Treatments For Varicose Veins
Having varicose veins can be a painful condition to deal with. But, there are treatments that can help you relieve your symptoms. These can include sclerotherapy and compression therapy.
Small incision avulsion
Surgical removal of varicose veins is a common procedure. The avulsion procedure, also called phlebectomy, is a popular treatment for removing large visible varicose veins.
The avulsion procedure consists of a number of small incisions that are made over the sites of the varicose veins. Then, a small hook instrument is used to tease out the vein through the incision. This can be performed using a local anesthetic or general anesthetic.
The procedure is often performed in conjunction with another treatment, such as truncal incompetence, or at the same time as an endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). In these procedures, the doctor will perform an ultrasound scan to identify the veins and then will use a special needle to inject a dilute local anesthetic into the tissues. The anesthetic will then be absorbed slowly by the body.
Unlike the traditional treatment of varicose veins, the avulsion procedure has no need for stitches and may be done without the need for general anesthesia. However, the procedure can be risky and may cause bleeding and nerve damage.
Avulsion surgery is not included in any randomized controlled trials. Nevertheless, some specialists consider it to be an incomplete treatment.
Other treatments for varicose veins include foam sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation. Compared to avulsions, these procedures are faster, less painful, and less costly.
Vein stripping can be performed alone or in conjunction with ambulatory phlebectomy. Vein stripping involves the removal of large varicose veins in the leg. It is usually done with a small incision in the calf of the lower leg, below the knee. Then, a thin plastic wire is threaded into each of the varicose veins, which are then pulled out. After the procedure, the patient can return to normal activities after four weeks.
Endothermal ablation
Symptoms of varicose veins can have a serious impact on the quality of life of many people. Having to deal with the pain and discomfort of the symptoms can make it difficult to carry out daily activities. There are several treatment options for varicose veins. These include phlebectomy, surgery, and endothermal ablation.
Conventional surgery has long been used for the treatment of varicose veins. Surgical approaches include high ligation, stripping surgery, and crossectomy. The risk of complications, such as skin necrosis, is relatively small. There are also some minor complications, such as thrombophlebitis, which are usually resolved within a few weeks.
Another technique, foam sclerotherapy, is commonly used to treat truncal abnormalities. It is cost-effective, though it is not as effective as endothermal ablation.
Tumescent anesthesia improves tolerability and improves the efficacy of thermal delivery. It reduces the lumen of the vein, thus making it easier for an ablation catheter to pass through.
The most common complication encountered is induration along the treated vein. Most patients report no complications. However, some people do experience temporary visual disturbances or skin necrosis.
In addition to the most common complications, other complications that can be encountered include superficial thrombophlebitis, proximal deep vein thrombosis, venous occlusion, and phlebitis. Most of these complications are self-limiting, and thrombophlebitis responds to nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic is injected along the length of the vein. In some cases, the patient may experience slight pinpricks. Occasionally, a patient reports burning during the vein closure procedure.
For patients with large incompetent tributaries, endovenous ablation with concomitant phlebectomy is safe and effective. It is also associated with a longer return to normal activity.
Surgical and endothermal ablation techniques are often used together to achieve the best clinical outcome. In most studies, endothermal treatment was more effective than surgery.
Sclerotherapy
During sclerotherapy, a small needle is passed through the skin into the abnormal vein. Then, a solution is injected, which forms a hard band around the vein. This causes the vein to swell and shrink, eventually disappearing.
The procedure is nearly painless. A patient may feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted. Bruising and discomfort are common, but these usually go away in a few days. Patients can return to normal activities after 30 minutes.
The length of recovery depends on the severity of the varicose veins. Typically, larger veins take four months or more to improve. If the vein doesn’t seal, a second treatment is required.
The active part of the chemical sclerosant binds to the lining of the blood vessels, causing scarring. This scarring fades over a few months. However, new tiny spider veins can appear in the vicinity of the treated area.
The effectiveness of sclerotherapy varies from person to person. Some people experience discomfort or bruising for a couple of weeks after the treatment.
A few people may develop skin blistering or ulcers after sclerotherapy. These occur in less than one in a thousand cases. This is due to the loss of blood supply to the skin. The wound may take several weeks to heal.
The number of treatments needed to eliminate varicose veins will vary from person to person. Some will require a few sessions while others will need a few years. The number of treatments is also dependent on the size of the varicose veins.
Most people are able to resume their daily activities after the sclerotherapy procedure. However, it is important to avoid swimming pools, hot baths, and aerobic exercises for several days. This will help prevent blood clots.
Compression therapy
Using compression therapy for varicose veins may not be comfortable for the patient, but it can speed the healing process and reduce chronic venous insufficiency. This is because it reduces swelling, helps wounds heal, and prevents blood clots.
There are several different types of compression therapies. They include compression bandages, compression boots, and compression stockings. The purpose of compression bandages is to push the blood into the deep veins and away from the surface. They also help improve circulation.
When it comes to compression socks and boots, they differ depending on the shape of the foot, the type of arch height, and the weight distribution of the patient. They are made from foam or plastic and are usually molded to the cast of the affected foot.
There are also minimally-invasive conservative management treatments that can close off damaged veins, resolving the symptoms of venous disorders. This is a good way to avoid cosmetic complications and medical risks.
There are a number of different treatments available for varicose veins, including compression therapy, sclerotherapy, and endovenous laser ablation. These can be effective for many patients. The right treatment can prevent venous ulcers from developing.
If you are concerned about your varicose veins, you should seek out a specialist who can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment options. These doctors can develop a customized treatment plan for you. They can also fit you with compression devices that will help manage your symptoms.
The health care provider will perform a physical examination of your legs. They will look at the appearance of your legs, as well as the symptoms of your varicose veins. They may recommend an ultrasound test of your leg to check for blood clots.
Complications
Having varicose veins can affect your health, making it hard to perform daily activities. These veins can cause pain, swelling, and itchiness. If you have a vein that is causing problems, it is important to see a doctor to get it treated.
The most serious complication of varicose veins is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It occurs when blood clots form in deep veins. These clots can be very painful and can damage the valves in the deep veins. They can also break off and travel to the lungs, which can be dangerous.
Another complication of varicose veins that can be severe is venous ulcers. These ulcers can be painful and take weeks to heal. They are most often found in the ankles. If left untreated, they can cause cellulitis and other problems.
There are a number of ways to treat venous ulcers, but they are not always effective. If you have a venous ulcer, it is best to see a vascular specialist to get it treated.
One way to prevent a venous ulcer is to exercise. By performing exercises that involve the use of your leg muscles, you can reduce the risk of a venous ulcer.
Another way to reduce your risk of developing a venous ulcer is to keep your weight in check. This will help to maintain the proper pressure in your veins. It will also help to prevent blood from pooling in your veins.
Finally, a venous ulcer can occur in any vein in your body, but it is most common in the lower legs. If you notice an ulcer in your legs, it is important to see a vascular specialist as soon as possible.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
