Treatment for varicose veins (non-surgical)

Dr Duncan Anderson offers diagnosis and non-surgical treatment for varicose veins. Varicose veins are large, swollen twisted clusters of blue or purple veins that can be observed on the legs and feet. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins are not working properly, so blood does not flow effectively. Blood ends up pooling or flowing in the wrong direction, creating what we see just below the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins are quite common - people who are overweight have an increased risk of developing varicose veins, and by the same token, so are pregnant women. It's interesting to note that varicose veins that develop during pregnancy generally improve without medical treatment within three to 12 months after delivery.

Besides the obvious unpleasant appearance of varicose veins, other symptoms can include aching legs, swollen ankles, and spider veins.

Sometimes varicose veins can be remedied with lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes include:

  • Exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and diet. Shedding excess weight alleviates pressure from your veins. Good nutrition can help, e.g. a low-salt diet, prevents swelling caused by water retention.
  • What you wear matters. Avoid high heels - low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for your veins. Tight clothes around your waist, legs or groin can reduce blood flow.
  • Elevate your legs above the level of your heart to improve circulation
  • Avoid long periods of sitting or standing - change your position frequently to encourage blood flow.

In severe cases, varicose veins may rupture, or develop into varicose ulcers, also known as venous ulcers, on the skin. A venous ulcer is a leg wound that occurs when the veins in the leg don’t circulate blood back toward the heart. Blood pools in the veins, building up pressure from the inside, pressing against the skin, which causes an open sore to form. Venous ulcers are slow to heal and often return. Without proper treatment, they can become bigger and cause further leg issues. Treatment includes the removal of dead, damaged or infected skin, cleaning and dressing the wound, and the use of medications that may include antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or even a dietary supplement.

Treatments options for more severe cases of varicose veins

If your condition becomes more severe, your doctor may suggest one of these varicose vein treatments:

  • Sclerotherapy
  • Foam sclerotherapy of large veins.
  • Laser treatment.
  • Catheter-assisted procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy.
  • High ligation and vein stripping.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy.
  • Endoscopic vein surgery.