Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins, often appearing blue or dark purple. They occur when faulty valves in the veins allow blood to flow in the wrong direction or to pool. Treatment for varicose veins can vary depending on the severity and the patient's preferences. Here are some of the common treatment options:
Lifestyle Changes
For mild cases, several lifestyle changes may be recommended to manage the symptoms:
- **Exercise:** Regular physical activity can improve blood circulation in the legs, which helps push along the blood that has collected in the veins.
- **Weight management:** Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the pressure on your veins.
- **Elevating the legs:** This can help reduce the gravitational pressure on the veins of the lower legs.
- **Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting:** Taking breaks to move around can help blood flow more freely.
Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings is often the first approach to try before moving on to other treatments. These stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which helps veins move blood more efficiently.
Sclerotherapy
This involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, which scars and closes those veins, causing the blood to reroute through healthier veins. In a few weeks, treated varicose veins should fade.
Laser Treatment
Simple laser treatment can treat small varicose veins near the skin's surface. More advanced laser treatments are used for larger veins. This method sends strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used.
Catheter-Assisted Procedures Using Radiofrequency or Laser Energy
One of the latest treatments involves a catheter inserted into an enlarged vein and heating the tip of the catheter using either radiofrequency or laser energy. As the catheter is pulled out, the heat destroys the vein by causing it to collapse and seal shut.
High Ligation and Vein Stripping
This procedure involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through small incisions. This is an outpatient procedure for most people.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy involves removing smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. Only the parts of your legs that are being pricked are numbed in this outpatient procedure.
Endoscopic Vein Surgery
You might need this operation only in an advanced case involving leg ulcers if other techniques fail. The surgeon uses a thin video camera inserted in your leg to visualize and close varicose veins and then removes the veins through small incisions.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment option based on the severity of your varicose veins and your medical history.