1. Non-Invasive Therapy
The use of compression stockings is a non-invasive therapy for varicose veins. These unique stockings gently and consistently compress your legs, encouraging the veins and muscles to move blood around more effectively. Measure your legs with a tape measure before buying compression stockings at your local pharmacy or online. Measure the circumference of the smallest part of the ankle, the fullest part of your calf and the fullest part of your thigh. If you need assistance figuring out the correct size for your measurements, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Sclerotherapy Techniques
Sclerotherapy is a technique used for spider veins and varicose veins. This procedure involves injecting a solution, usually sodium chloride, directly into the vein. The solution then causes the lining of the vein to weaken and turn into scar tissue. Eventually, the vein is no longer apparent to the eye. Sclerotherapy is relatively painless and performed in the doctor's office. After the procedure, you'll be able to resume normal activities, but your doctor will ask you to wear compression stockings and take regular walks. You should avoid anti-inflammatory medications for two days. The doctor may also request that you avoid direct sun, hot baths and showers, and vigorous physical activity.
3. Laser and Pulse-Light Therapy
Laser and pulse-light therapy works on small varicose veins and spider veins. These procedures are appealing to patients because they don't involve needles or surgery. During these procedures, strong bursts of light are directed on the vein. The warmth of the light heats the blood vessel, ultimately shrinking it over time. Sometimes, a patient requires several treatment sessions to remove all veins. Sessions last from 15 to 20 minutes. Occasionally, this type of therapy follows more invasive vein removal procedures.
4. Endovenous Therapy
Endovenous (EVLT) techniques are effective methods for removing deeper and larger veins. This involves the insertion of a catheter into the vein. The catheter then emits heat from a laser or high-frequency radio wave. This heat shrinks the wall of the vein, which subsequently turns to scar tissue and disappears. The doctor administers a local anesthetic before performing this in-office. After the procedure, you'll be encouraged to walk and use compression stockings.
5. Surgical Procedures
Large varicose veins require surgical procedures, such as vein stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy or endoscopic vein surgery. All three types of surgery involve complete removal of the vein through small cuts in the skin. The procedures require either local or general anesthesia. Surgery is not recommended for the elderly. It's also not ideal for people with certain conditions, such as compromised immune systems, poor circulation, lymphedema, blood-clotting defects or arteriovenous fistula.
