Concern over and various treatments for varicose veins and spider veins dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Lack of knowledge and limited treatment options back then provided little hope for relief...but not anymore! Today, vein treatments have evolved to where patients are virtually pain free, and the results are incredible. Even stars like Britney Spears have suffered from vein problems and benefited from treatments, so you’re definitely not alone. And there are solutions. Modern vein treatments include the following:
1. Moving and Walking. Movement helps many but not all people with a vein condition. Staying active, moving and walking, prevents blood from building up pressure in the legs, so a sedentary lifestyle - sitting and standing - is not helpful.
2. Compression Stockings. Wearing compression stockings counteracts the pressure building up in the legs, though they have to be worn all day. Put them on first thing in the morning and only remove them when you go to bed at night. Talk to your doctor to make sure they are the correct size. Stockings that are too small will really be painful on your legs.
3. Horse Chestnut Extract. The extract comes in pill form and acts to constrict the veins, taking the pressure off. It helps minimize symptoms, but doesn’t eliminate the vein problem.
4. Vein Closure - Heat Sealing. Modern treatment includes minimally invasive closure of the abnormal vein with heat using either a laser or a radio frequency technology. It’s essentially a quick and painless procedure, and people are able to resume virtually all activities immediately.
5. Vein Closure - Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is the injection of a chemical solution that acts to seal the vein off. Like heat sealing, the procedure is minimally invasive. We focus on making sure patients are comfortable during treatments, and afterwards, they are able to resume all activities right away.
6. Micro-Phlebectomy. For large unsightly veins, the process removes the veins through tiny needle-size incisions after the area is numbed. Patients normally return to activity the next day, and usually after 4 weeks it is difficult to tell that they had a vein or a treatment - patients are very satisfied.
It’s great news that you no longer have to live with varicose or spider veins and all the challenges that come with vein problems. Thanks to modern advances in medicine, you have solutions at your fingertips. And know that vein problems may not always be visible! Read our checklist to find out if vein treatment would help you, or schedule your free vein screening today.
