Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are often visible through the skin. They commonly appear in the feet and legs, though they can appear elsewhere in the body as well. They don’t always cause discomfort, but they sometimes do. Whether or not your varicose veins are painful, you may want to have them treated so that they aren’t so visible. Here’s what you should know about varicose veins and available treatment options.
How Varicose Veins Develop
Varicose veins generally develop when faulty valves no longer keep the blood flowing effectively in one direction. As a result, some blood travels in the wrong direction and can damage the blood vessels. As blood pools backwards, it enlarges the affected vessels and causes them to appear both bigger and more gnarled than regular veins.
How Varicose Vein Treatment Works
Varicose vein treatments help to reduce pain from varicose veins and prevent them from becoming larger. There are different types of treatments available. One of the most popular types is sclerotherapy, which is offered by Newport Medical and Wellness Center. Sclerotherapy involves forcing a special solution into the varicose vein. The pressure from the solution forces the collapse of the vein. The blood that used to supply the vein is naturally rerouted by the body to healthier, fully functioning veins. Over time, the body simply absorbs the collapsed vein and causes it to fade away.
Additional types of treatments for varicose veins include high ligation and vein stripping, laser treatment, catheter-assisted procedures, endoscopic vein surgery, foam sclerotherapy of large veins and ambulatory phlebectomy. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for your situation.
Signs You Need Varicose Vein Treatment
Some people don’t mind living with varicose veins. However, others may need treatment in order to live pain free. Here are a few indications that varicose vein treatment is the right choice for you:
- Pain in your legs after standing or sitting for long periods of time
- A heavy or achy feeling in your legs
- Skin discoloration surrounding the varicose vein
- An itchy sensation around one or more veins
- Muscle cramping, swelling, burning or throbbing in your lower legs.
- Embarrassment when you wear bathing suits, shorts or any other clothing that reveals your varicose veins
If you can relate to any of the above situations, then it may be time to get a consultation for varicose vein treatment.
What Could Happen if You Don’t Seek Treatment
If varicose veins are not treated, they could lead to venous ulcers, which are painful, open sores. These sores are caused by poor blood circulation. Other serious health conditions related to severe untreated varicose veins include spontaneous bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis and lipodermosclerosis.
What To Expect After Treatment
If you opt to receive sclerotherapy for your smaller varicose veins, you should expect to maintain compression in the treated area for about two weeks after treatment. You may be asked to wear special bandages or compression stockings to make sure adequate compression is maintained during the healing period. You should be able to return to your normal daily activities within one day of your procedure.
If you have varicose veins that cause discomfort or embarrassment, it’s time to take action. There are several treatment options available to help you finally live varicose vein-free.
