In many cases, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern, but for some, they cause pain and discomfort. The Mayo Clinic explains that while any vein can become varicose, the condition mainly affects the veins in the legs and feet due to the increased pressure standing and walking causes in the lower veins. The treatment for this problem is less invasive and usually does not require a hospital stay or long period of recovery. Many times, patients can be treated on an outpatient basis, but self-care options may be a consideration prior to medical options.
Step 1
Wear a pair of compression stockings. The Mayo Clinic explains that compression stockings are usually doctors' first treatment option. These work by steadily squeezing the legs, assisting the muscles in legs and veins in moving blood more efficiently. The stockings must be worn all day, and the amount of compression the stockings apply to the legs varies by the brand and type. They can be bought at a local pharmacy and should be strong, but not tight.
Step 2
If compression stockings do not fix the problem, sclerotherapy may be the next step the doctor considers. Women'sHealth.gov states it is the most common treatment for varicose veins, and during the process, the doctor uses a needle to inject a chemical into the vein. This chemical causes the walls of the vein to swell, then stick together and swell shut. Within a few weeks, as the Mayo Clinic explains, the vein fades. The vein may need treatment more than once, although if done correctly, this treatment is effective and can be done in the doctor's office.
Step 3
For people with smaller varicose veins, laser surgery is an option. It emits strong bursts of light through the surface of the skin and onto the vein. Slowly the vein fades and disappears. Two to five treatments lasting for 15 to 20 minutes are required for full effectiveness.
Step 4
Consider vein stripping. A bit more invasive, vein stripping is done through small incisions the doctor makes in the leg. For most people it is an outpatient procedure, and the vein is taken out through the incisions. Unlike other procedures, general anesthesia is needed and the procedure is done in an operating room. Women'sHealth.gov explains that recovery time is one to four weeks, and while pain is the most common side effect, the procedure is generally safe.
Step 5
Consider an ambulatory phlebectomy. The doctor makes a series of small punctures in the skin and pulls smaller varicose veins out through these punctures. Anesthesia is used, but only in the areas where the punctures are made. It usually only requires one treatment to remove the vein, and while larger veins can be taken out through this procedure, some scarring may remain. Most patients can return to their normal activities the next day.
