Varicose veins usually cause a cosmetic concern for those who have them. In some cases they result in pain and discomfort until patients seek medical treatment, according to MayoClinic.com. They are enlarged, twisted and swollen veins, and while any vein in the body has the possibility of being varicose, they typically occur in the legs and feet. This is because of long periods of standing and walking. While certain self-care measures may help, it is wise to speak with your doctor first, because varicose veins may be a sign of circulatory problems.
Step 1
Find a pair of compression stockings. The Mayo Clinic says doctors usually recommend compression stockings as the first form of treatment. Patients wear them all day, which applies pressure to the legs and veins. This, in turn, helps blood move efficiently through the veins and leg muscles, preventing it from pooling in the veins. Over time this decreases the swelling in the legs and veins. Both pharmacies and medical supply stores sell compression stockings, and are available in a variety of styles, sizes and strengths. They should be strong on your legs, but not too tight. The pharmacist can measure your legs, ensuring you receive the right size and proper fit.
Step 2
Undergo laser therapy, which is an effective treatment for smaller varicose veins, and requires no incisions or needles. A new technology in the world of laser treatment, a laser emits strong bursts of light into the vein, making it slowly disappear. Women'shealth.gov states that the procedure lasts approximately 15 minutes to 20 minutes, and is not effective for veins larger than 3 mm. You can return to normal activity following this procedure.
Step 3
Consider scleropathy. If compression stockings prove unsuccessful for treating your varicose veins, a medical procedure may be necessary. The most common, according to Women'shealth.gov, is scleropathy. During this procedure, your doctor injects either a liquid solution, often hypertonic saline, directly into the vein that, according to the National heart Lung and Blood Institute, causes irritation and scarring, causing the vein to close off to the flow of blood. Over a period of a few weeks, the vein fades. More than one treatment may be necessary for the same vein, and doctors usually perform them, if necessary, every four to six weeks. No anesthesia is used, and you can resume normal activities the same day. The doctor may ask you to wear compression stockings for a short period afterward to help with healing and decrease swelling.
Step 4
Destroy the vein with heat. Larger varicose veins require a more complex solution, such as an endovenous technique, also known as a catheter-assisted procedure. Heat destroys the vein, causing it to collapse and seal itself to blood flow when the doctor inserts a thin tube--or catheter--into the vein. Once in the vein, he heats the tip of the tube, destroying the vein as he removes it. Local anesthesia is usually necessary, and slight bruising may occur, according to Women'shealth.gov.
Step 5
Talk to the doctor about surgery. If you have an advanced case of leg ulcers--open sores that occur when blood pools in the veins--chances are you have large varicose veins that require surgery. The Mayo Clinic notes that endoscopic vein surgery is the operation for people with these problems. It requires small incisions in the skin through which the doctor inserts a small video camera into the leg. This enables him to see into, close off and remove the problem vein. General anesthesia is necessary. Recovery time is between one and four weeks.
