Varicose veins are a prevalent problem for many people. They can range from mild cases up to those requiring surgery. It is also a condition that affects both men and women, but there are more occurrences in females. When you look at how varicose veins form, you will find that they happen due to the breakdown of valves in your veins.
Varicose veins do not cause any severe health risks, but they can sometimes be a symptom of something more severe in your body, such as heart disease or liver disease. If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, and redness in the area, then you should consider seeking medical attention from a specialist in varicose veins in Port Saint Lucie. When seeking treatment, many people prefer non-invasive options due to the many benefits that come with them. Here, we look at the different non-invasive treatments for varicose veins. Read on for more.
- Sclerotherapy
It is a procedure that uses an injected solution to close off the vein. The solution causes inflammation which causes the veins to shrink and eventually disappear. Sclerotherapy is a great way to get rid of the veins causing problems. The procedure is done in your GP’s office and only takes about twenty minutes for each leg. Sclerotherapy can have some side effects, such as swelling, bruising, or skin irritation, so you need to discuss this with your doctor before giving it a go.
- Radiofrequency Ablation
This procedure requires a local anesthetic and is done with a needle. The needle is inserted under X-ray guidance and used to heat the vein until it becomes scarred and closed off. Radiofrequency ablation prevents blood flow through that area of your body, reducing any symptoms you experience, such as pain or fatigue in the legs. It takes about thirty minutes to perform the treatment, and after that, you should be able to return home. You can expect some bruising, swelling, or redness in the treated areas, but this should only last for a few days after.
- Endovenous Laser Ablation
This procedure is similar to radiofrequency ablation, but it involves using an energy device that emits light. The laser energy is used to heat up and close off the varicose vein. After this, your leg should return to normal, and there will be no more pain or swelling in your legs. Like with RFA, you might experience some bruising, swelling, or redness in the area after the procedure, but this should be gone within a couple of days.
- Phlebectomy
Finally, we have this procedure. It is considered very effective at treating varicose veins and won’t leave you with any noticeable scars. This procedure requires surgery, so it is not used on everyone who has varicose veins. While the outcomes are often good, some risks are involved, such as blood clots or infection. It is advised to have a serious chat about this with your doctor before going ahead and getting it done.
To summarize, varicose veins can be pretty unsightly, which is why many people seek non-invasive treatments that do not leave them with any scars. Common non-invasive treatments for varicose veins include sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and endovenous laser ablation.
