Varicose veins are a dangerous disease that leads to many pathological processes. Treatment for varicose veins in the legs begins with lifestyle changes and medical procedures. They can: relieve the symptoms of varicose veins, prevent complications, improve the appearance of the lower limbs.
The doctor may recommend switching to a diet and losing weight if varicose veins in the legs do not cause many symptoms. When there are serious signs of dilation of the veins in 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 as little pressure on the veins as possible. They are securely fixed on the leg and do not slip. Compression is distributed evenly.
- Socks. Can be worn by both men and women. The compression is distributed evenly in the lower part of the limb.
- Elastic bandage.The compression is unevenly distributed, so the pressure on the vein may be high or low. However, many people use this type of therapeutic knitting 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 the joints close. This stops the flow of blood 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 your normal activities immediately after treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs is usually carried out every 4 to 6 weeks. Compression stockings may be worn after sclerotherapy to aid healing and reduce swelling. This procedure is very effective when done correctly.
Possible complications after sclerotherapy:
- Red, burning areas of skin, bruising where the injection was given. Brown-edged spots or a group of small red blood vessels around the treated vein.
- Blood clots that enter a vein and cause inflammation. It is not dangerous. Swelling can be relieved by applying heat and taking acetylsalicylic acid. The doctor may remove blood clots with a small injection during a follow-up visit.
Typically, all complications disappear shortly after treatment.
There is ultrasound sclerotherapy for varicose veins (or echosclerotherapy). This method is used in ultrasound imaging to ensure correct insertion of the needle. It may 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 (a potentially dangerous blood clot).
Laser
In some cases, the laser can effectively treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Laser treatment for leg varicose veins sends very strong flashes of light through the skin to the veins. No needles or incisions are used, but the heat from the laser can be very painful. Cooling helps reduce pain.
Laser treatment for leg varicose veins lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Typically, 2 to 5 treatments are needed to eliminate spider veins on the legs. You can return to your 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 for varicose veins:
- Redness or swelling of the skin immediately after treatment, which disappears within a few days.
- On fair skin, the side effects disappear in 1 to 2 months.
- Burns and scarring 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 the vein. A small probe is placed in the tube. A device at the end of the probe heats the inside of the vein and closes it. The device uses radiofrequency or laser energy to seal the vein. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia only.
Healthy veins around the closed vein support normal blood flow. The symptoms of varicose veins improve.
Operation
Surgery is mainly used to treat very large varicose veins.
Types of surgery for varicose veins include:
Surgical intervention. In this treatment, problem veins are completely removed from the leg through small incisions in the skin. Removal of a vein does not affect blood circulation in the lower limb. This operation requires general anesthesia and must be performed in the operating room. Restoration of veins after surgery takes 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.
- Severe bleeding and accumulation 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 may be used to reduce the risk of these dangerous blood clots forming. But it can also cause bleeding.
Deleting the PIN. In this treatment, an instrument called a PIN stripper is inserted into a vein. The tip of the PIN puller is sewn to the end of the vein and when pulled out, the vein is removed. This procedure can be performed in the operating room or in an outpatient center.
Phlebectomy procedure.During a phlebectomy, tiny incisions are made in the skin and hooks are used to remove varicose veins in the leg. Patients can return to their 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 elasticity of veins. Perform special exercises for blood vessels and regularly engage in therapeutic walking or running.
- Control your weight to avoid putting too much pressure on your lower limbs.
- Do not cross your legs for long periods while 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 must stand for a long period of time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. After a long period of sitting, you should get up and move around a little or take a short 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, fiber-rich foods. Eating fiber reduces the risk 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 swelling leading to varicose veins.
Modern treatments for varicose and spider veins of the leg have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical procedures. Ongoing treatment and prevention can help keep this problem under control.