Abnormal veins are all too common, affecting millions of people all over the country. These veins can cause a number of different symptoms, ranging from mild cramping to ulceration. When dealing with varicose veins, you may wonder if you can improve your condition with treatment. Below is some basic information about varicose vein treatment and the general condition to help you make the right decisions.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are abnormal veins that develop most commonly in the lower extremities. This condition typically occurs when the valves inside these veins stop working properly. Rather than flowing back toward the heart like it should, blood pools in these veins, causing them to become enlarged and gnarled. You may notice large, swollen veins in your legs and feet if you have varicose veins. These veins may be purple, red, or blue in color, and they may appear to be raised above the surface of the skin.
In addition to noticing the appearance of varicose veins, you may also experience other symptoms of this condition. Some of the most common symptoms of varicose veins include cramping, burning, tingling, heaviness, weakness, throbbing, and even ulceration of the skin.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
If you are suffering from the symptoms of varicose veins, you may be able to improve your condition with one of the following treatments.
Endovenous Laser Therapy
Endovenous Laser Therapy, or EVLT, is a procedure that can effectively treat varicose veins. This treatment method uses laser energy delivered to the vein via a laser probe to destroy the walls of the vein and force it to collapse. The procedure takes less than an hour, requires no downtime and offers immediate results.
Venefit
Venefit is a varicose vein treatment that addresses venous reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins. During this procedure, a vein doctor uses radiofrequency energy to force the abnormal vein to shrink and close off. This directs blood flow to healthier veins and eliminates all associated symptoms. Venefit takes as little as 20 minutes to complete and requires very little recovery time.
Microphlebectomy
For some of the larger varicose veins, treatment with microphlebectomy is often ideal. During this procedure, the vein doctor makes small incisions or punctures in the skin around an abnormal vein and then removes the vein from the body. Blood is diverted into healthier veins, and the patient experiences immediate symptom improvement.
Sclerotherapy
Small varicose veins typically respond well to sclerotherapy, a procedure that involves injecting a special sclerosing solution into affected veins. This solution causes the walls of the veins to swell and seal off. Eventually, the vein is no longer as visible from the surface of the skin.
How Do I Learn More?
If you are interested in learning more about treatment options for varicose veins, don’t hesitate to contact the Vein & Vascular Institute today.