When you’re seeking treatment for varicose veins, you want the best practitioner to perform the treatment. In Utah, that’s Dr. Joseph Jensen. As the premier vein surgeon in Utah, Dr. Jensen took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and discuss some specifics to consider when determining varicose vein treatment.
Interviewer: Why is it important for individuals to seek treatment for varicose veins?
Dr. Joseph Jensen: Typically, people consider varicose vein treatment a cosmetic procedure, but left untreated, varicose veins can cause serious medical issues. Varicose veins are veins that become blocked by the backward flow of blood in the legs. Many individuals suffering with varicose veins feel burning, itching, and throbbing in the legs. This leads to restlessness and a feeling of fatigue. Symptoms worsen for individuals who sit or stand for long portions of the day.
Interviewer: What causes varicose veins?
Dr. Joseph Jensen: Varicose veins are caused by pressure building in the veins, which makes the vein valves stretch and weaken. The valves in veins help guide the direction of blood flow back to the heart. Veins in your legs are working against gravity. When the valves of a vein are stretched, blood begins to pool. Left ignored, varicose veins will worsen over time. Besides the fact that individuals with varicose veins don’t like the look of the dark blue and purple twisting lines on their legs and feet, varicose veins cause pain.
Interviewer: Can you describe the steps an individual should take for varicose vein treatment?
Dr. Joseph Jensen: It’s important to seek a physician’s help when dealing with varicose veins. Discussing your options with a physician can let you know if you need treatment or if simple life changes can help you. Varicose veins can be caused by high blood pressure, family history, age, or obesity. Most commonly, varicose veins affect those in the age range of 30-70. If simple life changes don’t help with the pain of varicose veins, they can be treated in a couple of ways. At my practice, we use either intravenous ablation, where a catheter is placed into the vein, or laser treatment that cauterizes and closes the enlarged veins. Each method of treatment for varicose veins is used to close off the vein. Every patient is different. It’s important that your doctor take the time to identify your specific need and use the best practice to achieve results. Otherwise, patients are at risk of developing even more serious conditions such as ulcers, blood clots, or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT can cause sudden swelling in the leg from a deep vein, and can be life-threatening.
Interviewer: What advice can you give to individuals seeking varicose vein treatment?
Dr. Joseph Jensen: Most varicose vein procedures can now be done as an outpatient procedure. Current medical practices allow for minimally invasive procedures for varicose veins. When an individual is seeking treatment of any kind, the best advice I can give is to feel comfortable talking with your doctor. Doctors should spend most of their time through a patient’s consultation answering questions. Actual surgery and treatment is the smallest portion of what I do; teaching comes first.
Interviewer: If you have any other questions or concerns regarding varicose veins, contact Dr. Joseph Jensen’s office for an appointment.
For more information about varicose veins and vein pain relief treatments, visit: http://drjosephjensen.com. Or, schedule your free vein consultation today. Appointments can be made by calling (801) 728-9258.
About Dr. Joseph Jensen
Dr. Joseph Jensen’s varicose vein relief and surgery practice is located in Layton, Utah. As the premier vein relief specialist and surgeon in Utah, Dr. Joseph Jensen studied at Weber State and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Not only is he a practitioner of medicine, but an educator as well. Many doctors have requested his expertise to guide them in state-of-the-art procedures and technology.