The desire to find a suitable varicose veins treatment becomes more dire when you glimpse those swollen veins on your legs. Well, you’re not alone! Varicose veins have a way of making their presence known. From those unsightly swollen veins to the discomfort they can cause, it’s time to take control of your leg health.
So what are the most effective treatment options available? Get ready to say goodbye to varicose veins and hello to healthier, happier legs. Here are the varicose veins treatments you can check and more information on new ones that will leave you feeling confident and comfortable again.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs. They occur when the valves within the veins weaken or become damaged, leading to blood pooling and the veins dilating.
Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins, including genetics, age, gender (women are more prone to them), and pregnancy. Prolonged periods of standing or sitting, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk.
Symptoms commonly associated with varicose veins include visible dark blue or purple veins, aching or throbbing sensations, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs. If you’re experiencing these symptoms or notice the appearance of varicose veins, it’s essential to seek medical advice to understand your options for treatment and alleviate any discomfort.
What Is the Varicose Veins Treatment For You?
When finding the varicose veins treatment suitable for you, the key lies in understanding the options available and tailoring them to your specific needs. Explore the range of treatments ensures you can make an informed decision that brings you relief and restores the health and appearance of your legs
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are specially designed garments that apply gentle pressure to the legs, promoting blood flow and reducing the symptoms of varicose veins. These stockings work by exerting graduated pressure, meaning they are tighter at the ankles and gradually loosen as they move up the leg.
This compression helps to improve circulation, prevent blood from pooling, and alleviate swelling and discomfort. While compression stockings are an effective non-invasive option for managing varicose veins, it’s important to note that they may not eliminate the veins or address underlying issues.
Exercise
Regular exercise helps in managing varicose veins. Walking, cycling, swimming, and low-impact exercises can help improve circulation, strengthen leg muscles, and reduce pressure in the veins. Exercise can alleviate symptoms like pain and swelling associated with varicose veins by helping blood flow. Remember, high-impact or strenuous activities may not suit individuals with severe varicose veins.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle modifications can contribute to good vein health and reduce the impact of varicose veins. A healthy diet rich in fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients can promote optimal blood circulation and maintain the strength and elasticity of blood vessels.
Additionally, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting and taking frequent breaks to move around can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs. Elevating the legs when resting and avoiding tight-fitting clothing or high-heeled shoes can also alleviate symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including managing weight and not smoking, can further support vein health.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used for treating varicose veins. It involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade. The injected solution irritates the vein’s inner lining, forming scar tissue.
Over time, the scar tissue causes the vein to close off and fade from view. Sclerotherapy is typically recommended for smaller varicose veins or spider veins. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and patients can often resume their normal activities shortly after treatment. Results can vary, but most individuals experience a significant improvement in the appearance of their veins.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal is an innovative treatment for varicose veins that uses adhesive to seal off leaky veins. This procedure involves inserting a catheter into the vein and placing small adhesive droplets to close it. Unlike thermal procedures, VenaSeal does not require tumescent anaesthesia or post-procedure compression therapy. It carries minimal skin or nerve injury risk and allows patients to return to work on the same day and resume regular activities within a day or two.
Varithena
Varithena is a specialised foam sclerotherapy solution approved for treating varicose veins. It is effective in closing varicose veins by causing vein spasms. A catheter is placed inside the vein, and foam bubbles are injected to achieve closure. This approach is particularly suitable for winding veins or patients with previous vein clots.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove superficial varicose veins. During the procedure, small incisions are made along the path of the affected veins, and a special hook-like instrument is used to remove the veins through the incisions.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is particularly effective for larger varicose veins close to the skin’s surface. As it is a minimally invasive procedure, it generally results in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery than traditional vein surgery.
Vein Surgery
In some cases, varicose veins may require surgical intervention. Vein surgery, also known as ligation and stripping, involves the removal of the affected veins through incisions in the leg. This procedure is typically recommended for severe or extensive varicose veins that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Vein surgery aims to eliminate the problematic veins and redirect blood flow to healthier veins. While it may involve a longer recovery than non-surgical options, it can significantly relieve symptoms and improve overall leg appearance.
Laparoscopic Perforator Surgery
Laparoscopic perforator surgery is a specialised surgical approach to address underlying issues contributing to varicose veins. It focuses on treating perforator veins responsible for abnormal blood flow between deep and superficial veins.
This minimally invasive technique offers to target and can be an effective option for individuals with specific vein abnormalities causing varicose veins. Laparoscopic perforator surgery typically results in less scarring and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
This is a newer treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. It involves using a laser to heat the vein, causing it to collapse and close. EVLT is non-surgical, less invasive, and can target problem veins with precision. EVLT has shown good results and high patient satisfaction compared to other laser treatments.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is another emerging treatment option for larger varicose veins. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the vein, making it collapse and seal shut. RFA is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery and has a high success rate in treating varicose veins. It may have some temporary and mild side effects but are generally manageable.
Thermal Ablation
This surgery has become a popular alternative to vein-stripping surgery for varicose veins. A small tube called a catheter is placed inside the vein using ultrasound guidance during this procedure. To keep you comfortable, the vein is surrounded by a special fluid called tumescent anaesthesia that also helps protect nearby nerves and skin from the heat.
The catheter uses heat to treat the inner lining of the vein, which makes the vein gradually disappear. After the surgery, you’ll need to wear compression stockings for about a week to aid in healing.
Clarivein
Clarivein is a procedure that treats varicose veins without requiring fluid placement around the vein. A catheter is inserted and advanced into the leaky vein. At the upper end of the varicose vein, a rotating metal wire damages the vein’s inner lining. Simultaneously, a chemical is injected into the vein to damage the inner lining further and cause closure.
What is the reason for varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by blood pressure against the veins’ walls. This causes them to swell and become elongated.
This occurs because the valves in your veins are not strong enough to prevent blood from flowing backwards toward the heart. The veins have valves that allow blood to flow in only one direction, from the feet to the heart. If these valves do not work properly, blood will flow back up into the legs, causing them to swell and become varicose.
Are varicose veins harmful?
Varicose veins can be unpleasant, but they can be harmless. It’s important to remember that varicose veins could a symptom of another problem. If you have varicose veins, it could mean that something else needs medical attention.
What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?
If varicose veins are left untreated, they can possibly lead to some serious problems.
Varicose veins may cause swelling, pain, and itching. They can also cause ulcers, which are open sores that form on the skin. The sores can become infected and turn into venous ulcers if left untreated.
If you have varicose veins, get them treated as soon as possible. So you won’t have to suffer from any complications down the road.
Importance of consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice
With many treatment options available for varicose veins, it can be overwhelming to determine the treatment good for you. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional specialising in varicose vein treatments.
Dr John Wang, a vascular and general surgeon at Surgi-TEN Specialists, is a trusted expert in this field. His extensive experience and knowledge in vascular and minimally invasive surgery enable him to provide personalised recommendations tailored to your situation.
You can take confident steps towards healthier legs and good quality of life by seeking professional guidance. Make an appointment here.