Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for leg veins

by Zoe Stiedemann Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Sclerotherapy: This is the most common treatment for leg veins. Over the years, dermatologists have improved sclerotherapy to make it safer and give patients better results. Today, dermatologists use it to treat spider and small varicose veins.

How do you remove veins from your legs?

How dermatologists treat leg veins Self-care: . Your dermatologist can give you tips to improve your circulation. ... Sit for long periods? ... Stand for... Compression stockings: . These stockings apply steady pressure to help move the blood back to your heart. The steady... Sclerotherapy: . …

What is the best treatment for veins?

Apr 01, 2011 · The older, surgical treatment for varicose veins was "stripping" — removing leg veins through incisions under general anesthesia. Surgery has been largely replaced by less invasive options that include injections, laser, and radiofrequency energy.

How to get rid of veins in the legs?

Apr 02, 2019 · The only way to treat vein disease in legs is through medical approaches. The following are the most effective minimally-invasive non-surgical treatments for vein disease. VenaSeal. VenaSeal is a medical adhesive (vein glue) that is used to close the affected veins in the legs and re-route the blood to healthier veins. This method has a 99% success rate, is …

How can vein treatments help manage restless leg syndrome?

Jan 28, 2022 · Here are some ways to support healthy vein function: Exercise Regularly: Leg and foot muscles aid in squeezing blood towards the heart. Getting in at least 30 minutes of cardio every day will help support circulation. Elevate Your Legs: Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods of time. If you have to, stretch your legs once every 10 minutes or elevate your legs to …

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How do I get the veins in my legs to go away?

Lifestyle and home remedies for varicose veins include:
  1. Exercise. Get moving. ...
  2. Manage weight. Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off the veins.
  3. Avoid salt. ...
  4. Choose proper footwear. ...
  5. Avoid tight clothing. ...
  6. Raise the legs. ...
  7. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing.
Mar 3, 2022

How do you get rid of leg veins naturally?

Ten home treatments for varicose veins
  1. Exercise. ...
  2. Compression stockings. ...
  3. Plant extracts. ...
  4. Dietary changes. ...
  5. Eat more flavonoids. ...
  6. Herbal remedies. ...
  7. Choose non-restrictive clothing. ...
  8. Keep the legs elevated.

What is the best non surgical treatment for varicose vein?

Varicose vein - noninvasive treatment
  • Sclerotherapy works best for spider veins. These are small varicose veins.
  • Laser treatment can be used on the surface of the skin. Small bursts of light make small varicose veins disappear.
  • Phlebectomy treats surface varicose veins. ...
  • Ablation uses intense heat to treat the vein.
Jan 28, 2021

What is the most effective treatment for varicose veins?

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is one of the top recommended treatments for large varicose veins. Also known as Endovenous Laser Ablation, EVLT is commonly used to treat varicose veins for cosmetic reasons.

Why do I have varicose veins in only one leg?

Healthcare professionals are uncertain why varicose veins only happen on one side of the body. Some believe it could be because you experienced an injury to that side of the body which caused damage to the veins or the valves of the veins. Others believe it is just a natural part of having varicose veins.Dec 4, 2018

How can I stop varicose veins from progressing?

How to Prevent Varicose Veins from Getting Worse
  1. Exercise regularly. Your leg muscles are your biggest allies. ...
  2. Lose weight if you're overweight. ...
  3. Avoid standing or sitting for a long time. ...
  4. Don't wear tight-fitting clothes. ...
  5. Be sure to put your feet up. ...
  6. Wear support pantyhose. ...
  7. Invest in a compression hose.
Jul 17, 2019

What cream is good for varicose veins?

Topical arnica comes in cream (or gel ointment) that can be applied to the skin overlying inflamed or painful varicose veins.

What is the newest treatment for varicose veins?

One of the new advances in the treatment of varicose veins is the use of adhesives to close off leaky veins. This procedure is called VenaSeal, which the FDA approved in 2015. The surgeons at INOVIA® participated in the study that evaluated this procedure for FDA approval.

What is the least painful treatment for varicose veins?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment, known as Closurefast, uses a specialized catheter to direct gentle heat into the interior of the diseased vein causing the varicose veins after a local anesthetic.

What is the safest treatment for varicose veins?

