3 Treatment Options For Varicose Veins

Posted on: 22 January 2016

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Varicose veins, veins that have become enlarged and twisted due to improper blood flood, can be unsightly as well as painful. Varicose veins most often occur in the legs, and if you have noticed the appearance and pain of varicose veins on your legs, you might be wondering what your options are. Varicose veins cannot be cured. However, they can be treated. There are a number of different vein treatments to help lessen the appearance and pain of varicose veins.

At-Home Treatments

If your varicose veins are mild, or you have just started to notice the appearance of varicose veins, there are a number of different at-home treatment options for you to try out. The first treatment is as simple as elevating the legs. You should take multiple breaks throughout the day where you elevate your legs for a period of time. 

Compression stockings are another at-home treatment that is very simple. All you need to do is to purchase a pair of compression stockings, which can be purchased online or at most drug stores. Put them on first thing in the morning before you start walking around. The compression stocking force the blood in your veins to go the proper direction, preventing it from backing up and making your varicose veins worse.

Laser Treatment

If at-home treatment options don't cut it, you might want to consider laser treatment for varicose veins. This treatment involves the use of a laser passed over the offending veins. The laser heats the inside of the vein wall, the vein starts to shrink up and eventually the body will absorb the shrunken vein. It will take a few laser sessions before the veins start to become less visible. 

Surgical Treatments

If your varicose veins are particularly bad, you might find that your doctor will recommend surgery to fix your varicose veins. Surgery is usually only recommended if the veins can't be treated otherwise and if the varicose veins are causing extreme amounts of pain and distress.

One surgical option is called ligation. A vein ligation involves the surgeon going in and tying off the faulty vein. The blood then cannot flow through the vein, and the varicose vein, without any blood flow, will disappear.

Another surgical option is called vein stripping. This involves the surgeon detecting the damaged vein and then removing it completely. The troubled vein is stripped from the leg completely. 

If you are suffering from varicose veins, give one of these treatments a try to see if they help you with your condition. For more information, consider contacting a professional like those at Carolina Vein Institute.