Do you often avoid shorts or skirts because of the unsightly bulges and blue veins on your legs? Varicose veins can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition to deal with, but fortunately, a variety of treatment options are available to help improve their appearance and relieve symptoms. Whether you prefer natural remedies, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical intervention, there is a solution that can work for varicose veins Brooksville.
There are several different treatment options for varicose veins, ranging from natural remedies to minimally invasive procedures to surgical interventions. Here are some of the most common treatment options and how they work:
- Natural remedies: Some natural remedies can help improve the appearance of varicose veins and relieve symptoms. These include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods.
- Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade away. This procedure is usually performed in a doctor’s office and requires little to no downtime.
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): EVLT uses laser energy to seal off varicose veins. A small catheter is inserted into the affected vein, and a laser fiber is threaded using the catheter. The laser heats the inside of the vein, causing it to close and fade away.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): RFA uses radiofrequency energy to heat and seal off varicose veins. Like EVLT, a catheter is inserted into the affected vein, and a radiofrequency device is used to heat up and close the vein.
- Varithena foam treatment: Varithena is a foam solution injected into the affected veins to seal them off. The foam damages the vein’s inner lining, causing it to collapse and fade away.
- Microphlebectomy: Microphlebectomy is a surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the skin to remove varicose veins. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and requires a short recovery period.
- Ligation and stripping: Ligation and stripping is a surgical procedure that involves tying off and removing the affected vein. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires a longer recovery than other treatment options.
There are several causes of varicose veins, including:
- Age: As you age, the valves in your veins can weaken and fail, leading to the development of varicose veins.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins, partly due to hormonal changes that can affect the veins.
- Pregnancy: The increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs during pregnancy can lead to the development of varicose veins.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts additional pressure on the veins in your legs, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.
- Standing or sitting for long periods: Jobs that require long periods of standing or sitting can increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Previous leg injury: A previous leg injury can increase the risk of developing varicose veins in that area.
When considering treatment options for varicose veins, it is advisable to consult with your doctor at Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates.
