If you notice large veins on the legs and ankles, you may have varicose veins. Fortunately, this condition can be treated easily. Lifestyle changes can help, and many treatments are non-invasive. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you experience any complications. Listed below are some of the best treatments for varicose veins. Read on to find out more about the most popular procedures. Listed below are the most common varicose vein treatments.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant solution into the problem vein. The injection takes about an hour to complete, and it can treat more than one vein at a time. The treatment will fade the affected vein after a few weeks. After treatment, stronger veins take the place of the damaged vein. This method will typically require several sessions, so if your doctor recommends it, you may want to schedule a second appointment to have the procedure repeated.
If you do not want to go under the knife, there are other methods of removing varicose veins. Endovenous thermal ablation is a great option if you are concerned about the risks of surgical treatment. The procedure uses ultrasound guidance to place radio waves or laser heat inside the affected vein. This procedure will close off the affected vein and does not harm nearby tissue. The treated vein will fade away within a few months, and often eliminates many smaller varicose veins as well. The entire procedure takes about 40 minutes and can be performed on patients with minimal discomfort.
Although a simple treatment for varicose veins may work for some, the more serious ones require more aggressive treatments. For example, radiofrequency ablation is more effective for larger varicose veins. This type of treatment uses radiofrequency energy to seal the vein shut. It’s an invasive procedure, and will require a general anesthetic. While a doctor’s appointment can be an expensive procedure, it can help you avoid the discomfort that comes with the condition.
