Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for narrowing veins

by Enoch Kessler Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

The procedure involves inserting a small balloon through a catheter, which is inflated at the site of the narrowing. A stent is then moved into place to unblock the blood vessel. When the balloon is deflated and removed, the stent expands and allows the blood vessel to remain open.

Procedures

Vein bypass: A healthy vein is transplanted from somewhere else in your body. Generally used only in the upper thigh and only as a last option for very severe cases. Laser surgery: A relatively new treatment that uses lasers to either fade or close the damaged vein with strong surges of light in a small, specific place.

Self-care

Minimally invasive options for treating leg veins include the following: Sclerotherapy. Also known as injection therapy, this treatment is usually the first choice for spider veins, reticular veins, and small varicose veins.

See more

Treating enlarged leg veins can improve their appearance and reduce the risk of swelling, aching, and other problems. If you have varicose veins — those dark blue or purple leg veins that bulge above the skin's surface — you may dread wearing beachwear and other clothes that expose your legs.

What is the best treatment for a vein problem?

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. The older, surgical treatment for varicose veins was "stripping" — removing leg veins through incisions under general anesthesia.

What are minimally invasive varicose veins treatments?

What are the benefits of treating Enlarged leg veins?

Can varicose veins be treated with surgery?

image

How do you treat narrowed veins?

Angioplasty – this procedure, usually performed under sedation and local anaesthetic, involves threading a thin tube (catheter) into the narrowed blood vessel through a small incision, usually in the leg. Once the catheter reaches the narrowed or blocked site, the small balloon on its tip is inflated.

How do you widen narrow blood vessels?

Leafy Greens Leafy greens like spinach and collard greens are high in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator. Eating nitrate-rich foods may help improve circulation by dilating blood vessels, allowing your blood to flow more easily.

Can narrow blood vessels be reversed?

Can atherosclerosis be reversed or slowed down? The disease is progressive, and, unfortunately, current treatments can't melt it away. However, there are things that can be done to slow its development and dramatically reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke.

How do you open narrow blood vessels?

Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to your legs. Fatty deposits can build up inside the arteries and block blood flow. A stent is a small, metal mesh tube that keeps the artery open. Angioplasty and stent placement are two ways to open blocked peripheral arteries.

How can I open my blood vessels naturally?

What You Can Do To Boost Your CirculationIncrease cardiovascular exercise. ... If you smoke, quit. ... Drink black or green tea. ... If you are anemic, take iron supplements or eat iron-rich food. ... Dry brush your body. ... Decrease stress. ... Include more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. ... Wear compression socks and elevate your legs.

What is the best vitamin for blood circulation?

Vitamin B-3Vitamin B-3, or niacin, can help improve blood flow in several ways. ... As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) point out, vitamin B-3 may help lower cholesterol levels and triglycerides. ... It is essential not to take too much vitamin B-3, as it can cause adverse effects.More items...•

Is there a drug that removes plaque from arteries?

29, 2020, by the European Heart Journal. The findings may explain why the drug, icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke by 26% in people at high risk for those serious problems. The study included 80 people with fatty plaque in the arteries of the heart (coronary artery disease).

What foods unclog your arteries naturally?

Here are some of the best foods that unclog arteries to eat in order to prevent or clean clogged arteries.Berries. Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and raspberries are best. ... Tomatoes. ... Onions. ... Citrus Fruits. ... Cruciferous Vegetables. ... Leafy Greens. ... Beans. ... Fish.

What is the best test to check for clogged arteries?

A CT coronary angiogram can reveal plaque buildup and identify blockages in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Prior to the test, a contrast dye is injected into the arm to make the arteries more visible. The test typically takes 30 minutes to complete.

Can blocked veins be unblocked?

There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. In serious cases, medical procedures or surgery can help to remove blockages from within the arteries.

What is the recovery time for vascular surgery?

Avoid standing for long periods or sitting with your feet down (elevate your feet whenever you sit). Expect a full recovery in approximately 4 to 8 weeks.

How do you widen your arteries?

