Vein Care Solutions: Modern Treatments That Really Work
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern, they can cause pain and lead to more serious complications down the road. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help relieve symptoms. Treatment options depend on how bad the varicose veins are and your medical history. Center For Advanced Vein Care may do an ultrasound test to confirm your condition and determine which treatment is best for you.
Non-surgical treatments for varicose vein pain include exercise, compression stockings and self-care changes like elevating your legs at least three times a day. The main goal is to improve blood flow and relieve pressure on your veins.
When vein walls and valves deteriorate, they can’t work as well. This causes blood to build up in your veins, making them swell and twist. It also causes the area around them to become itchy and painful. Varicose veins usually appear on the legs, but can appear on other parts of your body. You can recognize them by their bumpy, twisted appearance under the skin and their purple or blue color. They’re different from spider veins, which are small red or blue veins closer to the surface of your skin and are generally not painful.
The most common non-surgical treatment for varicose veins is wearing compression stockings. They squeeze your legs, which helps veins and leg muscles move blood and prevents pain and swelling. Your provider will prescribe a specific pair that has the right amount of pressure to offer maximum comfort.
Other treatments that are more invasive and might be covered by your insurance include ultrasound-guided injections (sclerotherapy) and laser therapy, which use a catheter and a laser to seal off damaged veins. Another procedure, called endovenous thermal ablation, involves a healthcare professional passing a thin tube through your varicose vein and using heat to shrink the vein wall.
If these aren’t helping, your provider might recommend ambulatory phlebectomy, which is an outpatient surgical procedure. Your doctor makes 1 cut in your upper leg near the groin and then a second cut lower down in your leg, at your knee or ankle. They tie off and remove the varicose vein through these cuts. You’ll likely be able to go home the same day. You may need a week or two to recover.
Many products claim to treat or eliminate varicose veins and often have no scientific support. Avoid creams and lotions that make these claims, as they might only provide temporary relief from symptoms or cover up the damage. Instead, focus on exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, as losing extra pounds takes pressure off the veins. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing, especially around your waist and thighs, is also helpful. Avoiding high heels and other tight clothes and limiting salt can help, too. Finally, hydration is crucial as dehydration can worsen vein problems.
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