VenaSeal. VenaSeal, one of the newest varicose vein removal treatments available, is a proprietary adhesive used to close troublesome superficial veins. It is an FDA-approved and medical grade product designed to be gentle, flexible, and harmless.Nov 12, 2021

Is walking good for varicose veins?

Walking is especially good for people who suffer from varicose veins, due to the fact that walking is a very low-impact workout. There is no jarring or pounding of your legs — just a simple movement that helps strengthen your calf muscles without straining your body.

Is it worth getting varicose veins removed?

Surgery can very effectively relieve varicose vein symptoms: In more than 80% of people who have varicose vein surgery, it improves symptoms like pain, swelling and itching or makes them go away completely, and their legs look better afterwards.Feb 20, 2008

What is the treatment for varicose veins?

If you don't respond to self-care or compression stockings, or if your condition is more severe, your doctor may suggest one of these varicose vein treatments: Sclerotherapy. In this procedure, your doctor injects small- and medium-sized varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes those veins.

Can you get treatment for varicose veins outpatient?

Thanks to less invasive procedures, varicose veins can generally be treated on an outpatient basis. Ask your doctor if insurance will cover any of the cost of your treatment. If done for purely cosmetic reasons, you'll likely have to pay for the treatment of varicose veins yourself.

How to diagnose varicose veins?

Diagnosis. To diagnose varicose veins, your doctor will do a physical exam, including looking at your legs while you're standing to check for swelling. Your doctor may also ask you to describe any pain and aching in your legs. You also may need an ultrasound test to see if the valves in your veins are functioning normally or if there's any evidence ...

How to prevent varicose veins from getting worse?

Self-care — such as exercising, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, elevating your legs, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting — can ease pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse.

How long does it take for varicose veins to fade?

In this procedure, your doctor injects small- and medium-sized varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes those veins. In a few weeks, treated varicose veins should fade. Although the same vein may need to be injected more than once, sclerotherapy is effective if done correctly.

How to close spider veins?

Laser treatment. Doctors are using new technology in laser treatments to close off smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Laser treatment works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used.

What is the procedure to remove varicose veins?

Endoscopic vein surgery. You might need this operation only in an advanced case involving leg ulcers if other techniques fail. Your surgeon uses a thin video camera inserted in your leg to visualize and close varicose veins and then removes the veins through small incisions.

Can you treat varicose veins?

Unless you have symptoms, there's no reason to treat your varicose veins. If you do have symptoms, the following strategies may be enough to ease your discomfort and avoid or delay the need for stronger measures:

Can a laser be used to treat varicose veins?

Surface therapy (laser). Spider veins, reticular veins, and small varicose veins can be treated with a laser applied to the surface of the skin.

Can varicose veins cause bleeding?

With summer just a few months away, this may be a good time to do something about that. But it's not just a cosmetic consideration. Varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort and even, in rare cases, bleeding leg sores. Treating enlarged leg veins can relieve discomfort and prevent complications.

Why do leg veins have one way valves?

These veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward (see "Anatomy of a varicose leg vein"), but the valves can weaken and stop working properly, especially as we age. As a result of these changes, blood can pool in the veins immediately under the skin, causing them to enlarge and become less elastic.

How does a varicose vein work?

Anatomy of a varicose leg vein. Normally, blood in the leg is moved upward toward the heart by one-way valves, which prevent blood from flowing backward ( A ). In a varicose vein ( B ), the valves are deformed and don't close properly, so the blood flows backward, pools, and enlarges the vein.

Where do reticular veins appear?

They occur mainly on the back of the leg, usually around the knee.

How many women have varicose veins?

More than 40% of women over age 50 and 75% of women over age 70 have varicose veins. Not only do blood vessels weaken with age, so do calf muscles, which normally help squeeze veins and send blood back toward the heart as you walk. Other risk factors that can predispose you to varicose veins include the following:

Why do my legs have veins?

Causes of Vein Disease in Legs. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (or Vein Disease) occurs when the valves in the veins stop functioning as they should. These valves encourage your blood to flow from your legs to your heart and prevent backflow of blood due to gravity. When these valves malfunction, the blood flows back down and pools around the legs.

What does it mean when you have varicose veins?

Varicose veins are almost always a sign of venous insufficiency. Chronic skin changes, such as the red and beefy discoloration of the skin. Development of leg ulcers, i.e., non-healing wounds in the legs. A general sense of heaviness and exhaustion of the legs, especially at the end of the day.

Can vein disease go undiagnosed?

