Chronic Venous Insufficiency: How Conservative Vein Treatment Can Help

Varicose and spider veins can be cosmetically annoying and painful, but they can also be a sign of another condition: Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). With this condition, the valves in the veins do not work as intended and blood does not flow back to the heart. Rather, the blood continues to pool in the legs, which can lead to varicose veins and other symptoms. 

This condition is generally not a huge threat to health, but it can be very painful. Fortunately, there are forms of conservative treatment for veins that may help to greatly relieve the condition. 

The first step in conservative treatment includes steps that you can take at home. 

• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Make sure to move around and flex your legs every so often to keep blood flowing. 
• When you are sitting down, place your legs in an elevated position to improve blood flow. 
• Regular exercise can also be beneficial, especially taking a daily walk. 
• If you are overweight, losing weight can do wonders for helping blood flow. 
• Try wearing compression stockings, as these have shown to be great for CVI and varicose veins in general. They help improve blood flow. 

Chronic venous insufficiency treatment is most effective in the earliest stages of the conditions, so try to practice good habits at home as soon as you can. 

Types of Conservative Treatment for Varicose Veins

Multiple forms of conservative treatment may be able to help relieve some of the pain from varicose veins. One such form of treatment is called sclerotherapy. This treatment involves the use of a saline solution called a sclerosant. The practitioner will make an incision, run a catheter up the problem vein, then slowly draw the catheter out while releasing the sclerosant. This solution will damage and scar the vein, causing it to close and be reabsorbed into the body. There will be virtually no downtime with this treatment, meaning that you will be able to go home the same day. The only recommendation is that you do not engage in heavy exercise for a few days afterward. 

Another type of treatment is called endovenous thermal ablation. This treatment can use either radiofrequency or a laser. The intent is to deliver enough heat to the affected vein that it will close and eventually be reabsorbed into the body. With this procedure, you should wear a compression stocking for a week or more afterward, in addition to avoiding heavy exercise for about a week. You should also avoid standing or sitting for too much time. You can engage in a daily walk, which can be very helpful for your recovery and overall condition. 

While conservative treatment can provide immediate relief in many cases, you should combine it with lifestyle changes and good daily practices to have the best overall results. Whatever level your condition is at, it is always best to consult with a doctor or vein professional. They will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend the best possible treatment plan. 

BASS Vein Center Offers Multiple Forms of Conservative Treatment

Here at BASS Vein Center, we understand that CVI, varicose veins, and spider veins can be difficult to deal with, whether it is for cosmetic or pain issues. This is why we have created a center with multiple forms of treatment to help you no matter what the case. Give us a call and we will discuss your case and craft the right treatment plan to help you out.