If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to varicose veins that is, gnarled and dilated blood vessels which most commonly occur in legs, you should consult a doctor for the treatment for the problem. Varicose veins largely affect adults, and the risk of varicose veins increases with the advancement of age. Adults often require varicose veins treatment because the valves in the veins which help in regulating blood flow undergo wear and tear due to the aging process. As a result, the valves allow the flow back of some blood into the veins where it collects, rather than flowing up to the heart.
For most people, varicose veins may just be an ugly irritant, and may not lead to any pain or discomfort. However, some people affected with the varicose veins problem may experience a lot of pain while walking and standing. And, in extreme cases, varicose veins may also cause skin ulcers.
Varicose veins treatment mostly becomes necessary in extreme cases, in order to ease the pain or discomfort linked to the problem as well as to treat complications like excessive swelling, skin discolouration or leg ulcers. In case treatment of varicose veins is necessary, the doctor may initially recommend up to six months of self care at home. During this period, you may usually be asked to wear compression stockings, exercise regularly, avoid standing up for long periods, and elevate your legs while resting.
If the self care methods do not bring you much relief from the pain and discomfort caused due to varicose veins, you can choose from a number of medical treatment options available in the modern times. The type of treatment that your doctor advises will largely depend on your general health, and on the location, size and severity of your veins.
Some of the treatments for varicose veins are: endothermal ablation, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, the ‘ligation and stripping’ surgical procedure, and Transilluminated powered phlebectomy.
The endothermal ablation treatment for varicose veins involves the use of energy from high-frequency radio waves or lasers — radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser treatment — for sealing the affected veins.
In the Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy treatment, your veins are injected with special foam which scars the varicose veins, and seals them closed. This treatment leads to a gradual fading away of varicose veins in a few weeks; with the role of damaged veins taken over by stronger veins.
The ‘ligation and stripping’ surgical procedure for treating varicose veins in the leg involves tying off the vein and its subsequent removal. This procedure does not affect the blood flow in your legs.
Lastly, the Transilluminated powered phlebectomy is a fairly new treatment for varicose veins; and its safety and effectiveness is questionable.
Since various varicose veins treatments are presently available, you should opt for a particular treatment only after fully acquainting yourself its pros and cons. In addition, you should also ask your doctor some pertinent questions like who will perform your varicose veins surgery, how long you will have to wait for treatment, whether you will have to stay in the hospital, and how many treatment sessions you will need for getting your varicose veins cured completely!