Varicose veins are a prevalent disorder that affects approximately 25% of all men and women in the United States. For some people, they are primarily a cosmetic irritation. Others, however, find the bulging and twisted veins on their legs and feet painful, and if not addressed, they can lead to major medical problems. The good news is that contemporary science has improved to the point where a trained and experienced vascular doctor can cure varicose veins without surgery.
Depending on your specific vein problem, a minimally invasive procedure may be beneficial for your varicose veins treatment. They may cosmetically improve the appearance of your veins while also alleviating several uncomfortable symptoms:
- Cramping
- Tiredness
- Restless legs
- Pain
- Heaviness
- Numbness
- Achiness
- Throbbing
- Itching
- Swelling
Treat Varicose Veins Now to Avoid These Complications
Veins have a specific purpose: to transport blood from the legs to the heart. However, as we age, these veins may begin to function less effectively. They can constrict and possibly malfunction as a result of valve damage. As a result, blood may flow backward, causing pooling. This causes the veins to dilate, stretch, and expand.
If you do not consult your doctor about how to cure varicose veins, their appearance and symptoms may increase with time. This can cause more serious issues, such as:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Venous Insufficiency
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis
- Skin and foot ulcers
How to Treat Varicose Veins Without Surgery
On average, one out of every three adults over the age of 45 has vein disease. If you are having symptoms similar to those listed above and want to treat varicose veins to avoid more serious consequences, you should see a vascular expert right away. Your doctor will most likely recommend that you wear compression stockings, which are an excellent approach to promote healthy blood flow and maybe avoid future treatments. If compression stockings are ineffective or do not provide adequate relief, there are other solutions.
Below are three minimally invasive approaches you can find at almost any vein center to treat your varicose veins without surgery:
1. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy eliminates the need for big incisions and long hospital stays to treat varicose veins. Our board-certified vein specialists administer a specifically formulated chemical solution including sclerosing agents (either liquid or foam form) into the afflicted veins. This solution irritates the vein walls, causing the vein to collapse and dissolve, providing a safe and effective relief for your discomfort.
Sclerotherapy has a short downtime and recuperation period, and the process itself takes between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on your condition. It is also effective for treating mild to moderate varicose veins and improving the appearance of spider veins on the thighs, calves, and feet.
2. Radiofrequency Ablation
This treatment only requires a needle stick. A tiny catheter is introduced into the affected vein by a short, scarless puncture. The catheter is inserted into the great saphenous vein in the thigh or the small saphenous vein in the calf using ultrasound guidance. Radiofrequency energy is given to the inside of the vein, heating and sealing it shut. Radiofrequency ablation, like sclerotherapy, takes less than one hour to complete. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the treated area are minor side effects.
Radiofrequency ablation is an excellent treatment choice for people with mild to moderate varicose veins, as well as those who require relief from swollen veins that have filled with blood.
3. Microfoam Ablation
Microfoam ablation is another minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that appears to be similar in procedure to sclerotherapy. Unlike sclerotherapy, which is best suited for small and medium vein difficulties, microfoam ablation handles larger, tortuous (twisted) veins, veins above and below the knee, and even veins that have previously been treated with less effective procedures.
This method involves injecting a specific microfoam into your problematic veins to alleviate symptoms without the use of heat or tumescent. The foam fills the appropriate part of the vein, causing the sick vein to collapse. Blood flow is then directed to healthier veins nearby.
