Varicose veins are a dangerous disease that brings with it many pathological processes. Treatment of varicose veins in the legs begins with lifestyle changes and medical procedures. They can: alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, prevent complications, and improve the appearance of the lower limbs.
Your doctor may recommend dieting and weight loss if varicose veins in your legs do not cause many symptoms. If there are severe signs of varicose veins on the legs, therapeutic and surgical treatment is prescribed.
Compression shirt
Compression stockings with varicose veins have a beneficial effect on the pressure on the veins.
Types of compression stockings for varicose veins:
- Support tights. There should be the least pressure on the veins. They are securely fixed on the foot and do not slip. Compression is evenly distributed.
- To kneel. Both men and women can wear it. The compression is evenly distributed in the lower part of the limb.
- Flexible binding.The compression is unevenly distributed, so the pressure on the vein can be strong or weak. However, many people use this type of therapeutic knitwear because it is affordable.
Sclerotherapy
Leg vein sclerotherapy is the most common treatment method for spider veins and varicose veins. The doctor uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into the vein. As a result of the chemical substance, the walls of the veins swell, stick together, and the seals close. This stops blood flow and the vein turns into scar tissue. After a few weeks, the varicose veins should disappear. This procedure does not require anesthesia and can be performed in a doctor's office. You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
The treatment of varicose veins of the legs is usually carried out every 4-6 weeks. After sclerotherapy, compression stockings may be worn to aid healing and reduce swelling. This procedure is very effective if done correctly.
Possible complications after sclerotherapy:
- Burning red skin areas, bruising at the injection site. Brown outlined spots or clusters of small red blood vessels around the treated vein.
- Blood clots that enter the vein and cause inflammation. It's not dangerous. Swelling can be alleviated by heat treatment and taking acetylsalicylic acid. During a follow-up examination, the doctor can remove the blood clots with a small puncture.
Usually, all complications disappear soon after treatment.
There is ultrasound sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins (or echo sclerotherapy). This method is used in ultrasound imaging to ensure correct needle insertion. It can be useful for treating veins in the lower extremities that may not be visible on the surface of the skin.
Possible side effects: skin ulcers, swelling or deep vein thrombosis (a potentially dangerous blood clot).
Laser
In some cases, the laser can effectively treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Laser treatment of leg veins sends very strong bursts of light through the skin into the veins. No needles or incisions are used, but the heat from the laser can be quite painful. Cooling helps reduce pain.
Laser treatment of leg veins takes 15-20 minutes. It usually takes 2-5 treatments to get rid of spider veins on the legs. You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Laser coagulation is not an effective method for leg varicose veins larger than 3 mm.
Contraindications: Not all skin types can be safely treated with lasers.
Possible side effects after laser treatment of varicose veins:
- Redness or swelling immediately after the treatment, which disappears within a few days.
- On fair skin, the side effects disappear within 1-2 months.
- Burns and scars from poorly performed laser surgery, although this is rare.
Subcutaneous methods
Subcutaneous techniques have replaced surgery in most patients with severe varicose veins.
The doctor inserts a very small tube called a catheter into the vein. A small probe is placed through the tube. The device at the end of the probe heats the inside of the vein and seals it. The device uses radio frequency or laser energy to close the vein. This procedure can only be performed under local anesthesia.
Normal blood flow is taken over by healthy veins around the closed veins. Symptoms of varicose veins improve.
Operation
Surgery is mainly used to treat very large varicose veins.
Varicose vein surgery types include:
Surgical intervention. In this treatment, problematic veins can be completely removed from the leg through small skin incisions. Removal of the vein does not affect the blood circulation of the lower limb. This surgery requires general anesthesia and must be performed in an operating room. Restoration of the veins takes 1-4 weeks after surgery. This type of surgery is generally safe. Leg pain is the most common side effect. Other potential problems include:
- Breathing problems due to anesthesia.
- Severe bleeding and blood collection.
- Wound infection, inflammation, swelling and redness.
- Damage to the nerve tissue around the treated vein. This damage can cause numbness, burning, or a change in sensation around the scar.
- Formation of blood clots. These blood clots can travel to the lungs and heart. Anticoagulant medication may be used to reduce the likelihood of developing dangerous blood clots. But it can also cause bleeding.
Remove PIN. In this treatment, a PIN removal device is inserted into the vein. The tip of the PIN puller is sutured to the end of the vein, and when it is removed, the vein is pulled out. This procedure can be performed in an operating room or in an outpatient center.
Phlebectomy procedure.During a phlebectomy, small incisions are made in the skin and hooks are used to remove the varicose veins from the leg. Patients can return to their normal activities the day after treatment. Possible side effects include minor bruising and temporary numbness.
Prevention
In order to prevent the appearance of the first signs of varicose veins - spider veins on the legs - there are several effective preventive measures:
- Exercise regularly to improve muscle tone, circulation and vein flexibility. Do special exercises for the blood vessels and regularly participate in therapeutic walking or running.
- Control your weight so you don't put too much pressure on your lower limbs.
- Do not cross your legs while sitting for long periods of time.
- Try to avoid injuries that can increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Elevate your legs as much as possible while resting.
- Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. If you have to stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. After sitting for a long time, you should get up and move around a bit or take a walk.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that constricts the waist or puts pressure on the groin and legs.
- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time.
- Eat healthy, fiber-rich foods. Consuming fiber reduces the likelihood of constipation, which can contribute to the development of varicose veins. The diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and bran. A salt-free diet helps prevent swelling leading to varicose veins.
The modern treatment rate of varicose and spider veins on the legs is very high compared to traditional surgical procedures. Ongoing treatment and prevention can help control the problem.