Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Although varicose veins are mostly seen in women, they do occur in men as well. As skin thins or veins become prominent, treatment may be required. In some cases, these protrusions require no treatment at all. Most of the time, treatment is only suggested if they pose other health problems such as edema or improper blood flow.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are raised or swollen blood vessels that usually occur in the legs. Sometimes they will occur in the arms, but this is rare. There are cases where the veins twist or turn. This doesn’t always cause other issues.

Some people refer to varicose veins as spider veins. It is important to understand that these are two different ailments. Spider veins have a red, blue or purple appearance but are much smaller. These tend to stem off of each other so that it appears to look like a creeping group of veins.

Causes of Varicose Veins

There are over a dozen causes of varicose veins. Some are unexplained and others are from health problems.

Some of the causes include:

  • Genetics
  • Standing occupations
  • Obesity
  • History of blood clots
  • Birth control pills
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Pregnancy complications

These are the most common issues associated with the cause of varicose veins. Occupational varicose veins can fall under worker’s compensation if it is proven that the job performed is the cause. It can be considered to be a work injury when it causes other health problems or pain.

Treatment via Medication

Some physicians may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the appearance of the veins. Others will also suggest that a medication to help blood circulation. Increased water consumption is also suggested to help these medications.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a process that uses a liquid chemical process. It is used for the purpose of closing off the veins and prevents them from spreading. The chemical is injected into the vein. This can be a bit uncomfortable. Some scarring may also be present afterwards.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery can be used to stop the spreading of the veins and reduce the swelling. With a few treatments, the veins can go away completely. This is absolutely not painful and treatments generally last about 30 minutes each.

Endovenous Ablation Therapy

Either lasers or radio waves are used for this process in order to reduce the appearance, using heat, to close off the veins. A very small cut is made near the top of a vein in order to make the treatment work. A small catheter is also inserted to deliver the treatment. The process takes roughly one hour. Massage therapy and one or two more treatments may be required in order to see complete success.

Endoscopic Vein Surgery

Endoscopic Vein Surgery is another outpatient procedure that is easily done by making a small incision in the skin. The goal is to close off the vein using an Endoscopic camera on the end of a very thin tube. Again, this is virtually painless requiring only a general anesthetic. Patients undergoing this procedure are able to go home after a short time in recovery and go about their daily activities with minimal restrictions. This procedure is saved for the most severe cases.

Natural Treatments

The easiest way to treat varicose veins naturally is to make a few lifestyle changes and use compression stockings. Compression socks help to maintain circulation and keep edema to a minimum. Lifestyle changes include walking daily, reducing salt and caffeine intake and maintaining an all natural diet. It is also suggested that those with varicose veins that are preparing for a vein procedure to rub their legs daily with a pure vitamin E oil.

When you are seeking varicose vein treatment in NJ, discuss any additional health problems with your treating physician. There are a variety of treatments to choose from, and depending on any underlying conditions, this could change the course of action to be taken. The treatments will not put you out of commission for long; usually it is about one day. Treatments are outpatient and patients are usually awake for all procedures. At the most, a general anesthesia might be used. Scarring from procedures where incisions are used is generally minimal. An additional laser process can be used to remove the scars if preferred.