Varicose veins are bulging, twisting veins that are frequently blue or dark purple. They occur when defective vein valves enable blood to pool or flow in the incorrect direction. Varicose veins are believed to afflict more than a quarter of all people worldwide.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated
Treatment for varicose veins is seldom necessary for health reasons, but if swelling, aching, and painful legs occur, as well as significant discomfort, treatment is possible.
Surgery
Big varicose veins may need to be surgically removed. In most cases, this surgery is carried out under general anesthesia. You should look for a professional from an online vein doctor directory and schedule your appointment. In most situations, the patient may go home the same day; however, if surgery on both legs is necessary, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for one night. Laser treatments are commonly used to treat smaller veins and spider veins. The vein is illuminated with powerful bursts of light that fade and vanish over time.
Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins of small and medium size are injected with a chemical that scars and closes them. They should disappear within a few weeks. It’s possible that a vein will need to be injected many times. During sclerotherapy, surgeons use small needles to inject specific solutions into undesirable veins, causing them to enlarge and shut. As a consequence, varicose veins, spider veins, and other vascular abnormalities lighten in color and become less visible, and blood flow is securely redirected to other healthy arteries. In many situations, the ugly veins go altogether.
Radiofrequency Ablation
A tiny incision is made above or below the knee, and a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the vein with the assistance of an ultrasound scan. A probe with radiofrequency radiation is inserted into the catheter by the doctor. The radiofrequency radiation warms the vein, forcing its walls to collapse and effectively close and seal it shut. For bigger varicose veins, this treatment is preferable. A local anesthetic is generally used for radiofrequency ablation.
Compressive Garments
Compressive garments and bandaging are two types of circulation treatments. Compression stockings are one example. The veins are squeezed or compressed by these elastic stockings, which prevent blood from flowing backward. Compression stockings may also aid in the healing of skin lesions and the prevention of new ones. When worn regularly, compression stockings can help cure varicose veins and may reduce the need for more intrusive treatment. Compression stockings may relieve discomfort, pain, and swelling, but there is no evidence that they prevent or even slow the progression of varicose veins.
Elevation
Elevate your legs above your waist numerous times during the day to improve blood flow and lower vein pressure. Three or four times a day, for about 15 minutes at a time, you may need to elevate your feet above the level of your heart. Flexing (bending) your legs now and then might assist maintain blood flow if you have to sit or stand for an extended amount of time. Elevating your legs can help reduce leg swelling and relieve other symptoms if you have mild to moderate varicose veins.
Laser Treatment
Endovenous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment in which a catheter (a long, thin tube) and laser are used to seal up a damaged vein. A small laser is introduced via the catheter and placed at the top of the target vein, emitting short bursts of radiation that heat the vein and seal it firmly. The doctor threads the laser up the vein with the help of an ultrasound scan, eventually burning and sealing it. This operation is performed with the use of a local anesthetic. There may be some nerve damage, although it is typically minor.
Self-Care
Initial conservative varicose veins therapy generally entails at-home self-care and encourages certain lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing blood pooling in the lower body. Self-care conservative vein therapies include the following:
- Long durations of sitting or standing should be avoided.
- Walking, stretching, and yoga practice are all good ways to improve circulation.
- When seated for long periods, raise your legs to the level of your heart.
- Tobacco usage should be avoided: Smoking destroys blood arteries, reduces blood flow, and results in a variety of health issues.
- Stay active: Move around regularly to promote circulation and avoid sitting for lengthy periods.
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
- Wear well-fitting clothing: Make sure your waistline isn’t too tight to stimulate blood flow.
There are several over-the-counter natural remedies available, most of which are topical lotions and emollients. These can aid with pain relief and comfort, as well as improving the look of varicose veins.