Varicose veins, also known as spider veins or reticular varicosities, are a common condition in Weston, Florida, that can be bothersome and embarrassing. They may occur in the legs, but they can also appear in other parts of the body. Valves cause varicose veins in your veins that have become weak or damaged and allow blood to pool in certain areas of your leg. The valves typically weaken with age. Fortunately, centers for varicose veins in Weston, FL, offer treatments to help control swelling and improve circulation. Here are the main ones.
Compression Stockings
Transparent, tight garments encase your legs from the thigh to the ankle are known as compression stockings or compression hosiery. Compression stockings can improve blood flow and break up blood clots.
They’re typically worn during the day but can be worn at night as well. They should fit snugly around your leg but shouldn’t constrict your feet, ankles, or toes. Elastic compression bands around the ankles and tops of the stockings may be needed to hold them in place.
Sclerotherapy
This injection therapy involves injecting a solution, such as polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate, into the vein using X-ray guidance. The solution causes the damaged vein to collapse and fade away over time. Side effects can include temporary bruising or pain at the injection site. You may need more than one sclerotherapy session to completely get rid of the veins.
Surgery
Vein stripping removes varicose veins using surgery. During this procedure, a thin stick is inserted into the tiny incisions made in your legs that will help guide the surgeon’s tools. A wire loop called avascular stripper slides along these incisions to pull out diseased veins while preserving normal veins.
Veins are usually removed in several small pieces rather than all at once. Vein stripping is often done under local anesthesia, but sedatives and pain medicines may be needed for comfort during the procedure. Varicose veins may not go entirely away after treatment, but the symptoms generally improve to make them tolerable.
Endovenous Ablation
Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive technique that uses heat to close off varicose veins. Your doctor will insert a catheter into the affected vein and then deliver controlled amounts of radiofrequency or infrared energy to destroy the diseased vein. The procedure reduces pain associated with varicose veins, but it doesn’t treat spider veins. Recovery is generally quick, with most patients being able to return home on the procedure day.
Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding standing for long periods will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking can affect your circulation by causing blood vessels to become inflamed and restricting blood flow throughout your body.
Avoiding alcohol may also be helpful since it can cause blood vessels to expand, slowing blood flow. Alcohol can also make your veins dilate, leading to varicose veins.
If you’re overweight or obese, losing pounds will help improve circulation and ease the symptoms of varicose veins. Dieting is significant if your BMI is greater than 30 kg/m2.
Varicose veins can be treated with a variety of methods. However, you should consult your doctor before picking one to ensure it’s the best fit for you and your particular symptoms. For example, compression stockings may help if you have swelling in your legs or ankles that cause discomfort when standing. Sclerotherapy is another option. Endovenous ablation also has its benefits because it might not need any incisions or stitches and reduce pain from varicose veins.
