Before we even begin with how you can treat varicose veins, it is better first to understand what they are. Varicose veins are twisted or enlarged veins mostly found on the legs but can occur elsewhere in the body. Veins have leaflet valves that avert any backflow of blood. Usually, leg muscles pump the blood through the veins against the force of gravity. With varicose veins, the leaflets of the valves do not meet as required which results in valvular incompetence that allows backflow of blood. This enlarges the veins even more.

How do you treat these veins?

Some people feel embarrassed because of their varicose veins. These veins can cause achiness and type usually start as a small issue culminating in health problems like ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis, and poor blood circulation. However, there are medications that depend on the seriousness of the complication. The remedy also hinges on whether the issue emanated from saphenous vein.

 

Treatment can be administered as follows:

Sclerotherapy

This involves a painless saline injection to collapse the vein and enable its reabsorption into the bloodstream. This mode of treating varicose veins is administered to people with small and medium varicose veins. Sclerotherapy can be laser assisted, and it is the most advanced and least invasive. Foam sclerotherapy is meant for veins that are more difficult to treat. Ultra-sound guided sclerotherapy works for big veins that in some instances may require surgery. Sclerotherapy can treat and eliminate varicose veins without any pain. However, it might not work for more extensive varicose veins.

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Phlebectomy

This surgical procedure is also known as vein stripping that allows doctors to make small cuts near the varicose vein and remove it entirely. This procedure is also carried out with another one called ablation. Phlebectomy is a permanent treatment of the affected vein. However, this procedure has some risks, and it requires some time for recuperation. This is different from the less invasive methods of treating varicose veins.

Ablation

This procedure of treating varicose veins comes in two forms. The first one is thermal ablation that utilizes a laser or radio-frequency energy to heat the internal parts of the vein. This destroys the vein wall, and it shrinks to be absorbed by the body over time. Even though this works well with varicose veins treatment, it can leave a little bruising or discomfort during the first days of recovery. Since it uses more than 200 degrees on the vein, the area around this vein has to be numbed, and this can cause some discomfort. The use of local numbing agent also gives little pain afterward, and one can return to normal activities the following day.

 

Non-thermal ablation has two similar non-thermal techniques. One uses medicated foam, which has a drug that destroys the vein. The second non-thermal procedure is the VenaSeal system, which shuts off the vein using glue. The two non-thermal procedures work well in varicose treatment.

Preventing varicose veins

To prevent varicose veins, consider the following tips:

  • Reduce your exposure to heat
  • Watch your diet and minimize excessive consumption of sugary drinks
  • Exercise often
  • Avoid high heels and tight hosiery
  • Change your standing or sitting position regularly
  • Seek treatment
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If you are seeking varicose veins treatment, it is better to go to someone who is well versed with the procedure that you choose. The doctor will ask you questions, and as such, you have to be ready to answer them. It is also important to start self-care even before you go for treatment that you have chosen, and try your best to prevent varicose veins from forming.