Vein Care Treatments

Venous diseases, such as varicose veins and spider veins, are caused when the walls of a blood vessel weaken. As a result, the vein becomes enlarged and twisted, leading to pain, swelling, tenderness and discoloration. There are a variety of vein treatments available, such as Center for Advanced Vein Care depending on the cause and severity of the vein problem.

A simple at-home care routine is one of the most effective ways to treat and prevent varicose and spider veins long-term. Wearing medical-grade compression stockings during prolonged periods of sitting or standing, like travel, desk work and hospitality jobs can dramatically reduce symptoms. Regularly exercising, especially using a stair-stepper or walking machine and eating a well-balanced diet can also be helpful. It's important to avoid tight clothing around the waistline and legs, as it can restrict blood flow and lead to venous disease over time.

Varicose veins, which are raised above the surface of the skin and appear swollen, dark and twisted, usually form when the weakened wall of the vein can no longer keep blood flowing in the right direction. Symptoms include pain, tenderness and swelling of the leg. Varicose veins can also lead to more serious health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most often in the leg.

Treatment for varicose veins can involve several methods depending on the cause and severity of the problem, and the type of venous disease. Some of the most common procedures include:

RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)

During this minimally invasive procedure, your doctor will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. A specialized catheter is then inserted into the problematic vein through a small incision. This catheter delivers radiofrequency energy, which causes the inside of the vein to heat up and seal itself. Over time, the problem vein will collapse and eventually be naturally reabsorbed by your body.

Sclerotherapy

During a sclerotherapy session, a medical-grade chemical is injected into the problem vein. The sclerosant is a foam or liquid solution that closes the varicose or spider vein. Sclerotherapy is usually performed in the doctor's office and is used to treat smaller varicose veins or spider veins that are too twisted to be treated with RFA. The procedure is very safe and effective. Side effects of sclerotherapy may include mild stinging, redness and bruising.

Other treatments for varicose and spider veins include phlebectomy, which involves inserting a needle into the affected vein to remove the weakened tissue. Another option is endothermal ablation, which is a non-invasive method that uses heat to destroy the affected vein. Another treatment is the new VenaSeal procedure, which uses a special medical adhesive to close varicose veins and divert blood to healthy veins.

Natural supplements can also help reduce symptoms of venous diseases and improve blood circulation, including butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus), cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) and horse chestnut extract (Aesculus hippocastanum L). Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial to healthy veins.