1. Not a Little Problem
You're not alone if you have varicose veins. They are very common, with about 25 percent of women experiencing them and 15 percent of men. Vericose veins are enlarged, with a blue or purple color. They are usually found bulging out of your leg or feet. They can be a real blow to your self esteem because you may no longer feel comfortable wearing shorts or bathing suits. The veins in your leg and feet get worse because of all the pressure you put on them when you're walking or standing. For some, varicose veins and spider veins are a cosmetic problem only. But other people experience discomfort and even pain. If they're not treated or removed, you can experience other health problems in time.
2. Veins are a Specialty
Find a doctor in your area that specializes in spider vein and varicose vein treatment by searching online or by getting a referral from your primary care physician. The doctor will have to examine your legs first, to determine the extent of your vericose veins. He'll have you stand up and will look at the amount of swelling you're experiencing. He'll also ask if you have an achy or itchy feeling or ulcers. He may also decide to do an ultrasound test to check on your valves to see if there are any blood clots.
3. Stocking Feet
Before you even consider removing varicose veins, buy compression stockings or compression hoses. They are specially fitted hose that can relieve some of your symptoms and improve blood flow in your legs. Compression hoses have proved to be very helpful treating varicose veins because they relieve the aching, swelling and heavy feeling. Sometimes, the socks even eliminate your need to get vein laser therapy. Compression stocking apply pressure around your ankle. The pressure decreases as the stocking goes up your leg. You can find them in various strength at sock stores, big box stores, medical supply shops or online. You should get them prescribed by your doctor because they are somewhat expensive--running between $50 to $125.
4. Choose Your Technique
As technology advances, there are several options for getting rid of varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure where the doctor injects a solution into your veins to make them disappear. Endovenous Laser Treatment or EVLT heats the inside of your veins, causing them to seal shut and eventually disappear. The doctor inserts a thin laser fiber into your underlying vein. NVUS or Radiofrequency Occlusion is a method that also heats your veins, causing them to contract and eventually close. Your doctor may also suggest vein laser therapy or pulsed light treatments. A light beam is pulsed onto your varicose veins, sealing them off and dissolving them. Another procedure called Ambulatory Phlebectomy involves the doctor making little cuts into your leg, removing the varicose veins entirely. You don't need to be stitched because the cuts are so small. In a similar procedure called Vein Ligation, the doctor makes incisions over the varicose vein and ties off the vein completely. This cuts the blood flow off and causes the vein to lighten up.
5. Go Natural
There are some alternative medicines that are said to reduce vericose veins and treat chronic venous insufficiency, that's when leg veins have trouble returning blood back to the heart. Horse chestnut seed extract is said to improve swelling and alleviate discomfort caused by veins. You can also find Leg vein Essentials by Swanson Vitamins, which is a mix of herbs that helps to reduce varicose veins. Always talk to your doctor before starting alternative medicine.
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