Rajabrata Sarkar, MD, PhD specializes in treating varicose veins. Rajabrata Sarkar, PhD, MD, an expert on vein diseases, spoke with VascularCures and answered questions about varicose veins.
What causes varicose veins, and what makes them worse?
Varicose veins are primarily a hereditary condition, but we know that there are several other factors that contribute to developing varicose veins, including pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged standing.
Do varicose veins increase my risk of getting blood clots in my legs, and are these clots dangerous?
Varicose veins almost never pose a risk to your health. Varicose veins occur in the superficial veins, and blood clots in the superficial veins do not travel to the lungs. It's the blood clots in the deep, interior veins that can be dangerous.
Do varicose veins mean that I have poor circulation?
No. Poor circulation is typical associated with problems with the arteries, which carry blood to the legs from the heart and lungs. Veins return blood back to the lungs and heart.
How do I know if I should seek treatment of varicose veins or spider veins?
If you have pain in your legs or your legs ache, or if your leg swells you should see a doctor. Most people who have varicose veins or spider veins, visit their doctor purely for cosmetic reasons.
Are there less-invasive treatments for varicose veins besides vein stripping?
Yes. New laser treatments provide a means of removing them, and radio-frequency ablation can seal the main source of venous reflux. Both are performed with local anesthesia and require no incision.