The most dangerous aspect of vein disease is that it can go undiagnosed until it’s too late. That’s mostly because the symptoms of vein disease in legs is often mistaken as signs of aging.

Is it normal to have spider veins?

A small amount of spider veins is usually normal. However, it can also be indicative of an underlying vein disease so you should get tested anyway. Varicose veins are almost always a sign of venous insufficiency. Chronic skin changes, such as the red and beefy discoloration of the skin.

Can varicose veins be a sign of venous insufficiency?

However, it can also be indicative of an underlying vein disease so you should get tested anyway. Varicose veins are almost always a sign of venous insufficiency. Chronic skin changes, such as the red and beefy discoloration of the skin. Development of leg ulcers, i.e., non-healing wounds in the legs.

What does it mean when your legs feel heaviness?

A general sense of heaviness and exhaustion of the legs, especially at the end of the day. Aching or heaviness after sitting or standing for long periods of time. This usually occurs because sitting or standing still causes more blood to pool in the legs. Throbbing sensation in the legs. Swelling of the legs and ankles.

Can venous insufficiency cause blood clots?

If left untreated, venous insufficiency can also be potentially lethal. In some rare cases, blood clots may form in the veins due to all the accumulated blood. This is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis.

What is the best treatment for DVT?

These may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Heparin.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

5. Stay adequately hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Drink a full glass of water in the morning, before meals, and during meals, and take sips throughout the day before you feel thirsty. Additionally, eat healthy foods with high water content, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

What is a DVT?

If, however, you are diagnosed with DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blockage of one of the large veins in your legs or elsewhere, you must get immediate medical care and follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. Steps.

How to keep blood flowing?

Keep your blood flowing by moving around at least once per hour. Other than while sleeping at night, try not to sit, lie down, or even stand in place for more than 1 hour at a time. At least once per hour, take 2-5 minutes to get up, move around, stretch out, and do some light exercises.

How to prevent blood clots on plane?

If you’re on a long plane flight, get up once an hour and move around the cabin to prevent clots.

Why do you wear compression stockings?

Compression stockings help to reduce the swelling that is commonly caused by blocked veins, and also help to prevent future blood clots in the area. You’ll probably be told to wear them during the daytime for a period of months or even years.

How long does heparin stay in the hospital?

It can be delivered by injection or IV and requires close monitoring afterward, which means you may have to stay in the hospital for 3-10 days. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).

What to do if you have a blood clot in your vein?

If a blood clot is identified in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis – DVT) you’ll likely need to start on a blood-thinner, unless there’s a contraindication. If you think you might have phlebitis, it’s important to seek medical attention. You’ll probably need a vein ultrasound to diagnose what’s going on. Other management recommendations will be ...

What is the best treatment for phlebitis?

If phlebitis is localized to a small section of a superficial vein then warm compresses, oral anti-inflammatory medications (eg. Motrin), topical anti-inflammatory creams (eg. Arnica), and leg elevation may be all that’s required.

Where does phlebitis occur?

Phlebitis can occur in superficial veins (close to the skin surface) or deep veins (in the central portion of the leg). Phlebitis affecting the superficial veins is less concerning than phlebitis affecting the deep veins. If phlebitis occurs in a superficial vein (ie. close to the skin) the overlying skin will commonly be warm ...

What is the medical term for a blood clot?

When phlebitis occurs is in conjunction with superficial blood the medical term for this condition is “superficial venous thrombophlebitis,” commonly simply abbreviated as “thrombophlebitis”. When a blood clot occurs in a deep vein ...

What are the symptoms of phlebitis?

When phlebitis affects superficial veins common symptoms include pain, tenderness, reddish skin discoloration, and warmth/heat arising from the skin. The most commonly affected area is the calf, but it’s also common for symptoms to occur just above the ankle or on the thigh. Symptoms of phlebitis affecting the deep veins include aching pain, ...

What is venous reflux?

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS. A high percentage of patients with superficial phlebitis have an associated condition known as venous ref lux. This is a condition where the valves in the leg veins have ceased to function effectively. If venous reflux is present procedures can be performed to treat the underlying problem.

What is a high percentage of patients with superficial phlebitis?

A high percentage of patients with superficial phlebitis have an associated condition known as venous reflux. This is a condition where the valves in the leg veins have ceased to function effectively. If venous reflux is present procedures can be performed to treat the underlying problem.

