Treating Varicose Veins: What Are The Options?

Have you developed varicose veins over the years? These veins may be so swollen that you feel uncomfortable wearing anything that shows your legs, so you choose to wear pants all the time to cover your legs instead. Varicose veins tend to develop when too much pressure is applied to the veins and the blood starts building up inside those veins. When this happens, it is much easier to see the veins. If you dislike the appearance of your varicose veins, there are different ways to treat them.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is considered one of the best treatment options for varicose veins. During this process, the physician will carefully inject the veins with a solution that causes those enlarged blood vessels to shrink back down to normal size. The injections may cause some slight discomfort, but it is a fairly quick procedure, and the physician may apply a numbing agent to the legs beforehand. Results are not always instant. You should notice the veins getting smaller within a few months.

Ablation

Commonly used for large varicose veins, ablation involves the use of heat to destroy the damaged veins in the legs. Depending on how many varicose veins you have and how big they are, your physician may suggest both sclerotherapy and ablation that would help treat them. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to the legs. It is rare for patients to go under general anesthesia for this procedure, but it is something you can discuss with your physician if you would prefer to be asleep while the procedure is taking place.

Better Habits

Taking better care of yourself will not help you get rid of the varicose veins that have already formed, but it will help you prevent new ones from developing. You should focus on eating healthier, getting enough exercise throughout the week, and wearing comfortable bottoms that do not put too much pressure on your leg. If you are taking better care of yourself, it will benefit you both physically and mentally while preventing those varicose veins from appearing again.

Varicose veins are often uncomfortable and noticeable. Aside from the pain they may cause, you might feel insecure because you have these veins on your legs. If this is the case and you have not worn skirts, shorts, or dresses because of the varicose veins, you can do something about it. Several treatment options are available to help those with varicose veins, including sclerotherapy and vein ablation.