Vein health is a growing concern as there are a number of vein diseases that are widely prevalent on a global scale. From spider veins to varicose veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), there are several conditions that are associated with declining vein health. Accordingly, there are different treatment options for each of the conditions. Whichever condition that you may suffer from, the choice of right treatment is essential to resolve the problem in time and prevent it from aggravating further. Even the most harmless symptoms should be addressed by an expert practitioner who can guide you about the significance of timely treatment and choosing the best amongst the various options as well.
Varicose veins, in particular, are a condition that warrants immediate medical attention. Not addressing it in time can result in complications such as hyperpigmentation, venous leg ulcer and Deep Vein Thrombosis. DVT can be life threatening as it can result in the formation of a blood clot hindering the circulation to the heart. Considering the serious implications of the disease, it becomes important to know about varicose veins treatment options so that you can choose the one that works the best in your case. A specialist can evaluate your condition and decide the treatment that would be the most effective one for you.
Low-Level Varicose Veins
Low-level varicose veins refer to the less serious cases, in which the patient does not experience pain, bulging or discoloration of the veins. It is usually seen in those in the initial stages of the disease. The vein specialist recommends simple, in-home treatments that are directed towards improving the blood circulation. These include the following:
- Elevating your legs
- Taking rest breaks if you need to stand for long intervals
- Walking every 30 minutes if you sit for long hours
- Regular exercise
Severe Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can become more serious if they are not treated in time. At-home treatments and compression stockings seldom work for such patients. If you suffer from such an issue, the doctor will suggest a more aggressive treatment plan. Here are some of the options to consider:
- Sclerotherapy is the best option for treating problems of small veins, which are common in case of spider veins and varicose veins. It involves injection of a liquid into the swollen veins so that they are scarred and then closed. The procedure is fast and painless and done on outpatient basis. The patient can go home in a few hours and is required to wear compression stockings after the procedure.
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is an advanced option for treating spider veins and varicose veins. As the name suggests, the procedure involves the use of laser light to treat the swollen veins. Laser lights are directed on the damaged ones and they collapse due to heat, causing the valves to get destroyed and absorbed by the body. Once the treatment is complete, blood circulation gets improved because the blood now travels through the healthy veins only. The procedure requires short hospitalization but the recovery time is relatively short.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is the best option if you are suffering from large varicose veins that cannot be treated with any of the other treatment options. Rather than targeting the damaged blood vessels, RFA works on the underlying cause of vein issues. The treatment involves making a small incision in the damaged vein followed by inserting a catheter into it. Heat is pumped into the vein through the catheter to contract the collagen in the venous walls. This makes them collapse and eventually close. Blood circulation improves as it now has to flow through the healthy veins only. Even though this option sounds complicated, it is simple and painless. There is no need to get hospitalized if you opt for RFA.
Your specialist will perform some tests and analyze your vein health thoroughly to decide which of these options would be the most suitable for you.
The advancement of medical science has made treatment of vein issues simple and painless. Scientific research and continuous progress in the medical field is bringing consistent improvements in this field. However, a large number of patients still fail to take the condition seriously enough to see a specialist in time. The results can be serious and sometimes even life-threatening. Timely medical intervention from an expert is the best approach to take, even if you are experiencing the mildest of symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment makes the disease easier to deal with.
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