Spinach. Nitrate-rich foods like spinach may improve your circulation. These compounds help enlarge your blood vessels and create more room for blood to move through. Also, a study found that a diet rich in spinach helped keep arteries flexible and helped lower blood pressure.

What is balloon angioplasty?

Balloon angioplasty is the therapy of choice for symptomatic venous stenosis. Venous access can be established via the antecubital vein, dialysis fistula, or common femoral vein. Conservative balloon sizing should be adopted at the start because these vessels have less muscular tissue than the arterial system.

Where is venous stenosis most common?

Clinically significant venous stenosis is much more common in the upper than in the lower extremities. The most commonly affected sites include the axillary, brachial, cephalic, or brachiocephalic veins, or the SVC.

What is SVC syndrome?

SVC syndrome is a life-threatening condition secondary to extrinsic compression or intrinsic obstruction (eg, thrombotic occlusion) of the SVC. Patients with SVC syndrome usually complain of a rapidly progressive headache and swelling in the head, neck, and upper extremities; jugular venous distention and plethora in the affected parts ...

Can a stent be placed across the ostia?

Stent placement across the ostia of other venous drainage should be avoided if possible. Stents are relatively contraindicated when the lesion is due to thoracic outlet syndrome.

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 are the symptoms of vein disease in legs?

The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of vein disease in legs: Development of 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.

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.

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 be fatal?

It may be nothing. But you shouldn’t take that chance, especially because venous insufficiency can progress quickly and, as already explained, it can be lethal. Once you consult a vein specialist, they will examine your legs and run some tests to diagnose venous insufficiency.

Is vein disease dangerous?

You might think that these are just harmless or normal signs of aging. However, these are actually all signs and symptoms of vein disease in legs. Chronic Venous Insufficiency is an extremely under-diagnosed but dangerous condition. It can lead to a number of serious issues like bleeding, leg ulcers, skin infections, and, in some cases, ...

Can compression stockings help veins?

Treatments like exercising, massage, wearing compression stockings can only relieve some of the pain and pressure. They CANNOT cure vein disease in legs. Furthermore, treatments like drinking apple cider vinegar, consuming witch hazel, and other similar DIY treatments are completely useless. So don’t trust them.

How to stop varicose veins from getting worse?

Self-care — such as exercise, elevating your legs or wearing compression stockings — can help you ease the pain of varicose veins and may prevent them from getting worse. But if you're concerned about how your veins look and feel and self-care measures haven't stopped your condition from getting worse, see your doctor.

Why do veins wear out?

Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in your veins that help regulate blood flow. Eventually, that wear causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into your veins where it collects instead of flowing up to your heart. Sex. Women are more likely to develop the condition.

Why do veins return blood to the heart?

To return blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity. Varicose veins may be caused by weakened valves (incompetent valves) within the veins that allow blood to pool in your veins instead of traveling to your heart.

What causes varicose veins?

Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your tissues, and veins return blood from the rest of your body to your heart, so the blood can be recirculated. To return blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity. Muscle contractions in your lower legs act as pumps, ...

How do you know if you have varicose veins?

Signs you may have varicose veins include: Veins that appear twisted and bulging; they are often like cords on your legs. When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include: Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they're smaller.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins. Spider veins appear as thin, red lines or as weblike networks of blood vessels on the surface of the skin. Spider veins, a mild form of varicose veins, typically appear on the legs and feet. Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins.

Where are spider veins found?

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they're smaller. Spider veins are found closer to the skin's surface and are often red or blue. Spider veins occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. They vary in size and often look like a spider's web.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Varicose veins can also be treated with sclerotherapy and laser therapy , though laser therapy works best on spider veins and smaller varicose veins. Varicose veins can also be treated with: Endovenous thermal ablation therapy - A device is inserted into the vein through a small cut.

How to get rid of varicose veins?

Not wearing tight-fitting clothes. Elevating your legs frequently. Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods. In addition, compression stockings may help with varicose veins before other treatments are needed. These squeeze the legs and help the veins and muscles move the blood toward the heart.

