Vein Treatment

What can you do about varicose veins?

• Regular exercise and walking can help to strengthen your calf muscle pump function and decrease symptoms of varicose veins.
• Regular wearing of compression stockings can help decrease symptoms of varicose veins.
• Ankle pump exercises can strengthen calf muscle.
• Optimal weight disease symptoms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency.
• Avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time.
• When traveling by airplane or long-distance by car, take a short walk and do ankle pump exercises every hour.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low-salt, and high-fiber.
• Leg elevation can help reduce swelling and symptoms.

Medical treatment for varicose veins

Compression stockings
Patients will need a prescription strength compression stocking which can help push the blood back into the circulation by compressing the superficial veins. The stockings will help to relieve pain, discomfort, aching, and tiredness in the legs. Compression stockings, however, may be difficult to put on and take off, especially for people with arthritis. Over-the-counter compression stockings usually do not have enough strength to effectively reduce symptoms. This type of stocking can be used during travel but will not have enough strength to effectively reduce symptoms. Stockings should be properly fitted by a trained professional and worn immediately after treatment.

Other treatment for varicose veins

Sclerotherapy treatment for small varicose veins and spider veins

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment. The procedure is usually done in the doctor’s office and is highly effective to help relieve symptoms of varicose veins and improve cosmetic appearance in the legs. Veins are injected with the sclerosing solution, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear. Most patient require several sessions to achieve optimal results. Treatment, however, is fairly simple and well-tolerated by most patients. After the procedure, the patient will be instructed to wear compression stockings for a few days to achieve the most benefit from treatment. The number of veins treated in one session varies and depends on the size and location of the veins. The procedure is usually completed within 30 to 45 minutes.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy
Large varicose veins can sometimes be treated with foam. Foam is created by mixing air or other gas with sclerosing solution and sometimes can produce even better results. It is often used as additional treatment for branches of the veins along with ablation procedures. A small amount of solution can be converted to foam; thus, a larger area of the vein can be treated. At times, ultrasound is used to locate the veins prior to injection.

Endovenous thermal ablation

Over the past 10 years, treatment of varicose veins has become much simpler. The procedure requires local anesthesia and is done in the office rather than in an operating room. A catheter is placed inside the vein using ultrasound guidance. Radio-frequency or laser beam is used to close the vein from inside. Heat energy damages the inner lining of the vein. This causes the vein to collapse and close off. Compression therapy is required after the treatment to get best results and patients are able to walk right after the procedure without any significant discomfort.

EVLT laser treatment eliminates unsightly varicose veins with

• No hospital stay
• Minimal to no scarring
• No lengthy recovery
• Minimal to zero side effect

Ambulatory phlebectomies
Sometimes large vein branches can be removed by making a small incision alongside of the vein and removing them with a small hook. Local anesthesia is often given to minimize any discomfort. It is often done for treatment of branches after large vein is treated with endothermal technique. Scarring is very minimal as incisions are very small and often not easily visible.

Glue treatment
Recently there has been new treatment of varicose veins using a glue which can be injected inside the large vein to help close the vein checked. It is a relatively newer technique but fairly simple and does not require any anesthesia.

What about herbal supplements ?

There are several research studies which suggest some of the herbal supplements may improve symptoms of varicose veins and venous ulcers. Some of the herbal supplements which have been studied in various research studies include:

• Horse chestnut
• Butchers broom
• Pine bark
• Sweet clover
• Grape seed extract
• Bioflavonoids

Only supplements manufactured in FDA certified facility with GMP should be consumed. It is best to discuss with your provider prior to taking any supplements. Some supplements should be avoided if you are on blood thinners.

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