If you are experiencing pain, cramping, aching and tiredness in your legs because of varicose veins, it is time for you to see your doctor and ask for possible treatments to help cure this. Varicose veins are considered dangerous if not treated immediately because it could lead to other more serious conditions.
Treatments for varicose veins have come a long way and if you are scared when you hear that the cure for varicose veins includes surgery, you might be surprised that there are other treatments available that are not as terrifying as surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The most sought-after treatment for varicose veins, sclerotherapy involves the injection of sclerosant in the veins affected. Although injections are still scary, sclerotherapy is preferred by patients because the procedure is easy and there is no required recovery period. You could immediately walk the moment you get up from the procedure. But you might be asked to refrain from rigorous activities for a few days.
Although this treatment might not be suitable for those with severe varicose veins and could only be advised for those patients with spider veins. The effectiveness of sclerotherapy is from 50 – 80% although there is a 10% of patients that reported there is no visible result from the treatment. This is because another procedure might be more effective, depending on the severity of the veins.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
From how it is called, this procedure uses laser energy to treat the veins. This treatment would cause the vessel to close due to the heat emitted by the laser energy. A team of qualified practitioners would insert a laser fiber into a catheter and move it towards the affected vein. After the sessions, the vein would shrink and be absorbed by the body.
This procedure is often recommended for patients with deeper veins. There are no reported cases of scarring after the procedure since the incision is only about 1/16 inch long. Bruising is to be expected. The only pain that is to be expected is the prick of needles for the local anesthesia. Patients are also encouraged to take anti-inflammatory drugs the morning of the procedure.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Instead of laser like the endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves. The procedure is similar. A wire catheter is passed along the vein and the radiofrequency energy would heat up the vein wall. It would then contract and like the endovenous laser ablation, the vein would re reabsorbed by the body.
The result would not be visible right after the procedure and might take weeks or months. Patients are required to wear compression stockings after the treatment and a follow up ultrasound is recommended to see if the vein treated closed. Although less painful than surgery, there are still possible side effects such as skin burns, blood clotting and a feeling of prickling and burning.
It might still feel scary to undergo these non-invasive treatments because of the side effects and the pain that could be felt before, during and after the treatment. But the benefits in the long run is still better. Just make sure that you ask your doctor which procedure is suited for your condition.