Varicose veins are a dangerous disease that carries 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, improve the appearance of the lower extremities.
A doctor may recommend dieting and weight loss if varicose veins in the legs do not cause many symptoms. When serious signs of varicose veins appear on the legs, therapeutic and surgical treatment is prescribed.
Compression jersey
Compression stockings for varicose veins have a beneficial effect on the pressure on the veins.
Types of compression stockings for varicose veins:
- Support tights. Have the least pressure on the veins. They are securely attached to the leg and do not slide. Compression is evenly distributed.
- Knee high socks. It can be worn by both men and women. The compression is evenly distributed in the lower part of the limb.
- Elastic bandage.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 for spider veins and varicose veins. The doctor uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into a vein. The chemical agent causes the walls of the veins to swell, they stick together and 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 the doctor's office. You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Varicose veins treatment is usually done every 4-6 weeks. Compression stockings may be worn after sclerotherapy to facilitate healing and reduce swelling. This procedure is very effective when done correctly.
Possible complications after sclerotherapy:
- Burning red areas of the skin, bruising at the injection site. Spots with brown outlines or groups of small red blood vessels around the treated vein.
- Blood clots that enter the vein and cause inflammation. This is not dangerous. Swelling can be alleviated by applying heat and taking acetylsalicylic acid. The doctor can remove the blood clots with a small needle during a follow-up visit.
All complications, as a rule, disappear shortly after the treatment.
There is ultrasound sclerotherapy of varicose veins (or echo sclerotherapy). This method is used in ultrasound imaging to ensure correct needle insertion. It can be useful in treating lower extremity veins that may not be visible on the surface of the skin.
Possible side effects: skin ulcers, swelling or deep vein thrombosis (potentially dangerous blood clot).
Laser
In some cases, laser can effectively treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Laser treatment for varicose veins on the legs sends very strong flashes of light through the skin to the veins. No needles or cuts are used, but the heat from the laser can be quite painful. Cooling helps reduce pain.
Laser treatment of varicose veins on the legs lasts from 15 to 20 minutes. It usually takes 2 to 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 varicose veins of the legs 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 of the skin immediately after the treatment, which disappears within a few days.
- On fair skin, 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 for most patients with severe varicose veins.
The doctor places a very small tube, called a catheter, into a vein. A small probe is placed through the tube. The device on the tip of the probe heats the inside of the vein and seals it. The device uses radiofrequency or laser energy to close the vein. This procedure can only be performed with local anesthesia.
Healthy veins around the closed one take over normal blood flow. Symptoms of varicose veins are improving.
Operation
Surgery is primarily used to treat very large varicose veins.
Types of surgery for varicose veins include:
Surgical intervention. In this treatment, problematic veins are completely removed from the leg through small cuts in the skin. Removal of the vein does not affect blood circulation in the lower extremity. This surgery requires general anesthesia and must be performed in an operating room. Restoration of veins after surgery lasts from 1 to 4 weeks. This type of surgery is generally safe. Leg pain is the most common side effect. Other possible problems include:
- Breathing problems due to anesthesia.
- Heavy bleeding and pooling of blood.
- Wound infection, inflammation, swelling and redness.
- Damage to the nerve tissue around the treated vein. This damage can cause numbness, burning, or changes in sensation around the scar.
- Formation of blood clots. These clots can travel to the lungs and heart. Anticoagulant medications can be used to reduce the likelihood of these dangerous blood clots forming. But it can also cause bleeding.
Removing a PIN. In this treatment, an instrument called a PIN stripper is inserted into the vein. The tip of the PIN puller is sewn to the end of the vein, and when removed, the vein is pulled. This procedure can be performed in the operating room or in the outpatient clinic.
Phlebectomy procedure.In phlebectomy, small incisions are made in the skin and hooks are used to pull varicose veins out of the legs. Patients can return to normal activities the day after treatment. Possible side effects include minor bruising and temporary numbness.
Prevention
To prevent the appearance of the first signs of varicose veins - spider veins on the legs, there are many effective preventive measures:
- Exercise regularly to improve muscle tone, circulation and vein elasticity. Perform special exercises for blood vessels and regularly engage in therapeutic walking or jogging.
- Control your weight to avoid putting too much pressure on your lower extremities.
- Do not cross your legs for long periods of time when sitting.
- Try to avoid injuries that can increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Elevate your legs while resting as much as possible.
- 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, it is necessary to get up and move a little or take a walk.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that narrows your waist or puts pressure on your groin and legs.
- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time.
- Eat healthy foods rich in fiber. Eating fiber reduces the likelihood of constipation, which can contribute to varicose veins. The diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and bran. A salt-free diet will help prevent the swelling that leads to varicose veins.
Modern treatments for varicose veins and spider veins on the legs have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical procedures. Ongoing treatment and prevention can help keep this problem under control.