Does laser vein treatment hurt?

Patients most often can resume even high-intensity physical activity the next day. Laser treatment is popular. It destroys the vein by penetrating the skin. However, it burns as it penetrates and unfortunately tends to damage the skin.

Can you remove spider veins with laser?

Policy. A: Spider veins can be removed by laser treatment or sclerotherapy. Both of these treatments provide satisfactory results with almost no downtime. Patients most often can resume even high-intensity physical activity the next day. Laser treatment is popular.

Do spider veins come back?

Once you’ve treated the spider veins, they don’t come back, although you might get new ones. There’s no way to get rid of 100% of visible veins. (You might see advertisements that show no veins at all. That’s unrealistic.) But to get rid of 80 to 90% of your visible veins is a reasonable expectation. Even with sclerotherapy, it’s ...

How does sclerotherapy work?

Sclerotherapy treats large areas of veins by injecting a solution through a tiny needle. The solution, which irritates the vein and causes it to scar and shut, disperses to all the branches of the vein. You can watch them disappear immediately.

How to prevent blood clots in legs?

If you've been on bed rest because of surgery or other factors, the sooner you get moving, the lower the chance that blood clots will develop. Wear compression stockings . Wear these to help prevent blood clots in the legs if your doctor recommends them.

How to treat DVT?

DVT is most commonly treated with anticoagulants, also called blood thinners. These drugs don't break up existing blood clots, but they can prevent clots from getting bigger and reduce your risk of developing more clots. Blood thinners may be taken by mouth or given by IV or an injection under the skin.

How to diagnose DVT?

Diagnosis. To diagnose DVT, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. You'll also have a physical exam so that your doctor can check for areas of swelling, tenderness or changes in skin color. The tests you have depend on whether your doctor thinks you are at a low or a high risk of DVT. Tests used to diagnose or rule out a blood clot include: ...

What is a D dimer blood test?

D-dimer blood test. D dimer is a type of protein produced by blood clots. Almost all people with severe DVT have increased blood levels of D dimer. A normal result on a D-dimer test often can help rule out PE. Duplex ultrasound.

What is the best test for DVT?

Duplex ultrasound. This noninvasive test uses sound waves to create pictures of how blood flows through your veins. It's the standard test for diagnosing DVT. For the test, a technician gently moves a small hand-held device (transducer) on your skin over the body area being studied.

What blood thinners are used for DVT?

The most commonly used injectable blood thinners for DVT are enoxaparin (Lovenox) and fondaparinux (Arixtra). After taking an injectable blood thinner for a few days, your doctor may switch you to a pill. Examples of blood thinners that you swallow include warfarin (Jantoven) and dabigatran (Pradaxa).

Can you take warfarin while pregnant?

It's important to take them exactly as prescribed to prevent serious side effects. If you take warfarin, you'll need regular blood tests to check how long it takes your blood to clot. Pregnant women shouldn't take certain blood-thinning medications . Clot busters.

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Diagnosis

  • Your health care provider will do a physical exam, including looking at your legs while you're standing to check for swelling. Your provider might also ask you to describe pain and aching in your legs.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

  • Treatment for varicose veins may include self-care measures, compression stockings, and surgeries or procedures. Procedures to treat varicose veins are often done as an outpatient procedure, which means you usually go home on the same day. Ask your insurer if varicose vein treatment is a covered expense. If varicose vein treatment is done only to improve the appearan…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Lifestyle and home remedies for varicose veins include: 1. Exercise.Get moving. Walking is a great way to encourage blood flow in the legs. Your health care provider can recommend an appropriate activity level for you. 2. Manage weight.Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off the veins. 3. Avoid salt.Follow a low-salt diet to prevent s...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine

  • Though they haven't been well studied, a number of alternative therapies claim to be helpful treatments for chronic venous insufficiency. This is a condition associated with varicose veins in which leg veins have problems returning blood to the heart. Alternative therapies for varicose veins may include: 1. Horse chestnut 2. Butcher's broom 3. Grape (leaves, sap, seed and fruit) 4. …
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your health care provider will need to look at your bare legs and feet to diagnose varicose veins and figure out what treatment might be best for your condition. Your primary care doctor might recommend that you see a doctor who specializes in vein conditions (phlebologist), a vascular surgeon or a doctor who treats skin conditions (dermatologist or dermatology surgeon). In the …
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