Varicose veins are permanent if they are left untreated. However, there are many treatment options available that permanently get rid of them, although new ones can form.
Varicose veins can range from mild to extreme. For some of those who suffer from varicose veins, or a mild form of varicose veins known as spider veins, the condition is usually a cosmetic issue. However, for others, varicose veins can be painful. And in extreme cases, varicose veins can cause more serious health issues such as circulatory problems.
Many people can develop varicose veins. Women are more likely to have them than men. People who are overweight, those who tend to stand or sit for long periods of time, those taking certain hormone drugs, those who are predisposed via genetics, and women who are pregnant are more prone to develop varicose veins.
Varicose veins are treated with changes in the lifestyle and medical procedures. The purpose of the treatment is to prevent complications, relieve the symptoms, and to make the appearance of the varicose veins better.
Depending on the severity of the case, the healthcare professional may suggest that the patient make a few changes in their lifestyle. If the case is more severe, the healthcare professional may suggest medical procedures. This may consist of one or more procedures depending on the level of pain, disorders of the skin caused from the varicose veins, and blood clots.
Lifestyle changes that the healthcare professional may suggest include:
-Losing weight if the patient is overweight, as blood flow will improve.
-Do exercise and other physical activities that work the leg muscles and improve tone.
-Raise the legs above heart level when sitting or resting.
-Avoid sitting or standing too long.
-Do not cross legs while sitting.
-Avoid tight clothing, especially around the waist, thigh, and leg area.
-Wear low shoes and not high heels. This will help improve the calf muscle.
There are also many treatment options available to people suffering from varicose veins. The treatment is divided into surgical and non-surgical treatment. The medical procedures are performed to either remove or to close the varicose veins. If a vein is removed or closed, this will not cause any problems because the blood will start flowing through other veins.
Some non-surgical treatments include:
-Sclerotherapy management where the medicine is injected into the veins to make them
smaller. Different types of sclerotherapy include ultrasound guided sclerotherapy,
light-assisted sclerotherapy, and freehand sclerotherapy. The result is that the veins
are permanently treated, but new veins can occur in the future.
-Compression Stockings are worn to treat varicose veins. They can even be used as a
preventative method for those who stand or sit for long periods of time. These
stockings come in a variety of colors, sizes, and lengths.
Surgical treatments include:
-Ambulatory Phlebectomy is when the doctor makes small incisions in the skin to remove
the varicose veins. For most patients, this procedure offers permanent, effective
results for patients.