How to Treat and Manage Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that bulge on the surface of the skin. Many adults in America have them and it is treated as a common condition around the world.

Several experts and research institutions often consider them as not a serious health problem.

But, it is still worth noting that some patients are still embarrassed by how it looks and there are even cases wherein varicose veins were a symptom of a much bigger problem.

With that, it is no longer surprising why there are so many vein doctors and specialists in the United States. Patients who live in the big cities often turn to these vein clinic Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, New York, Boston, and so on to have them treated and removed by experts.

So to help these patients, we have listed the most popular and effective treatments for varicose veins as well as listed a few tips on how to manage them and prevent them from reoccurring.

Surgical Treatments

Patients who suffer from severe varicose veins often opt for surgical treatments like vein stripping and ligation. These surgeries, although minor, require a lot of planning and scheduling. Since risks always come with any surgery, it is best for patients to take a day off or two at work. This way, they have time to recover and rest after surgery.

Vein Stripping and Ligation

It is a minor surgery that requires general anesthesia and sometimes, spinal anesthesia as well. Vein stripping and ligation can only be done by licensed surgeons or practitioners. They can be performed in a hospital setting or even in an outpatient setting.

As for the process, the patient would receive anesthesia first. Afterward, the surgeon would make a small incision in the patient’s groin and calf below the knee. The damaged vein is either removed or tied off.  

Many patients who suffer from large varicose veins often opt for this surgery option because it prevents other medical problems such as venous skin ulcers.

Minimally Invasive Treatment

Patients who suffer from both varicose veins and spider veins now have several treatment options to choose from. Thanks to the latest innovations in the field of venous disease, there are now tons of minimally invasive procedures to choose from such as endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy, compounded sclerotherapy, and so on.

Rather than undergo surgery to remove varicose veins, patients can now simply go to any vein clinic and have them removed through microinjections in less than 30 minutes. On top of that, minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins often require little to no downtime so patients can immediately go back to work right after surgery.

Thermal Ablation  

One of the most commonly offered treatments for varicose veins is thermal ablation. Almost all vein clinics in America have them because they can eliminate both varicose veins and spider veins.

Generally, the process for thermal ablations such as endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the same. It involves a doctor sending heat to the patient’s damaged veins through a catheter. The only difference between these two is that EVLT uses a laser as heat whereas RFA uses radiofrequency waves.

Sclerotherapy

Patients who have small varicose veins or spider veins are often recommended by experts to simply undergo sclerotherapy to have them removed. Sclerotherapy is a microinjection procedure that used needles that are smaller than a flu shot. The chemical or sclerosants used in this treatment are FDA approved and it is injected directly into the patient’s damaged veins.

Managing Varicose Veins

It bears repeating that even though the treatments mentioned above are effective, varicose veins can still reoccur at any time. That is why doctors always remind patients to minimize or avoid the risk factors of varicose veins such as

• obesity
• inactiveness
• leg injury
• smoking 
• sudden hormone changes or hormonal imbalance

Several experts and vein specialists also suggest different ways to combat these risk factors to avoid varicose veins.

Practice healthy eating habits and portion control

This is to prevent sudden weight gain and lessen the patient’s risk of developing varicose veins.

Avoid consuming too much sodium

Salt causes the body to retain more water. This increases blood volume and puts more pressure on the patient’s venous system.

Maintain an active lifestyle

One study in Korea found that inactiveness or prolonged standing can contribute to varicose veins and even nocturnal leg cramps.

Avoid Intense Workout

It is better to stick to light and low-impact exercises because it is much more sustainable and even better for vascular health as well.