also a host of non-invasive treatments, including elevation and stockings, which may allow some to avoid any procedures at all. Additionally, because these procedures treat a painful medical condition, insurance companies usually cover the cost. As a result, patients no longer have to choose between tired, heavy legs and painful hospital-based surgery.
There are alternatives to living with achy, sore, tired legs, even in patients without varicose veins.
