living well

TREATING VARICOSE VEINS

For years, Barb Oswskey has worked at jobs that have required her to spend long hours on her feet. Over time, her legs have paid the price. By the end of most days, her left leg, which was troubled by varicose veins, would be so sore and swollen she would have to spend the entire evening with her feet propped up to get some relief.

What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins form when valves in the veins of the legs start to malfunction. Instead of closing completely, the valves allow blood to flow back toward the feet, pooling in the legs. Branch veins bulge and become visible.

How do they develop?
Women and men can develop varicose veins. Genetics, pregnancy, hormonal changes, trauma and standing for long periods of time can all contribute to the chance of developing varicose veins.

What treatment options are available?
Veins that are painful can be treated with compression stockings, light source/laser treatment and surgical removal. Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the problem.

Oswskey finally found freedom from her pain when she had an outpatient laser procedure done at SMDC Medical Center-Duluth Clinic. Surgeon Kathleen Monaghan, MD, used the “Endo Laser Vein System” or “ELVeS” for short, to treat Oswskey. “My procedure was three hours and surprisingly easy,” said Oswskey. “I walked out of SMDC, followed my doctor’s orders, and went home to walk some more.”

According to Dr. Monaghan, laser

treatments such at ELVeS aren’t an


 
SMDC surgeon Kathleen Monaghan, MD, has helped patients like Barb Oswskey get relief from uncomfortable varicose veins using an outpatient laser procedure.
 

option for everyone. However, even surgeries requiring a trip to the operating room have seen improved techniques to help reduce recovery time and pain.

“You don’t have to live with uncomfortable varicose veins,” said Dr. Monaghan.

If you have problems with varicose veins, Dr. Monaghan recommends you talk with your primary care provider. You can also call the General Surgery Department or the Vascular Surgery Department at SMDC Medical Center-Duluth Clinic. Vascular Surgeon Ryan Hagino, MD, offers treatment for varicose veins as well.

You can reach the General Surgery Department at (218) 786-1234. To reach the Vascular Surgery Department, call (218) 786-8318.