For the most part, varicose veins don’t cause any health problems. But that doesn’t mean you want to see bulging, purple, or blue veins every time you look down at your legs. You also might not have time to set aside for a procedure that requires a lot of downtime or recovery afterward. Fortunately, several varicose vein treatment options eliminate the veins without requiring you to sit around for weeks.
4 Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Lifestyle Adjustments
Sometimes, the initial treatment for varicose veins is to change your lifestyle. A few factors can make you more likely to develop the veins, such as being overweight, crossing your legs, and being sedentary. Vein doctors often recommend lifestyle changes before other treatments. If you are significantly overweight, you might find that dropping a few pounds helps reduce the appearance of your varicose veins.
Taking up an exercise routine under a doctor’s supervision can also help. Exercise allows you to develop muscles in the legs, which help improve blood flow. Finally, trying to keep your legs elevated as much as possible and avoiding anything that puts pressure on them, such as constricting socks or pants and crossing your legs, can also help.
Wearing Compression Stockings
Compression stockings aren’t the same as too-tight, poorly-fitting socks or trousers. The goal of wearing compression stockings is to apply gentle pressure upwards on the leg. The pressure from the stockings can help increase blood flow back up toward the heart. Depending on the state of your veins, a doctor might recommend wearing a support hose or might give you a prescription for specialized compression garments.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy can often be an effective treatment for smaller varicose veins. A vein doctor injects a special chemical into the veins during treatment. The chemical damages the veins, causing them to collapse and ultimately fade away. Typically, the treatment doesn’t require any anesthesia, and discomfort during and afterward is minimal. Although you might need to wear a bandage on the treated area for some time afterward, you won’t have to take much of a break from your daily life.
Microphlebectomy
Veins that are too big for sclerotherapy can often be effectively treated with microphlebectomy. The treatment involves making small incisions in the legs and stabbing the affected vein to destroy and remove it. Although it is minimally invasive, the treatment does have a slightly longer recovery period than other options. You’ll be able to return to work immediately but will be asked to avoid exercise or any other vigorous activity for a few weeks.
Dr. Charles Dietzek is a board-certified vascular surgeon who operates several vein clinics throughout New Jersey. To learn more about your treatment options for varicose veins, call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dietzek.