Treatment is available if you have unsightly, swollen varicose veins in your legs. These varicose vein removal Adelaide treatments can improve symptoms, minimise their appearance and help avoid potential issues like blood clots.
Several factors, including gender, family history and overall health, can cause this condition. Additionally, it could indicate other issues that could lead to more severe illnesses.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings provide an additional ‘squeeze’ to blood flow, helping reduce swelling and pain caused by varicose veins. They may also reduce the risk of skin damage, brown or irritated patches, and venous ulcers.
Compression hoses come in various styles and lengths, from knee-high socks to thigh-high tights or pantyhose. Some feature grippers or bands for a secure fit, while others feature zippered closures. Your doctor will determine which compression sock best meets your needs.
Your varicose vein removal Adelaide doctor can assist in selecting the appropriate size, length and power of compression for your varicose veins. They also know how to fit them properly on your legs, making them comfortable and practical.
Thigh-high stockings may be recommended if your varicose veins are on your thighs. They’re easier to put on than knee-high socks and may provide more comfort as the band or gripper applies direct pressure directly onto bulging veins.
When putting on your stockings, use rubber gloves to keep them from sliding off as you slide them on. If you wear jewellery, remove it before slipping it on, as this could snag the sock and cause irritation or chafing.
Once your stockings are on, you can go about your day usually; however, take them off before going to bed or taking a bath. Doing this gives your veins space to breathe and prevents blood vessels from becoming clogged again, which could further damage arteries in your legs.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical solution to varicose veins and spider veins that requires no surgery and has few side effects for most patients.
Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure where your doctor injects a unique solution into varicose veins to cause them to collapse and fade away from sight. It’s painless and can be done at your doctor’s office or home.
Sclerotherapy chemical breaks down the endothelium in veins, blocking blood flow and causing them to close. This treatment is effective for 75-90% of people with large or smaller varicose veins; however, some individuals may require multiple sessions to completely get rid of their veins.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a type of medical imaging that helps doctors assess your vein health and identify varicosities. It also monitors healing after varicose vein treatment, helping them determine your most suitable vein care plan.
Ultrasound exams involve using a transducer, an instrument like a wand that projects internal images of your body. These pictures demonstrate blood flow quality and help your doctor diagnose venous insufficiency (the underlying cause of varicose veins).
Your healthcare provider will apply a clear gel on the area being studied. The technologist then uses a transducer to gently glide over your body, creating images highlighting the condition of your veins and valves.
A radiologist trained to supervise radiology exams will review the images and send them to your physician for analysis. Your healthcare provider will then interpret this data and communicate it to you.
Sclerotherapy is an injection that sticks to the wall of your varicose vein and encourages it to close. Your vein specialist may recommend this approach if EVLA or VenaSeal procedures are insufficient for your condition.
Surgery
Surgical varicose vein treatment may be an option for people with severe varicose veins who cannot manage their condition through other therapies. However, before recommending surgery, your doctor will discuss all relevant details, such as symptoms, health status, etc.
Varicose veins occur when the valves inside your legs’ blood vessels fail to function correctly. These valves are supposed to keep blood flowing in one direction, towards your heart, but when they become weak, they cannot stop blood from flowing in the opposite direction (reflux). This backward flow of blood is what causes varicose veins to form.
Refluxing varicose veins are common, particularly among overweight or obese individuals. In addition, the extra pressure placed on your legs can weaken and malfunction the valves, and during pregnancy, the growing fetus also puts additional strain on these sensitive areas.