Do you have varicose veins? If so, you’re certainly not alone: according to the Cleveland Clinic, about one-third of all adults have varicose veins. Even if you don’t currently have signs of varicose veins, they’re always possible for adults, as age and several risk factors can increase a person’s chance of vein problems.
Whether or not you’re looking for ways to relieve varicose vein pain, understanding your range of treatment options is the first step to making the best choice for your vein care needs — a careful decision your compassionate Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) physician is glad to guide you through, as well. Keep reading as we delve into the basics of the treatments for varicose veins in the legs and other forms of chronic venous insufficiency.
First, it’s important to recognize some of the language that comes with managing the symptoms of vein conditions. Varicose veins are a form of chronic venous insufficiency, a disorder that occurs when the veins in your legs have trouble pumping blood back to the heart. The disorder is progressive, which means it can worsen over time, develop near areas already treated, and continue to spread. With this in mind, the word “cure” doesn’t always align with how varicose vein symptoms occur.
When exploring treatment and therapy options, goals are typically twofold: to achieve varicose vein pain relief and to prevent further progression of the disorder. Fortunately, several state-of-the-art treatment options can help you reach both of these goals, even reversing serious complications, such as ulcerations, along the way. Plus, when coupled with some simple self-care tips, you can easily take control over your venous health and attain levels of both physical and mental well-being you never thought were possible.
How will you know if you’re starting to develop chronic venous insufficiency? Some of the first signs include:
One important note — these symptoms tend to be milder at the onset of the disorder, but they can worsen at certain times of the day. You may be surprised to learn that even the weather can affect how your veins make you feel on a day-to-day basis. Considering the number of external factors that can cause discomfort, physicians recommend making an appointment with a vein care specialist at the first signs of venous insufficiency, even if they appear mild.
Once you’ve been diagnosed, you’ll sit down with your CVR vein physician and discuss a customized treatment plan based on a number of other factors, such as your health history, the severity of your symptoms, and, of course, your personal preferences. Remember that you may not need treatment if you don’t have symptoms— but being proactive is the best way to prevent the condition from worsening or causing dangerous complications, such as venous ulcers (a known complication of untreated vein disease).
Fortunately, the varicose vein treatment options available at CVR are minimally invasive outpatient procedures that require only local anesthetic. While these treatments don’t serve as a complete and total “cure” for your varicose veins because vein disease is a chronic, progressive disorder, they can give you the best chance to achieve both goals we laid out earlier: varicose vein pain management and prevention of future venous problems.
This is especially true when combined with proper post-procedure care and a thoughtful, ongoing self-care routine. You’ll also get the added bonus of improving the appearance of your varicose veins, which will boost your sense of well-being the moment you leave our vein clinic.
The size of your varicose veins can affect the range of options you’ll have for treatment, as per Stanford Medicine. Patients sometimes prioritize cosmetic improvements, typically because their varicose veins aren’t contributing to other problems or causing complications.
Some office-based treatment options involve safe and simple injections that cause the affected vein to collapse so blood is redirected to healthy veins, while others use a laser or an FDA-approved adhesive to shut the impacted vein. In certain cases, the varicose vein is completely removed via tiny incisions requiring only a band-aid to heal.
Remember, each option is non-invasive and uses local anesthesia, meaning patients are awake but won’t feel pain. Recovery time and post-procedure care vary slightly for each treatment type, and ultimately, your case boils down to the severity of your current symptoms and your medical history. Your board-certified CVR physician will walk you through each option based on these factors before laying out a plan that aligns with your short- and long-term goals.
Whether or not you’ve received any vein treatment, a large part of managing chronic venous insufficiency symptoms is establishing a consistent self-care routine, which may mean changing your lifestyle. Physicians recommend the following tips for those looking to take charge of their venous health:
Still unsure? Consider wearing compression stockings. Also called compression socks, compression stockings are medically designed to put a type of tapered pressure on the legs that helps with blood flow and reduces pain and swelling. They can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a physician who takes your specific measurements. Your insurance company can also cover them.
These are just a few self-care tips that can slow the development of existing varicose veins, relieve their symptoms, and help prevent future vein problems.
Ultimately, whether your venous disorder is causing daily physical discomfort or it’s a cosmetic concern you’d like to manage, understanding your options surrounding self-care and professional treatments can help you make a decision you’ll feel confident about for years to come.
Reach out to a board-certified CVR physician to discuss the option that aligns best with your needs. Our compassionate team members are proud to guide you as you take your venous health into your own hands. Call 240-881-0535 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule a consultation online at a CVR near you today.
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