Why do veins break?

Causes of Broken Veins. Varicose veins and spider veins develop when the walls and valves of the veins become weak. Instead of the blood moving toward the heart, it can pool inside the vein and cause it to enlarge. Varicose veins and spider veins are more likely to occur when the pressure inside the leg is greater (such as during standing) ...

How to fix broken spider veins?

Spider veins are mainly a cosmetic problem. If you are concerned about the appearance of spider veins, several treatments are available, including: Sclerotherapy - During this treatment, your doctor injects a solution into the spider veins. This causes them to scar and close.

How long does it take for spider veins to fade?

This causes them to scar and close. The blood will then flow to other, healthier veins. The spider veins should fade within a few weeks. More than one treatment may be needed for a vein, although the procedure usually works the first time.

What are the symptoms of spider veins?

They can also cause burning, aching or pain in the affected area, especially after standing for a long time. Varicose veins are a more severe form of spider veins and may affect deeper veins in the legs.

What is a broken vein?

Broken Veins: Causes, Treatments and Prevention. Broken veins form when small veins just under the skin become swollen or dilated. They often occur on the legs but can show up on other parts of the body, such as the face. They are also known as telangiectasia or more commonly, spider veins.

What is the treatment for spider veins?

Sclerotherapy. Also known as injection therapy, this treatment is usually the first choice for spider veins, reticular veins, and small varicose veins. The physician injects a chemical irritant — either a liquid or foam — into the vein, making it swell, stick together, and seal shut.

What are the different types of enlarged veins?

There are several types of enlarged veins: varicose, reticular, and spider veins .

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.

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:

What does it mean when you have purple veins on your legs?

If you have varicose veins — those dark blue or purple leg veins that bulge above the skin's surface — you may dread wearing beachwear and other clothes that expose your legs. 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.

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.

Where do reticular veins appear?

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

How to help veins in legs?

A person may find that their circulation is improved by wearing loose-fitting clothes that do not restrict the blood supply to the lower body. Wearing flat shoes instead of high heels may also help with varicose veins in the legs. 8.

How to help with varicose veins?

If a person has varicose veins, they can try the following home remedies to help manage the condition and improve symptoms: 1. Exercise. Regular exercise encourages better blood circulation in the legs, which helps to push along the blood that has collected in the veins.

Why do veins look purple?

Varicose veins have a dark blue or purple appearance and may bulge out from underneath the skin. Varicose veins can develop when small valves in the veins become weak. These valves usually stop blood flowing backward through the veins, and when they are damaged blood can pool in the veins.

What foods help reduce varicose veins?

Foods that contain flavonoids include: vegetables, including onions, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli. citrus fruits and grapes, cherries, apples, and blueberries. cocoa.

How to improve circulation in legs?

Keeping the legs elevated, ideally at the same height as the heart or above it will help to improve circulation . This reduces the pressure in the leg veins and gravity will help the blood to flow smoothly back to the heart.

How to keep blood flowing through veins?

Massage. Gently massaging the affected areas can help to keep the blood moving through the veins. A person can use gentle massage oils or moisturizer for optimal effects. It is crucial to avoid pressing directly onto the veins, however, as this may damage fragile tissues.

How to reduce swelling in lower legs?

Herbal remedies. According to the National Institute of Health. Trusted Source. , taking grape seed extract, Vitis vinifera, orally may help to reduce swelling in the lower legs and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, though there is currently limited evidence for its effectiveness.

How to reduce varicose veins?

Lifestyle changes - Exercising more, watching your weight, elevating your legs frequently and avoiding sitting or standing for long periods can reduce symptoms of varicose veins. Compression stockings - These special stockings are available at pharmacies and medical supply stores.

What is it called when a vein swells?

Spider veins are a milder version of varicose veins and may appear on the face as well as the legs. Venous insufficiency. Veins have valves inside that keep the blood from flowing backward. When these are not working properly, blood may pool and cause the vein to swell. This condition is called venous insufficiency.

Why do veins swell during pregnancy?

