Varicose veins, for the uninitiated, refer to large and swollen blood vessels that are often visible through the skin. Similar is spider veins, which appear smaller and thinner, often in colors like red and purple. Many factors have been attributed to varicose veins and spider veins, including heredity and occupations that require people to stand for long hours. Obesity, hormonal changes, birth control pills and injury to the skin are considered as factors too. It is known that varicose veins and spider veins are more common to women than men and may increase with age. In this post, we will talk about the treatment option for varice.
Knowing the treatments
Doctor usually suggest patients to wear support stockings, especially if the symptoms are painful, and these can be purchased without a prescription. Weight loss is also recommended in some cases. Some of the other treatments include-
- Endovenous laser treatment. The procedure involves using a small laser fibre into the vein, through which pulses of laser are delivered in the vein, which causes it to collapse. This treatment doesn’t require staying at the clinic. However, local anesthesia is required.
- Sclerotherapy. This is one of the oldest treatments for varicose veins, for which a concentrated saline solution is used. The same is injected into the vein, causing it to disappear over a period of time – around six weeks. This is also an outpatient procedure.
- Radiofrequency occlusion. In this process, a catheter is inserted into the vein to deliver radiofrequency energy, causing the vein to seal. This is an outpatient procedure that may require local anesthesia in some cases.
- Intense pulsed light. Surface laser like intense pulsed lights can be used in some cases to treat such veins. One of the popular choices is PhotoDerm. Such treatments are often preferred because there is no need for sclerosing solutions or any catheter. There can be mild side effects with the procedures.
Finding a clinic
What kind of treatment will work for varicose veins and spider veins will depend on many factors, and your doctor is the best person to answer the same. Find a clinic that actually offers choices and allows you to make an informed decision. The treatment in most cases doesn’t require a lot of time, and you can go home on the same day. Also, make sure that you are well aware of the costs, because the same may not be covered under insurance.
