Options When At-Home Treatment For Varicose Veins Isn't Enough
If you've been diagnosed with varicose veins, chances are you already know that doctors like to try and treat the problem with the gentlest at-home methods possible. While these methods, which include compression stockings and staying off your legs can help, it isn't always enough. If you're still having strong symptoms or your condition is worsening, read on to learn what your doctor will do to fix your varicose veins.
Closing the Vein
Having veins is a necessity in order to circulate blood throughout your body, but thankfully, your legs are full of veins. If some of your veins have become varicose veins and your condition isn't improving, your doctor will most likely decide it's time to shut down those veins. This may sound a bit alarming, but rest assured that the other healthy veins in your legs will take over the business of circulating the blood from your heart to your legs and back again.
Meanwhile, closing your varicose veins means that no more blood will flow through them, and the body will reabsorb the veins. This means you will no longer be at risk for blood clots, heavy bleeding, and the pain that varicose veins can cause.
Methods
There are a few relatively non-invasive methods that doctors can use that will allow you to go home the same day the procedure is performed. These days, doctors like to use a method called sclerotherapy to close varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting a substance into your varicose vein that will cause it to scar and close. This method doesn't require anesthesia, and doesn't generally cause any pain beyond what you would expect from having a needle inserted. This method originally would only work with small veins, but doctors can also now do it to larger veins with an injectable foam that has the same effect.
Recovery
Recovery time from sclerotherapy is minimal, and you can expect to be able to leave the office as soon as the procedure is completed. Over time, your veins will begin to pull back from the surface of your skin and fade. Your doctor will want to examine your legs and assess how everything is going. In some instances, more than one treatment is necessary to completely shut off the varicose veins.
Varicose veins can be painful and dangerous, and with today's medical advancements, there's no reason for you to put up with this condition. If your doctor's initial at-home treatment plans aren't working, don't despair; give sclerotherapy a try. For more information, contact companies like Alaska Vein Care.
