Coping with Varicose Veins During Spring Break Shorts & Swimsuit Season

With spring break shorts and swimsuit season coming up, many people will soon show off their legs for the first time in months, and for some, that also means deciding what to do about unsightly varicose veins. The bulging purple or blue lines may be simply a cosmetic issue, or they could be a sign of a serious medical problem, says Mayo Clinic vascular surgeon Peter Gloviczki, M.D.

“Twenty to 25 percent of Americans have varicose veins and about 6 percent have more advanced venous disease including skin changes or, occasionally, ulcerations,” says Dr.

Gloviczki, who helped develop Society for Vascular Surgery and American Venous

Forum guidelines for the treatment of varicose veins. “Evaluation of

varicose veins with ultrasound is an easy and accurate way to assess the need

for treatment. New, minimally invasive therapy is available today that is

effective and is performed as outpatient treatment.”

Like their smaller cousins _ spider veins _ varicose veins typically appear in the legs, ankles and feet, because standing and walking put more pressure on veins in the lower body. Enlarged veins can ache, itch and burn. The loss of vein elasticity through aging may cause varicose veins, and pregnant women often develop them. People who are obese, sit or stand a lot or have a family history of varicose veins are also likelier to get them.

Varicose veins can lead to more serious problems such as swollen legs, skin changes, bleeding from varicose veins, blood clots (phlebitis) and ulcers. Exercising, losing weight and elevating the legs can ease pain and prevent varicose veins from worsening. Special hosiery called compression stockings that squeeze the legs, improving blood flow, is often suggested before medical procedures are pursued.

For the majority of patients, varicose veins are merely unsightly. They can opt to have cosmetic work, but it may be difficult for consumers to know which options are safe and best.  Dr. Gloviczki advises people to screen treatment providers’ credentials.

“New therapy with radiofrequency or laser is safe and effective, but such procedures should be done after careful evaluation, in selected patients only,” Dr. Gloviczki says.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Gloviczki, please contact Sharon Theimer at (507) 284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu.

Journalists: The following video clips are available for embedding and use in your stories. In the first, Dr. Gloviczki discusses the differences between varicose veins and spider veins, why people get varicose veins, when they could be a sign of a more serious

medical problem, how to research treatment options and whether varicose veins

can be prevented.

What varicose veins are, 41 seconds: .mov

Why people get varicose veins, 35 seconds: .mov

Role of sitting, standing and genes in varicose veins, 15 seconds: .mov

What spider veins are, 22 seconds: .mov

Signs varicose veins may mean more serious problem, 42 seconds: .mov

How to choose a physician, 40 seconds: .mov 

New varicose veins treatment guidelines, 1 minute, 48 seconds: .mov

Whether you can prevent varicose veins, 32 seconds: .mov 

Read the full article at mayoclinic.org