Vein Care Treatment Options For Varicose And Spider Veins That Can Be Done In Office

Center For Advanced Vein Care involves a variety of treatment options for varicose and spider veins that can be performed in-office. They can improve symptoms such as aching, swelling and itching. Vein care treatments are becoming more and more sophisticated and they don't require surgery anymore, which is good news for patients. But not all doctors or hospitals offer these procedures, so it's important to do your homework to make sure you're receiving the best treatment.

In the past, some varicose and spider vein treatments required a lengthy hospital stay and caused significant pain. These painful treatments may have discouraged people from seeking treatment for their veins. But in the last decade, vein specialists have been developing less invasive and more effective techniques that can be done in the doctor's office.

The most common type of varicose vein treatment is called sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a special solution into the blood vessel that is causing the problem. This causes the vein to scar and the blood is rerouted to nearby healthy veins. Over time, the affected vein is reabsorbed by the body and fades away.

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat a variety of problems including bulging, twisting and enlarged varicose veins. Other common treatments include a procedure called endothermal ablation. This uses energy, either radio waves or lasers to heat the wall of the varicose vein and cause it to close. This also requires a minimally invasive procedure to access the vein, which can be done through a small cut just above or below your knee.

Another treatment option is sclerotherapy with a foam agent. This is similar to sclerotherapy but uses a foaming agent that makes the varicose veins close up, which can reduce or eliminate their appearance and also relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, aching, and swelling of the legs and ankles.

Compression therapy can be used to treat varicose veins by using special elastic stockings or compression bandages that squeeze the legs to prevent blood from pooling in the veins. This can decrease the size of varicose veins, relieve symptoms such as aching and swelling, and help prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis.

Changing your lifestyle can also help you avoid or prevent varicose and spider veins. It's important to wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that don't restrict your legs or ankles. If you have to sit or stand for long periods of time, try to get up and move around every 30 minutes. Drinking lots of water helps promote blood circulation. And avoid foods that are high in sodium, which can increase your risk for varicose and spider veins.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends that people with a history of varicose and spider veins should see a vein specialist. The specialist will examine your leg veins, perform ultrasound diagnostic tests and curate a personalized treatment plan for you. You can find a vein specialist by calling your healthcare provider's office or checking the website of your health insurance company.