Treating Varicose Veins
There are several measures that can be taken to treat varicose veins and which one will be most effective depends largely on the types of veins in question and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Although there is no real cure for varicose veins they can be managed in order to reduce pain and the unsightly appearance usually visible on the legs.
The first method used to treat varicose veins is that of support hose or compression stockings. Compression stockings help veins to pump blood up the leg and reduce reflux, where the blood flows back down due to a weakened valve in the vein. Support hose help greatly in the prevention of the veins function from worsening.
It is important that compression stockings are worn regularly, particularly when walking or standing for longer periods of time. Elevating the legs, doing habitual exercises and regulating ones weight can also help manage a host of symptoms than accompany varicose veins.
The second technique used in treating varicose veins of that of sclerotherapy. This technique can be performed to help with smaller varicose veins and those termed as spider veins. Sclerotherapy consists of injecting the damaged veins with a medication which causes the lining of the vein to seal shut. This procedure can be done without the need of a general aesthetic but the procedure generally needs to be repeated a few times in order to have positive results.
Then there is surgical stripping which involves actually stripping or removing diseased veins. This treatment is performed as an operation and recovery is around six weeks. Compression stocking are recommended to help ease the recovery process.
Other treatments for varicose veins include microphlebectomy, where incision are made along the course of the vein to remove the most damaged part in segments and endovenous laser therapy which is the modern procedure that mimics sclerotherapy.