Non-Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins

Not everyone with varicose veins will require treatment for their condition. If you have no symptoms and your varicose veins do not cause you discomfort, then you do not necessarily need to have treatment. There are some instances when treatment may be necessary such as to ease symptoms or when complications occur – and for cosmetic reasons.

If your varicose veins do require treatment, the type of treatment you will receive will depend on your general health, and the size, position and severity of your varicose veins. Some of the available treatments for varicose veins are outlined below. Your doctor will be able to advise you about the most suitable form of treatment for you.

Compression stockings are specially designed stockings which steadily squeeze your legs to help improve your circulation. They may help to relieve pain, discomfort or swelling in your legs which is being caused by your varicose veins. It is not yet known whether compression stockings can help to prevent your varicose veins from getting worse, or if they prevent new varicose veins from appearing.

Compression stockings are available in a variety of different sizes and pressures They are available in different colors.

It is important that your compression stockings fit you properly otherwise they may not be effective. Your doctor will need to measure your legs in several places to make sure that your stockings will be the right size. If your legs are often swollen, they will usually need to be measured first thing in the morning, when any swelling is likely to be minimal. Compression stockings usually have to be replaced every three to six months.
You will normally have to put your compression stockings on as soon as you get up in the morning. You can then take them off when you go to bed. Compression stockings are often tightest at the ankle and get gradually looser as they go further up your leg to encourage your blood to flow upwards towards your heart.
Sclerotherapy is usually suitable for people who have small to medium-sized varicose veins. This treatment involves a special chemical being injected into your veins. The chemical works by scarring the veins, which then seals them closed.

Larger veins may require foam sclerotherapy. Instead of the liquid chemical, a special type of foam is injected into the affected vein. The injection is guided to the vein using an ultrasound scan. Although this treatment has been proven to be effective, it can cause side effects, including:

• blood clots in other leg veins,
• headaches,
• fainting, and
• temporary vision problems.

Your doctor will advise you whether foam sclerotherapy is a suitable form of treatment for you.
Following your sclerotherapy treatment, your varicose vein should begin to fade after a few weeks. This is because stronger veins take over the role of the damaged vein, which is no longer filled with blood.
You may require sclerotherapy more than once before the vein fades. However, sclerotherapy is not always permanent, and there is a chance that the vein may reappear. Both standard sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy are usually carried out under local anesthetic.

Some More Information on These Topics from Related Posts

• What are Varicose Veins (0)
• Understanding How Varicose Veins Are Diagnosed And Treated (0)
• Surgical Intervention for Varicose Veins (0)
• Staging and Complications in the Treatment of Varicose Veins (1)

Staging and Complications in the Treatment of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are “staged”, i.e. the surgeon will assess what stage the condition has reached and use the staging assessment as the basis for delivering medical therapy to the patient.
The stages are:
• C0 – no visible signs of the condition;
• C1 – appearance of spider veins (reticular or telangectasia);
• C2 – varicose veins are evident;
• C3 – edema is present;
• C4a – skin changes in pigmentation or presence of eczema;
• C4b – advanced skin changes – e.g. atrophie blanche;
• C5 – the same as C4 but with healed ulcers; and
• C6 – presence of active ulcers.

Complication of Varicose Veins if Untreated

Most people who have varicose veins will not develop any complications. When complications do develop, it’s usually several years after your varicose veins first appear.
Varicose veins can cause complications because they stop your blood from flowing properly. Some of these complications are:

Bleeding – Varicose veins which form near the surface of your skin can sometimes bleed if you cut or bump your leg. You may find that the bleeding is difficult to stop. You should lie down, raise your leg, and apply direct pressure to the wound. Seek medical advice immediately if this does not stop the bleeding.

Chronic venous insufficiency – If the blood in your veins does not flow properly, it can interfere with the way that your skin exchanges oxygen, nutrients and waste products with the blood. If this exchange is disrupted over a long period of time, it is known as chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency can sometimes cause other conditions to develop, including the following:

Varicose eczema – Varicose eczema is a condition that causes your skin to be red, scaly and flaky. You may also develop blisters and crusting of your skin.

Lipodermatosclerosis – Lipodermatosclerosis causes your skin to become hardened and tight, and you may find that it turns a reddened or brown colour. The condition usually affects your calf area.

Venous ulcers – A venous ulcer develops when there is increased pressure in the veins of your lower leg. This causes fluid to seep from your vein and collect under the skin. This fluid can cause the skin to thicken, swell and eventually break down to form an ulcer. Venous ulcers most commonly form in the ankle area.

If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, such as the ones mentioned above, see your doctor immediately. These conditions can normally be easily treated, but it is important that you receive treatment as soon as possible.

The consequences of leaving varicose veins untreated in the long-term can be quite damaging to the quality of life for sufferers, however, fortunately varicose veins do not pose a serious medical health risk. As many treatments for varicose veins do not require full-blown medical intervention, the risks associated with their treatment regimes are also minimized. For the vast majority of patients, seeking treatment for their condition at any time is a positive and welcome step, but the sooner treatment and therapy are commenced the better the prognosis for the condition and the better the quality of life the patient will experience after treatment.

Some More Information on These Topics from Related Posts

• What are Varicose Veins (0)
• Understanding How Varicose Veins Are Diagnosed And Treated (0)
• Surgical Intervention for Varicose Veins (0)
• Non-Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins (0)