Living with varicose veins can be uncomfortable. It can affect your quality of life.

But, the advancements in medical technology offer promising solutions to reduce your varicose veins. Are you suffering from varicose veins?

Looking for effective treatment options for your varicose veins? Facing difficulty in choosing which method is best for you? Well, Mykare Health is here to help you.

In this blog, we will be discussing the best available treatment options for varicose veins. We will help you find the right solution.

What are Varicose Veins?

These are enlarged, twisted veins that can happen anywhere in the body. These are most commonly in legs. These are not considered as a serious medical condition but can be uncomfortable and lead to more serious problems.

What Causes Them ?

Varicose Veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. These are more common in some families. They are inherited for some people.

Factors that increase pressure of the veins include:

• Overweight or obesity
• Older age
• Being inactive
• Leg injury
• Smoking
• Taking oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement

Know More About Varicose Veins Treatment

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

Now let's go through some of the best treatment options available for Varicose Veins.

For a while, there was only one method to remove Varicose Veins. It was surgery which involved removal of the problem area of the veins and tying off the ends which is known as vein stripping.

But nowadays, there are various treatment options available. Let’s have a look at some of them.

Sclerotherapy

In this method, a special solution is injected into the affected area which will result in a biochemical reaction. As a result of the reaction, the vein will instantly collapse and will harden. This is known as sclerosis and the vein will fade away after some months.

Advantages

• Very quick, typically 15 minutes.
• Minimal to no discomfort or pain.
• Safe for all skin types.
• No restriction on physical activity following treatment.
• Bruising and swelling are minor and short-lived.
• Can treat larger veins as well.

Disadvantages

• Full results can take up to six months to appear.
• You might need multiple treatments for optimal results.
• If not properly performed, it could cause more veins to appear.
• Temporary redness, mild itching or burning in the treatment area.
• If saline is used in solution, some find the treatment uncomfortable.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

Similar to Sclerotherapy, this method also involves injecting a solution to the affected area .

But in this method, an ultrasound is used to correctly place the injecting needle into the affected area which will help the solution to directly enter the area where it needs to go.

This is more successful and has opened new dimensions for varicose vein treatment.

Advantages

• Minimal discomfort.
• No restrictions in physical activity after treatment.
• No need to be admitted to the hospital.

Disadvantages

• Each leg is usually treated separately.
• There is a limit to the dose of solution that can be safely given at a session.
• Multiple treatment sessions may be required.
• Approximately 10-15% of patients require two sessions and less than 5% of patients require more.
• Injected veins may remain inflamed for several weeks and it takes time for this to resolve.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

This is an effective alternative to surgical vein stripping. This is a simple process which is performed under local anesthetic which uses ultrasound guidance to place a laser fiber inside the problem area.

The activation of laser fiber damages the interior wall of the vein which results in vein collapse.This vein will fade away after some months and will not leave any scars.

Advantages

• Having an extremely high success rate
• Has a very low recurrence rate
• Relatively painless
• Safe for all skin types

Disadvantages

• Mild bruising and aches may occur in the first-week post-treatment.
• Not a single step process as it requires multiple steps.
• There can be a small risk of damaging nerves or tissue.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

This is very similar to EVLA or Endovenous Laser Ablation. This involves heating the veins from within. It is also performed under local anesthetic without any scars.

There is less discomfort as heating is done gently with electromagnetic waves rather than laser energy.

Advantages

• Safe and effective
• Minimal preparation for the treatment.
• No restrictions in physical activities after treatment.

Disadvantages

• Bruises and aches in the first week after treatment.
• Numbness or tingling below the knee.

VenaSeal Medical Adhesive Glue

This is the latest innovation in vein treatment and here there is no heat treatment or biochemical reaction.

This method rapidly and permanently glues the vein shut which completely seals it. This results in a permanent hardening process along the length of the vein. This is considered as having a better long term outcome.

Advantages

• Multiple veins can be treated in one session.
• Less risk of complications compared to EVLA or surgery.
• Immediate return to all normal activities.

Disadvantages

• Not recommended for use on all veins.
• Possibility of mild to moderate discomfort for 1-2 weeks following treatment.
• Temporary skin numbness if inflammation affects surrounding nerves.
• May cause allergies to some people.

Microphlebectomy

Special tools are inserted through small cuts called incisions which are used to remove varicose veins. This can also be done with vein stripping or alone as well.

Advantages

• Vein removal without surgery, stitches or hospitalization.
• Incisions completely heal within two weeks.
• Non-invasive and pain free.

Disadvantages

• The tiny incisions could result in minimal scarring.
• Bruising around the treatment site.
• Allergic reactions may also happen.

Elevation of the legs

In this method, you are instructed to elevate your feet above the level of your heart 3 or 4 times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. If it is necessary for you to sit or stand for a long period of time , then bending legs occasionally will help blood circulation continue.

Mild to moderate varicose veins can be treated in this method which helps in reducing swelling of legs and reducing other symptoms.

Advantages

• Help to reduce vein conditions which cause discomfort.
• Helpful in reducing pain caused by leg injuries.

Disadvantages

• Can sometimes cause muscles in your calves and feet to become tense, leading to cramping or discomfort.

Compression stockings

These are elastic stockings which squeeze the veins and prevent blood from pooling. These are very effective if they are worn everyday.

Advantages

• Help prevent the leg from swelling .
• Avoid health problems like blood clots , varicose veins which are both larger and smaller.

Disadvantages

• Can cause pain or cut off blood circulation if stockings are of incorrect size.
• Pressure can also cause minor bruising or skin ulcers.
• Tightly fitting stockings can cause dry skin, redness and itching.

Varithena

This is an FDA approved non-surgical treatment for both larger and smaller varicose veins. This is similar to Sclerotherapy and a painless process which involves a small needle via a small injection.

During the treatment, the affected area is injected with prescription liquid, the foam fills a section of the vein and causes the vein to collapse. As the vein disappears, the body sends the blood flow through nearby healthier veins.

Advantages

• No incision or heat.
• Effective in treating bigger and smaller veins.
• In most cases, it requires only one treatment.
• Improved blood flow to and from your legs to your heart.
• There’s no risk of damaging nerves or tissue.
• Very less chances of appearance of new varicose veins.

Disadvantages

• Injection site bruising, pain, tenderness, or itching.
• Repeat treatment might be required if the vein is very large and doesn’t fully collapse.
• Risk of allergic reaction to some people such as rash, headache, swelling of hands , face or mouth.
• Risk of blood clots and ulcers in some high-risk patients.

Now that you’re aware of the latest treating techniques and their advantages and disadvantages, we hope you make an informed decision about which treatment to go forward with.