In fact, pregnancy is one of the major risk factors for varicose veins. This happens because the total volume of blood in the body increases during pregnancy. In addition, increased pressure on the veins slows the flow of blood toward the heart. Older age.

How long does it take for spider veins to clear?

In the case of varicose veins and spider veins, several treatments are available. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy often clear up three to 12 months after the baby is delivered.

Why do veins swell?

This makes it more difficult for the veins to push the blood toward the heart. As a result, the blood pools and causes the veins to swell. Thrombophlebitis. Swollen veins can be a sign of a blood clot blocking a vein, usually in the legs.

Where do varicose veins appear?

Varicose veins appear swollen and distorted, and are dark purple or blue in color. They can occur anywhere on the body but most often show up on the legs and feet. They can also be painful, especially after sitting or standing for a long time. Spider veins are a milder version of varicose veins and may appear on the face as well as the legs.

Does phlebectomy affect blood circulation?

This will not affect your blood circulation because the blood can still flow through deeper veins in your leg. Ambulatory phlebectomy - This is similar to vein stripping, except the surgeon removes smaller varicose veins through several tiny punctures in the skin. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure.

How to repair a vein?

Mild conditions like varicose veins can be improved by taking small measures such as wearing compression socks and elevating your feet. For more intense damage, ask your doctor about medication, non-invasive procedures, ...

How to prevent varicose veins?

Heat can cause increased blood flow in your blood vessels, making varicose veins and other vein problems worse. Avoid very hot showers and baths, sitting near a campfire or heater, or using a heat pack.

How to reduce swelling in legs?

1. Wear compression stockings to reduce swelling in your legs. Varicose veins and venous insufficiency can cause blood flow in your leg veins to slow, which results in swelling. Compression stockings can stimulate blood flow, improving circulation and reducing swelling.

What is the procedure called when a vein is removed?

Micro-incision phlebectomy, where a surgeon will make small incisions or punctures in your veins and remove the problem ones with a phlebectomy hook. Vein bypass, where a piece of healthy vein is transplanted to reroute blood flow around a damaged vein.

What does it mean when your legs are swollen?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice: Swelling in your legs, especially if 1 is swollen more than the other. Intense calf pain.

How to get rid of leg pain?

Aim to have your feet at least 6 inches (15 cm) above your heart. Use pillows to prop up your legs if necessary.

Can intravenous drugs cause a burst vein?

Avoid using intravenous drugs or seek help for your addiction if you are already using them. Injecting drugs into the veins in your feet, groin, or neck is especially dangerous and may cause burst veins, excessive bleeding, abs cesses, nerve damage, or stroke. Be sure to avoid using any collapsed veins.

image

Diagnosis

Treatment

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment involves self care, medications of underlying cause and surgery in severe cases. Varicose veins during pregnancy will usually resolve itself after the delivery.
Procedures

Sclerotherapy: Foam solution is injected into the large vein to close the vein and seal it.

Laser surgery: Strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes veins fade and disappear.

Catheter assisted procedure: Catheter insertion, heating it and destroying the vein to collapse and seal.

Vein stripping: Tying a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing through small incision.

Ambulatory phlebectomy: Doctor removes varicose vein by series of punctures.

Endoscopic perforator vein surgery: To visualize and close varicose veins and remove the veins through small incisions.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Exercise and weight loss, climbing stairs, compression stockings improves the symptoms.

Specialist to consult

Phlebologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of venous origin.
Cardiologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and management heart related disorders.
Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Overview

  • 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

Symptoms

  • 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

Causes

  • 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. …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Risk Factors

  • 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 …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Complications

Image
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface (superficial) can become varicosed. Varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs. That's because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body. For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Varicose veins might not cause pain. Signs of varicose veins include: 1. Veins that are dark purple or blue 2. Veins that appear twisted and bulging, often appearing like cords on the legs When painful signs and symptoms of varicose veins occur, they might include: 1. An achy or heavy feeling in the legs 2. Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs 3. Wors…
See more on mayoclinic.org

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9