Varicose veins can be a cosmetic problem as much as a medical problem. That’s because varicose veins are related to poor circulation, meaning it’s important to seek out treatment from a knowledgeable vein specialist. Blood circulation is the blood flow that occurs in your veins. At Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa, we’re the leading experts in vein treatments in Pewaukee and the greater Midwest. Here is what to know about varicose vein surgery and how it can help circulation when performed by our knowledgeable team.
What’s the Connection Between Varicose Veins and Circulation?
There’s a complex relationship between varicose veins and circulation. Normally, veins carry blood in a single direction through a series of valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Due to a variety of reasons, these valves can become weakened and allow blood to flow backward (called venous insufficiency). When this happens, the blood pools and expands the vein, weakening its walls. This is what we tend to recognize as varicose veins. Varicose veins can further impair circulation by making it difficult for blood to pass through. An example is the increased propensity of clot formation.
What Happens During Vein Surgery?
There are a variety of varicose vein treatment options available. Some involve surgical removal of the damaged veins while others use laser technology or injections to cause the veins to close. In any case, the goal of vein surgery is to treat varicose veins by causing blood to reroute through healthy veins that can better carry blood from the leg veins back to the heart. When the damaged veins are removed or absorbed by the body, the circulatory system simply naturally adapts and reroutes to healthy vessels in the surrounding veins. Varicose vein removal or rerouting treatment on the affected veins can improve blood circulation.
Can Vein Surgery Improve Circulation?
In essence, yes – vein surgery can help improve circulation. It does this by causing blood to travel through healthy veins instead of the damaged varicose veins, meaning blood can more easily reach its destination. For many patients, this noticeably improves symptoms like throbbing, discomfort, cramping, and itchiness in their legs. And because circulation is improved, it can prevent more varicose veins from developing in nearby areas.
However, vein surgery can’t fix any underlying causes of poor circulation. Varicose veins are caused by a variety of factors like obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. If these underlying factors aren’t addressed along with vein surgery, varicose veins can reoccur over time.
How to Improve Circulation
Along with vein surgery, it’s important to take steps to improve circulation in your daily life. Our team can help you put together a lifestyle plan that includes steps like:
- Reducing salt intake
- Wearing compression stockings (especially when standing, long travels, etc.)
- Reducing alcohol and tobacco
- Getting regular exercise
- Avoiding sitting or standing for too long
- Losing weight
There are also medications and supplements that can improve circulation and our vein specialists can help you explore the right options in collaboration with your care team.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, our knowledgeable team can help. To schedule a consultation at our Pewaukee office, contact us by calling or filling out our online form.
Dr. Deborah Manjoney is a board-certified surgeon and physician with extensive training, including cardiothoracic surgery. She founded the Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa in 2002, where she specializes in vein treatments and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. Dr. Manjoney is nationally recognized, having spoken at conferences, received awards, and contributed to medical publications.