For some people, getting varicose veins in unavoidable. Heredity, obesity, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, taking birth control pills, a history of blood clots, or other conditions that affect the abdomen can all predispose you to varicose veins. In addition, some occupations that require excessive standing can also increase your chances of developing varicose veins.
However, just because you have this condition, doesn’t mean you can’t get treatment. There are several options available that might be able to help you, and most of them are minimally invasive and don’t require hospital stays or long recovery.
Let’s start with what you can do to help yourself. First and foremost, you need to get moving. Exercise is key to keeping muscles toned, which in turn promotes better circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce your chances of getting varicose veins or prevent the veins issues you already have from becoming worse.
You should also avoid wearing tight clothes, as they can disrupt circulation and cause blood to pool. If your job requires excessive sitting or standing, try to take breaks so you can elevate your legs, which can ease the pain caused by varicose veins and prevent the veins your already have from worsening.
One of the most common treatments for varicose veins is the use of compression stockings. These stockings can be prescribed by a doctor or found over-the-counter at pharmacies or medical supply stores. They are designed to provide pressure to your legs, which encourages better circulation. The key to getting the most out of this treatment is to choose the right size for your legs. If you are not sure what size to buy, ask a pharmacist for assistance.
If your condition is more severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. These can range from the use of injections to lasers, to outpatient procedures, such as:
- Laser Surgery – A laser is used to send bursts of light into the vein so that it slowly disappears. This type of procedure is generally used for smaller varicose veins, and can be performed in your doctor’s office.
- Scierotherapy – A solution is injected a few times into small and medium sized veins, which then causes them to scar and close. Within a few weeks the veins should disappear completely. This procedure does not require anesthesia and can be performed in your doctor’s office.
- Catheter Procedures – A heated catheter is inserted into a vein to collapse and seal it shut. The heat helps to destroy the vein. This procedure is usually used for larger veins.
- Ligation or Vein Surgery – These surgery options are used to treat large varicose veins by either tying off the vein or removing a long segment of the vein. Another surgical option uses small incisions to remove a large surface of the vein. While these surgeries usually require anesthesia, you can usually go home the same day as the procedure .
