If you have veins that are purple or blue in hue and appear twisted, it is likely you suffer from varicose veins. Though varicose veins are usually painless, they can cause some unpleasant symptoms, such as aches and pains in the legs, cramping, and itching. If varicose veins are affecting your quality of life, consider one of these noninvasive treatment options.
1. Make Lifestyle Changes
Changing some of your activities of daily life is an effective way to treat and improve the symptoms of varicose veins.
Try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. It is essential to get up and walk around to keep the blood moving. When sitting or sleeping, try to elevate the feet above your heart.
Don't cross the legs, as this puts pressure on the veins, making them more prevalent and exasperating the symptoms. Physical activity can also help improve varicose veins, as it strengthens the legs and helps the blood stay moving. When your legs are strong, they can move blood through your legs more efficiently.
If you are overweight, try to reach a healthy weight. Doing so helps relieve pressure on your legs.
Wear compression stockings every day. Compression stockings help keep your blood flowing, preventing pooling that contributes to the appearance of varicose veins. You can try over the counter stockings, or you can ask your doctor for medical grade compression stockings. Medical grade compression stockings are custom fit to the leg for optimal support.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a smart treatment alternative for both minor and severe varicose veins. To treat minor varicose veins, a laser is used on the surface of the skin. The laser uses light bursts to eliminate the veins.
For deeper varicose veins, consider laser therapy ablation. During laser therapy ablation, your doctor inserts a catheter through the vein. Laser energy is then sent via the catheter to destroy the varicose vein. Over time, it disappears.
3. Sclerotherapy
During sclerotherapy, your doctor injects your varicose veins with saline. This causes the veins to harden and eventually go away. Sclerotherapy works best for small varicose veins, such as facial veins.
Foam sclerotherapy is an option for larger varicose veins. This procedure uses a foam compound for the injection. Since the foam can expand, it is suitable for larger veins.
If your varicose veins are causing unpleasant symptoms or if you just dislike their appearance, it is important to know that you have multiple options for treatment. These noninvasive treatments are all non-surgical ways to improve the appearance and symptoms associated with varicose veins.
Share13 October 2016
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