Varicose veins can be a source of discomfort, frustration, and even embarrassment for many people. Characterized by the appearance of bulging blue or red veins under the skin, this condition is actually caused by veins weakening as a person ages resulting in a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Treatments range from conservative therapy to help control symptoms to vascular surgery to correct the problem when symptoms are severe. The guide below highlights these treatments in more detail.

Conservative Therapy for Varicose Veins

Depending on the severity of symptoms, a medical professional might recommend a conservative treatment to help control the symptoms. Exercise can help improve circulation in the lower extremities. If you commonly sit or stand for long periods of time, take a break every 30 minutes or so to stretch your legs. Elevating your legs at night can also reduce pain and discomfort linked to varicose veins.

Compression stockings also offer a few benefits. Stockings apply pressure to the veins to help alleviate the leg discomfort associated with improper blood flow. Compression stockings also lower your risk of developing a blood clot and can even reduce swelling. Look for stockings with compression strength of 15-20 mmHg for best results. 

When Vascular Surgery Is Necessary

When symptoms are severe enough and are not relieved with conservative treatments, there are several options to treat them surgically.

The ClosureFast procedure, using radiofrequency ablation, allows heat to close the diseased vein. Under local anesthetic using ultrasound guidance, this minimally invasive technique utilizes a small catheter threaded through the vein to deliver heat to the vein wall. The catheter is gradually withdrawn along the course of the vein until the entire vessel has been treated. This heat causes the vein walls to collapse and close. Once the vein is sealed shut, blood naturally re-routes to other healthier veins. 

Another technique used to close insufficient veins is called VenaSeal. This cutting-edge, minimally invasive venous closure system uses a small amount of medical-grade adhesive to treat varicose veins. Once the safe and effective adhesive is administered into the targeted area, it is naturally absorbed by the body over time. 

For smaller diameter, but still symptomatic veins, the use of an injectable foam treatment called Varithena often solves the problem. This simple and quick treatment is delivered to the vein under local anesthetic using ultrasound guidance. The foam causes the vein to collapse which  means that blood is no longer trapped in the vein and is re-routed to healthier veins nearby.

If you’re searching for varicose vein treatment in Mountain Home, AR, Ozark Surgical Group performs these procedures in their office and are here to help. They begin the treatment process by providing an online screening form, which determines the severity of your symptoms. Their office offers free vein screenings to help identify venous insufficiency. If you require vascular surgery, you’ll be in good hands with the skilled and compassionate surgical team, who will also provide information on treatment options. Schedule an exam at this surgical office today by calling (870) 425-9120. You can also go online to access helpful patient information to prepare for your first visit.