Many people who have varicose veins don’t know how to handle them. They come as a surprise and could create discomfort. The veins are formed as a result of blood pooling then stretching veins out, a condition that could be combated by taking several measures including ensuring you don’t sit or stand for long and also maintaining an active lifestyle.
Having varicose veins could be physically uncomfortable as they cause swelling, so if you want to know what you can do when you get them, here are 6 expert-approved solutions you should try.
1. Compression stockings
These are simply tight stockings that are designed in a way to squeeze your legs to improve the flow of blood upward. This process alleviates the swelling and ensures blood does not pool in the lower extremities. However, this is only effective as a way to provide relief and you have to use more solutions to treat the condition.
2. Sclerotherapy
In sclerotherapy, the varicose veins are injected with a solution using a needle. This solution allows the blood to coagulate and clot, thereby scarring and destroying the vein. It functions fully to provide results within 7 to 10 days and is one of the most effective varicose vein treatment solutions. You might require multiple treatments to get rid of the veins completely.
3. Endovenous thermal ablation
This method relies on a radio frequency wave to close the vein. The surgeon uses ultrasound as a guide to insert a catheter through the vein so as to apply heat using a radiofrequency electrode. After this process, the vessel wall collapses and is broken down with time.
4. Vein stripping
In extreme cases, the veins are removed physically through incisions. This option is not very popular because not many people experience effects that require the removal of the veins affected. It’s only recommended in case of painful, bulging, and very large varicose veins. It is done by a dermatologist surgeon and due to the invasiveness of the procedure you might experience some pain afterwards.
5. VenaSeal
VenaSeal is a new treatment that includes the use of a medical-grade adhesive to seal the affected vein. It permanently closes the vein and does not pose the risk of nerve injury that is possible with vein stripping. You also don’t need post operation compression stockings because the treatment is administered in one session.
6. Creams and pills
You can find different over-the-the-counter creams and pills that are prescribed for the treatment of varicose veins. Make sure to talk to your doctor to find out which ingredients you should consider while choosing the right cream or pill to buy. You will find many options that provide effective results without the invasiveness.
Don’t give up if varicose veins show up because there are many solutions you could use to eliminate the problem. You could work with your doctor to choose a medical procedure that fits your condition. Try compression stockings and if this does not work use creams and pills. Some procedures like sclerotherapy may be invasive, but the results are good. The idea is to ensure you don’t panic when you get varicose veins. Try out one or more of the solutions suggested here to see how your body responds.