Varicose veins are one of the most common vein diseases of the legs. In industrialized countries like the United States, over 30 percent of women and over 10 percent of men have sought medical help for this vein condition.
Often characterized by mild swelling of the ankles and feet, throbbing or cramping in the legs, and painful or “heavy” legs, varicose veins can lead to more serious problems when left untreated. Some of the possible complications of varicose veins include skin discoloration, dermatitis, eczema, phlebitis (vein inflammation), leg ulcerations, and chronic edema (swelling).
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Premier Surgical Vein Clinics in Knoxville offers different non-surgical treatment options for varicose veins. These include; ambulatory phlebectomy, endovenous laser therapy, and radiofrequency ablation.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure that eliminates the superficial veins via a small incision on the skin. Using local anesthesia, tiny skin incisions are made using a surgical blade. The veins are then grasped and removed using a small hook-like instrument.
This is an outpatient surgery which means patients can go home after the procedure. There may be temporary bruising and swelling on the skin, but patients can carry on normal daily activities after the procedure.
Endovenous Laser Therapy
Endovenous laser therapy is a minimally invasive and ultrasound-guided procedure. Applying a highly-concentrated beam of light on the targeted tissue, this therapy is quickly becoming the gold standard for varicose vein treatment.
Before laser is carefully delivered on the affected site, a thin fiber is inserted into the damaged vein. This fiber is where the laser light is emitted through. The application of laser light causes the diseased vein to close. The vein shrinks and blood is then automatically routed to other healthy veins.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is another minimally invasive procedure for varicose veins. Guided by ultrasound, a thin fiber is inserted into the vein through a small skin incision. The vein is numbed before the fiber is activated.
Radiofrequency energy is released from the tip of the fiber, creating a thermal reaction in the vein wall. It leads to collapse and sclerosis of the vein wall without causing pain on the patient.
If you have varicose veins and are considering treatment, contact the experts at Premier Surgical Vein Clinics in Knoxville today. We can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment option for you. Stop living in pain: get your life AND your legs back!
Call 865-588-8229 or go online to request a free vein screening today!