Varicose vein treatment

Recommendations for your varicose vein treatment will vary depending on how severe your varicose veins are.

For milder cases of varicose veins – as for spider veins – your vein specialist will probably start with some suggestions for lifestyle changes and practical ways to ease discomfort and stop your varicose veins getting any worse.

You may be advised to lose weight, exercise more, put your feet up as much as possible, avoid long periods of standing or sitting and wear special compression stockings to support your legs.

If your varicose veins are more severe medical intervention will be advised. 

For instance if your varicose veins bulge out from the skin or cause you pain or swelling in your legs – lifestyle changes may not be enough.

Currently there are broadly three medical approaches to varicose vein removal.

The traditional surgical approach has been varicose vein removal through a process known as vein stripping.  Vein stripping requires a general anesthetic under which incisions are made near the knee and groin and the diseased primary varicose vein is literally pulled from the body using a device.

While reasonably effective vein stripping is painful and you will need considerable time resting from normal activities to recover.

Nowadays newer techniques have overtaken vein stripping and you will probably be offered a new vein closure procedure which can be carried out in your doctor’s office with a local anesthetic.

Endovenous laser (EVL) devices are also an option – although again these have been overtaken recently by the vein closure procedure which is usually quicker and less painful in recovery.

Whatever you are offered – your first step should be to find an accredited vein specialist operating from a first class vein treatment center or clinic.  Only a doctor specializing in vein problems will be able to provide the full range of varicose vein treatment available.

So – do your research thoroughly before you commit!

Related articles:

• How to prevent varicose veins
• What’s the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
• What are the symptoms of varicose veins?