Vein Options

Varicose Vein Treatment: Surgery may be the Last Resort

Varicose veins have both medical as well as psychological implications, and are caused by faulty valves or other problems with the veins that impede the free flow of blood through the veins. This will cause blood to pool in the vein making it twisted as well as visible. It may be caused by heredity or other factors including hormonal imbalances, oral contraceptives, obesity, pregnancy or standing and sitting for extended periods.

Must be Treated Early

Varicose veins cause a dull sensation of pain, cramps, and heaviness in the legs, and although it is generally believed that varicose veins are not serious, it is an unattractive condition. However, if the condition is not treated, varicose veins may lead to leg ulcers, blood clots, skin discoloration and other more serious medical conditions.

Varicose vein treatment will begin with its diagnosis, which may be a visual observation or an advanced medical procedure. Phlebography is a common medical procedure used for diagnosing varicose veins. There are three varicose vein treatments available, and the one used will depend on the severity of the condition diagnosed.

The simplest varicose vein treatment is the wearing of elastic compression stockings, which may often be the only treatment required. By compressing the veins, these stockings help improve blood circulation in the veins. This type of varicose vein treatment method is most effective when coupled with weight loss in the case of obesity. It is also helpful to perform increased activity and to avoid extended periods of standing or sitting.

Another varicose vein treatment that is used when stockings are not effective is called sclerotherapy. This procedure cuts off the blood flow through the affected veins by injecting slerosant, and may be repeated several times until the complete collapse of the faulty vein is achieved. This method of treating varicose veins has been found to be very effective with an almost 90% improvement rate. Side effects are known to occur including pain, bruising, skin sores and discoloration or appearance of brown lines along the site of the vein.

For a very serious and severe instance of varicose veins, surgery may be required for treating the condition. This last resort involves the surgical removal of the damaged part of the vein. This is a complex and somewhat invasive procedure, and is generally only employed when no other treatment option has proven to be effective.