Varicose veins are little veins that lie just beneath the surface of the skin. They can bulge out from the skin and are more than a cosmetic concern for many women. They can actually burn and be painful, so effective treatment is important. Spider veins are a variety of varicose veins that are very small, and while they typically don't cause any pain they can be unsightly.
Sclerotherapy is an old treatment for varicose veins that's only recently become known in the US. It works by injecting the veins with a chemical that causes them to shrink and fade from the skin's surface.
On "The Doctors," Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian demonstrated the procedure on 41 year old Sabrina to show how quickly the treatment worked. After the injection, she was told to wear compression garments and was then able to go about her day. The doctor did make a point to say that every patient and vein is different so while Sabrina only required one treatment, some people may need more.
Some causes of varicose veins and spider veins include:
Long periods of standing or sitting still. Your occupation can be a large factor if you sit at a desk or stand for extended periods
Genetic predisposition and family history - vein issues typically run on the mother's side
Obsesity - too much weight increases the pressure on your legs
Lack of exercise and movement - the heart needs to pump blood throughout the entire body or the veins and/or valves become weak and ineffective
Sitting with your legs crossed effects circulation and valve operation
Poor diet - constipation and too much salt in the diet are factors
Shoes with High Heels
There are many other treatments available for varicose veins so you have options to choose what's best for you:
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) - using targeted laser therapy, the vein walls are minimized, shrinking them and cutting off blood flow to that vein. This cuts off the circulation at the source and still allows blood flow through all of the normal veins.
Endolaser Vein System (ELVeS) - this is a patented treatment from Biolitec that is also based on laser therapy. The procedure is performed under either local or light anesthesia and also works by cutting off circulation to the vein.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy - using ultrasound, the physician locates the source of the problem and is able to determine the location and number of injections necessary to cut off blood flow to the vein.
Radiofrequency Occlusion - this heats the vein, causing it to contract and close.
Laser Treatments - there are various treatments available for the smaller spider veins and the larger varicose veins that work by pulsing light into the veins sealing them off and causing them to dissolve.
Surgery - there are different surgical options available that seek to treat the underlying cause of the surface problem.
Compression Garments - also known as 'compression hose,' these garments may not get rid of the varicose veins, but can help alleviate the physical effects.
VNUS Closure - using local anesthetic and light sedation, the doctor can go into the saphenous vein, which is often found to be the underlying cause of varicose vein problems, and insert a small catheter. The catheter delivers radiofrequency to the vein, making it close. Other veins take over the proper blood flow.
With the multiple treatment options available, it may be wise to consult with multiple physicians to determine the best course of treatment.
