More than 40 million people suffer from varicose veins in the U.S. alone. Varicose veins can cause chronic discomfort and are sometimes associated with greater health complications. For others, they are an unsightly and unwelcome protrusion on the surface of their skin.
Thankfully for those affected by the condition, there are plenty of effective varicose vein treatment options available. Varicose vein treatment ranges from simple at-home habits and practices to advanced medical procedures. If you are suffering from varicose veins, you should always discuss all available treatment options with your doctor. Varicose veins treatment often depends heavily on a patient’s overall health and lifestyle, as well as the severity of the case.
Conservative varicose veins treatment options can be used to manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort. These treatment options can be practiced at home and on a day-to-day basis. While conservative varicose veins treatment does not seek to remove the troublesome veins, it does help manage symptoms. Here are some of the most common and effective forms of conservative varicose vein treatment:
Compression stockings may be prescribed as a form of conservative treatment. These garments work by applying compression to the legs whenever they are worn. Compression aids blood circulation, which reduces pain, swelling, and other varicose veins symptoms. Long-term, compression can also prevent varicose veins symptoms from worsening.
Some daily habits can also be used to manage symptoms of varicose veins. Light exercise like walking improves circulation in the legs and helps reduce pain. Similarly, keeping your legs elevated while laying down can prevent severe discomfort. This is especially useful for those whose varicose veins also cause them to suffer from restless leg syndrome.
Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can be used to reduce the pain and swelling caused by varicose veins. While this is effective for reducing symptoms, it does not treat the underlying cause of varicose veins.
Conditions like obesity and diabetes are often associated with varicose veins. Additionally, people who smoke may be at greater risk of suffering from varicose veins. If you experience additional factors, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet and nutritional habits as part of your varicose veins treatment plan.
If conservative varicose vein treatments fail, advanced procedures can be used to treat the cause of the condition. Here are some of the most successful procedures used for varicose veins treatment.
Endovenous vein ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat several different vein conditions. During this procedure, a laser is used to heat the affected vein(s), which causes them to close. The blood in that vein is then rerouted through the body, and the vein is eventually absorbed. The process is almost entirely painless, lasts only an hour, and offers speedy recovery.
The result of radiofrequency ablation is similar to endovenous vein ablation. The key difference between the two treatments is the method used to close the damaged veins. In radiofrequency ablation, a small catheter is used to transmit an electric current inside the vein. This causes scar tissue to form until the vein closes.
Perhaps the best treatment for varicose veins available today is the new and innovative VenaSeal treatment. This procedure uses cyanoacrylate, a type of medical glue, to seal affected veins shut. This procedure is also pain-free and quick, and patients are not required to wear a compression stocking afterward. There are several other VenaSeal advantages, such as it also presents a lower risk of nerve damage than other varicose vein treatment procedures.
If you would like to learn more about the different types of varicose vein treatments, contact BASS Vein Center.
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