Understanding Varicose Veins and Modern Treatment Options at OADC

• Genetics (family history)
• Age (valves weaken over time)
• Gender (more common in women)
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• History of leg injury or blood clots
• Lack of exercise

While roughly one in four Americans has varicose veins, relatively few are aware or seek treatment. For patients experiencing leg pain, swelling, cramping, heaviness, restless legs, or who have a family history of vein issues, Dr. Rekhala recommends scheduling a simple ultrasound screening. “It’s quick, non-invasive, and gives us the information we need to help you feel better,” says Dr. Rekhala.

To treat varicose veins, Dr. Rekhala emphasizes minimally invasive procedures that allow patients to return to normal activity quickly. The most common treatments he performs include Varithena® Foam Therapy, an injection of medicated foam into the vein to help close it, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses heat to close diseased veins.

These procedures are performed in the office and take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Patients are able to walk immediately following treatment, and typically resume normal activities the next day.

There are also proactive steps individuals can take to avoid developing varicose veins. Genetics play a major role, but patients can reduce their risk by:

• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
• Elevating legs when resting
• Wearing compression stockings if recommended

“When I started practicing, there was a very small number of people who knew treatments for varicose vein symptoms even existed,” Dr. Rekhala explains. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to educate patients about the underlying cause and the available treatments that can help.”