Varicose Vein Treatment
The term “Varicose Veins” is used to describe the gnarled, enlarged or bumpy veins that typically appear on men and women’s legs and feet. Triggered by conditions like pregnancy, menopause, or the aging process itself, Varicose Veins can bring about ache and discomfort as well as skin discoloration and swelling – and that’s why proper treatment is sought after by a significant percentage of patient worldwide.
How to Identify Symptoms & Perform Self-Diagnosis
Patients can relatively easily verify that they may be affected by a Varicose Vain disorder through observing some of the following signs (which, more often than not, emerge on feet and legs):
- Bulging veins that are effortlessly noticeable under the skin
- Pain and itchiness
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Throbbing, tenderness or a hefty feeling in the legs
- Increasing discomfort after a long day of standing
- Cramps
Treatments Available
Generally, most medical experts suggest using compression stockings, which actually consist an affordable and usually fairly effective means of abating the patient’s condition. Their purpose is to press the patient’s leg so as to control blood circulation in a way that the amount of pressure the veins receive is reduced. However, if this solution does not deliver the needed results, other treatments include, concisely, the following:
- Endothermal Ablation: This can be performed either using high-frequency radio waves (creating heat) or lasers (which emit intense bursts of light) which target at securely closing the affected veins; the former method requires a tiny cut, while laser does not involve making incisions or using needles.
- Catheter-Assisted Method: A thin tube is inserted into the vein so as to destroy it using heat.
- Sclerotherapy: Performed on moderate veins, a saline solution is injected so as to purge varicose veins.
- Phlebectomy: A small needle (inserted through several tiny skin punctures) is used to eliminate varicose veins that appear on the surface of the leg; the procedure is typically carried out on an outpatient basis.
- Vein Stripping: Also an outpatient procedure, planned to eliminate longer veins, vein stripping uses cuts made at the top and the bottom of the targeted vein, as well as a couple more on specific points, in order for a thin wire to be inserted; this is then attached to the vein, which is finally drawn out through the incision.
Prevention Tips & Techniques
In general, simple steps that anyone is able to undertake can keep that ailment at bay. For instance, engaging in regular exercising, watching one’s weight, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting and raising one’s legs when relaxing can greatly contribute to the prevention (or mitigation) of the problem.
Striking Out Common Myths About Varicose Veins
During research on Varicose Veins, one can come across a series of widespread misconceptions about the ailment. Nevertheless, these rarely happen to be anywhere close to reality. Statements like “Varicose Veins indicate poor blood circulation” (for starters, veins should be distinguished from arteries!), “There is no need to treat Varicose Veins, because the issue is purely cosmetic” (it is not!) or “Varicose Veins affect only women” (which is simply debunked by statistics) can disorientate the lay person without offering any assistance on the issue and its treatment – and that’s why consulting an expert is always the wise thing to do.
Before and After Photos
