The Best Varicose Veins Treatments

Varicose veins affect over 23 percent of the world’s population. They are more prevalent in women than men owing to different anatomical structures. Varicose veins or spider veins, according to Surgical Care East, PLLC occurs when blood vessels dilate, hence weakening the walls. Veins predominantly transport blood from the heart back to the body. The weakened valves do not control blood flow in the veins causing the pooling of blood. Prolonged pooling of blood exerts pressure on the veins' walls, causing the superficial appearance of bluish-purple veins on the lower leg, which are painful.

Common symptoms of varicose veins are:

•       Cramping of the legs
•       Swelling
•       Throbbing
•       Discoloration on the lower leg

Severe varicose veins may cause skin ulcers, superficial thrombosis, and vein injury. Risk factors such as age and prior vein surgery may escalate varicose veins complications. Technological advancements in the medical world have made it possible for you to get varicose veins treatment at affordable rates while also imparting an outstanding cosmetic appearance on the affected areas.

Types of Treatment

1. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

This technique involves diverting blood flow to healthier veins. A varicose veins specialist will perform an ultrasound scan on the veins and inject a sclerosant into the affected veins. The sclerosant irritates the veins’ walls causing them to seal and constrict blood flow through the dilated vessels. Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option for both your medical and cosmetic needs. Mild side effects such as swelling can be alleviated by wearing hosiery support to ensure adequate compression for faster recovery. Sclerotherapy may not be advisable for pregnant women.

2. Laser Treatment

Endovenous laser varicose surgery uses heat to ablate varicose veins. A physician may make tiny incisions or expose the varicose veins on your lower leg to lasers that send thin beams to the affected area. This causes scarring in the vessel, which results in occlusion of the vein. Sometimes laser therapy is used with sclerotherapy to treat spider veins effectively. Potential side effects of laser treatment include minor redness and swelling around the treated area. You may expect to see resolution within several weeks to several months after treatment. Contact your healthcare provider for a pre-treatment procedure.  

3. Vein Surgery

Vein surgery or vein stripping is a surgical process that removes varicose veins from the body. Ultrasound scanning is salient to map the damaged veins and extract them through small incisions. This procedure is done under anesthesia and may require an overnight stay at the hospital. During the recovery process, elevating your leg may ease the pain in the incisions. Potential complications may include adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, and blood clots. However, you may opt for minimally invasive treatment options depending on your needs and the extent of varicose veins.

4. Radiofrequency Ablation

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation uses the same technique as laser therapy, but the only dissimilarity is it uses radio waves instead of lasers. Surgery specialists will do a duplex scan or ultrasound scan to map out varicose veins and use radiofrequency waves to burn the veins. Itching on the skin may discourage you from seeking this type of treatment; however, it is 80% effective. You should consult a radiologist or a surgeon to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for radiofrequency ablation.

Top Verdict

Varicose veins may require treatment in severe stages. With knowledge about the various treatment options, you can choose the best remedy for varicose veins.