Vein Care - Treatments For Varicose Veins

Veins are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your body’s organs to the heart. Sometimes, varicose veins form in these blood vessels and become swollen and stick out above the surface of your skin. These veins aren’t dangerous, but they can cause pain, itching, and swelling. There are Center for Advanced Vein Care that can remove them or close them and prevent them from getting worse.

These procedures can be done in your doctor’s office or in a hospital or medical center. Before a procedure, you might have an ultrasound test or other diagnostic tests to determine the severity of your varicose veins. You can also try home treatments to improve the appearance of your varicose veins.

Most varicose veins happen in the legs, but they can occur in other parts of your body as well. Some people are more likely to get them, including women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills, and older adults. This is because changes in hormones can cause the walls of your veins to stretch and weaken, which leads to the condition. You may also be more likely to get them if your family members have them or if you have a job that keeps you standing or sitting for long periods, which decreases circulation. Other risk factors include heavy drinking and obesity, which can increase the pressure on your veins.

The most common treatment for varicose veins is called sclerotherapy. In this treatment, your healthcare professional injects a liquid or foam solution into your varicose vein, which scars and closes it. Then, your varicose vein gradually fades over a few weeks. You might need injections more than once.

For a more intensive procedure, your doctor can take out large varicose veins with surgery that involves making an incision and using a tool to remove the vein. This is usually done under local anesthetic, and it can hurt a little. You might need a longer recovery time from this operation, and it might not be covered by insurance.

Surgery is usually only used to treat very severe varicose veins that can’t be treated with home treatment or sclerotherapy. It’s also used to treat veins that have caused sores or ulcers in the leg. The most common side effects after this procedure are bruising, skin discoloration, and swelling. In rare cases, you might have a blood clot or nerve damage.

If you decide to have a treatment for your varicose veins, make sure the physician who’s doing it is qualified and has experience. You can find many types of specialists who specialize in vein treatments, including dermatologists, interventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons. You can also visit a vein treatment center for more advanced procedures. The best way to find a specialist is to ask your health care provider for a referral. Also, check that the specialist is certified by a national certification organization. You can find lists of certified physicians online.