What is The Least Painful Varicose Vein Treatment?
For most people, varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem. For some, this condition can cause a variety of problems including leg cramps, itchy skin, swollen ankles and feet, and more. Varicose veins can also be the result of obesity, pregnancy, or a lack of exercise.
Swollen, twisted veins in the legs, found just beneath the surface of the skin, are called varicose veins. This is a common condition that people experience when they get older, when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged. They can be found with ultrasound and diagnosed for treatment based on the ultrasound results.
Compared to 20 Years Ago, Varicose Veins Now Have Minimally Invasive Procedures
The oldest surgical treatment for varicose veins, known as vein stripping, involves removal of the veins through incisions in the legs. During this procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia. In some cases, spinal anesthesia is used to numb the area below the waist.
During surgical treatment, a wire is run through the vein from the lower part of the leg up through the upper part of the leg, then the vein is attached to the wire and pulled out through an incision.
Why Vein Stripping Is No Longer a Good Practice
Vein stripping is an invasive procedure that can take up to 4 weeks of recovery time before the patient can return to normal. Modern procedures are less invasive, involve less pain and require less recovery time.
What is Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins?
Laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure. The laser enters the vein via a catheter inserted either in the calf or the thigh. The laser tip is then activated and the walls of the vein are ablated (closed). Laser ablation can cause more discomfort compared to foam injection treatment (described below), but for some people, laser ablation is the perfect solution for targeting troublesome veins. Laser therapy is preferred in some circumstances because it's the least likely procedure to cause minor complications like bleeding or bruising.
What Are Foam Injection Vein Treatments
Foam injections work by releasing chemical irritants into the vein wall, causing the vein to collapse.Though this procedure is very different from laser ablation, it can be just as effective. Both treatments are believed to be safe.
Which One Is Less Painful?
The method your doctor uses to treat your condition will depend on how severe your condition is and other factors. The ultimate goal of each procedure is to reduce discomfort. Both procedures are effective. Each procedure involves some small level of discomfort, but for most patients, the discomfort is manageable.
Dr. Ives, Vein Doctor in Fairbanks, Alaska
Varicose veins can cause pain, embarrassment and may even lead to a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). You don't have to suffer from varicose veins. If you've recently developed twisted, swollen veins in your legs, meet Dr. Ives in Fairbanks, AK.
Contact Dr. Ives for a consultation and view our varicose vein treatment options that can help you avoid the complications and discomfort that can come with varicose veins. To view our varicose vein treatment options, make an appointment today.