One of the first signs many patients with varicose veins notice is the ropy, twisted bulges in their legs. The blueish bulges form when one-way valves in the veins fail to keep blood from pooling in the vein, which causes the vein to swell. The increased pressure in the veins may cause pain, throbbing, a heavy ache, or leg swelling.
Fortunately, at Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville, we know that the treatment for varicose veins no longer means an overnight hospital stay or an extended recovery process. With a number of minimally invasive treatments to choose from, the procedures can now be performed in office in about an hour and require little to no downtime. Read on to learn about the most common treatment options for bulging varicose veins in the legs.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are one of your first lines of defense against varicose veins for both men and women. Lightweight graduated compression hosiery has been proven to reduce symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, fatigue and aching. Compression stockings work by applying pressure on your veins with the tightest compression around your ankles and gradually reducing tension up your legs all the way to your thigh. The purpose is to assist in directing blood flow from your feet back up your legs to your heart and avoid pooling of blood in the veins. You can purchase compression stockings at a medical supply store, drug store or online, but it is helpful to talk with a physician first about your specific needs so you are wearing them appropriately. They are available in two lengths, knee and thigh, and come in three degrees of compression.
In Office Procedures
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is a minimally-invasive treatment best suited for larger varicose veins. Through a small puncture in the leg, a tiny optic fiber laser is inserted through a needle into the diseased vein. Laser heat is then used to close of the vein, allowing blood to be naturally rerouted to other healthy veins within the leg.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive approach in which a tiny catheter is inserted through a small incision below the knee and guided by ultrasound imaging to treat a diseased vein with short bursts of radiofrequency energy. As the physician slowly removes the catheter, each segment of the vein is treated until the entire length of the diseased vein has been sealed. As with EVLT, blood is then naturally re-routed to healthy veins.
An Ambulatory Phlebectomy procedure is designed for larger diseased veins to relieve physical pain and discomfort as well as the appearance of bulging veins. Ambulatory Phlebectomy is often done in conjunction with RFA or EVLT and requires the insertion of a phlebectomy hook through a small puncture like incision, allowing for the removal of the vein in sections.
There are many options for the treatment of diseased veins and your best bet depends on the severity of your condition, your preference, and desired outcomes. The most important aspect to consider is that you don’t need to put up with the discomfort your varicose veins are causing.
If you are concerned about developing varicose veins, or are suffering from pain or swelling in your legs, it may be time to do something about it. Schedule a consultation with one of the local board certified vascular surgeons at Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville to discuss your options for keeping your legs healthy and free of varicose veins.