Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins that mostly appear blue or purple. They occur if the valves in your veins become faulty or damaged. The damage to vein valves makes blood flow in the wrong direction or pool in your veins, causing varicose veins. Varicose veins are common, affecting one in four adults in the United States. If you do not mind the unsightly appearance of varicose veins New York on your legs or they do not cause symptoms, you might not need treatment. Sometimes varicose veins cause pain and swelling, requiring medical care. There are many treatment techniques for varicose veins, which include:
Compression stockings
Compression stockings are tight around your ankles and loose farther up your leg. These stockings exact pressure on the varicose veins and help improve blood circulation. They will encourage correct blood flow against gravity back to your heart. Compression stockings help to ease discomfort and pain and swelling. Sometimes wearing the stocking for a prolonged period can make your skin flaky and dry. Ensure you contact your specialist if you encounter these effects.
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy may involve general or local anesthesia. Your doctor makes an incision around the damaged vein and threads an endoscopic transilluminator attached to a special light under your skin. The light aids the doctor in seeing the veins that need to be removed. Using a suction device, the doctor cuts and eliminates the target vein. You can experience bleeding and bruising after the procedure.
Endovenous laser treatment
Endovenous laser treatment involves your doctor administering a local anesthetic. The doctor will insert a catheter into the affected vein. A laser is then threaded through the catheter and positioned at the top of the damaged vein. The laser delivers short energy that heats your vein and seals it shut. An ultrasound helps your doctor to do the procedure effectively. You may experience a nerve injury that fades within days.
Radiofrequency ablation
With an ultrasound scan, your physician makes a tiny incision above or below your knee. The doctor threads a narrow tube into the affected vein. The doctor then inserts a probe into the tube, which produces radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency energy heats the target vein making its walls collapse, closing and sealing it shut. In most cases, radiofrequency ablation is used to treat large varicose veins.
Surgery
If your varicose veins are large, your doctor may remove them surgically. Your specialist removes the entire damaged varicose vein for complete recovery. The procedure involves general anesthesia. If the operation involves one leg, you can go home on the same day, but if it involves both legs, you may spend one night in your health facility. After the treatment, your doctor will recommend you rest for several days before you resume daily assignments.
In most cases, varicose veins do not cause symptoms, but you will need treatment if symptoms occur or you do not like their appearance. Sometimes untreated varicose veins can lead to a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at Upper East Side Cardiology for varicose treatment to prevent future complications.
