Varicose Veins: The Most Common Treatments

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are visible veins with a twisted, lumpy appearance. They are most common in the legs, particularly behind the knees, and may appear dark blue or purple. Many people with varicose veins find the appearance unpleasant, even distressing. As well as being an aesthetic nuisance, varicose veins can actually be very uncomfortable.

People with varicose veins often find the area around them very painful, and find their legs achey and restless, especially after sitting or standing for long periods.

How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins?

Some people are naturally more prone than others to varicose veins; woman are more likely than men to get them, and they often run in families. They also become more common and tend to get worse as we age. Varicose veins are more common in people who are overweight, and the extra pressure on the body along with the hormone changes in pregnancy make varicose veins more common in pregnancy, or in people who have had several babies.

Although we cannot change our genetic likelihood of developing varicose veins, there are some contributing factors that we do have control over. We can reduce our risk of varicose veins by making sensible lifestyle choices to maintain a healthy weight. A good diet and plenty of exercise are the best things we can do to maintain healthy circulation and reduce the risk of varicose veins and many other health conditions – including some very serious diseases.

What Treatments are Available for Varicose Veins?

Some minor varicose veins can be well managed with simple measures such as weight loss, exercise, and compression stockings. There are also several options for varicose veins surgery and minimally invasive procedures to reduce or eradicate painful, unsightly varicose veins. A consultation with a vascular specialist (a doctor who treats problems with the circulation) will help determine the best course of action.

The most common surgical treatments for varicose veins involve closing the veins with minimally invasive targeted techniques. Radiofrequency surgery or radiofrequency ablation uses a tiny amount of radiofrequency energy to heat the wall of the vein and safely seal it off. The body naturally diverts the circulation to healthier veins and the varicose veins shut down. Similar results can also be achieved using laser energy to heat and seal the varicose vein.

Foam sclerotherapy treatment may also be used to reduce varicose veins or thread veins. A medication in the form of a foam is injected into the problem veins which causes the affected vessels to shut down.

Varicose vein surgeries are some of the safest and most effective cosmetic procedures available, and they can be life-changing for people with problematic or painful varicose veins. Before any procedure, your surgeon will explain exactly what will happen and make sure you understand any risks and the intended results.

The experienced vascular surgeons at Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford offer the most modern and effective procedures in a state-of-the-art facility with impeccable pre-and post-surgery care as standard.

To book an appointment with a specialist call us on 01245 801234 or email [email protected].