Spider veins are a common concern in the United States that can affect anyone, but is more common in older adults. This vein disease results from damage or weakness in the veins, and they often appear as bulging purple, blue, or red vessels under the skin. Spider veins are not usually harmful or painful, but some individuals might want to treat them for aesthetic reasons. However, the condition can result in more serious health complications if not treated. Luckily, there are numerous Englewood spider vein treatment alternatives patients can explore. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss, proper skin hygiene, and walking could help address spider veins. You could also try not sitting, standing, or wearing high heels for long periods. You should also raise your legs while sleeping, and resting, and avoid crossing your legs. Most of these lifestyle changes aim to improve blood circulation to the legs.
2. Compression Socks or Stockings
Wearing compression socks or stockings puts pressure on the veins in your lower legs. This pressure could help enhance blood flow and avoid further development of spider veins. Compression stockings also help alleviate leg inflammation and reduce the danger of blood clotting in your legs. The numerous kinds of compression stockings include:
- Support Pantyhose: These offer little pressure but are accessible in numerous stores.
- Gradient Compression Socks and Stockings: These offer modest pressure around the calves, ankles, and feet. These stockings are typically available in pharmacies and specialist stores.
- Prescription Compression Stockings: These stockings offer increased pressure on the legs and feet, different strengths and sizes, and even footless variations. However, considering the high pressure they exert, these stockings are inappropriate for some individuals, including those with heart failure or other cardiac issues.
3. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy entails injecting an irritant right into the afflicted vein. The irritation causes the veins to stick together, preventing blood from flowing into the region. This treatment can alleviate swelling and cause shrinkage to the affected vein. With time, spider veins vanish or fade. Patients often require several sclerotherapy sessions to obtain the desired outcome.
4. Endovenous Laser Ablation
This procedure involves inserting a tiny laser fiber into the vein. The laser device applies heat straight to the affected vein, which prompts it to collapse. Endovenous Laser Ablation is minimally intrusive and typically complication-free and safe. While you may expect some side effects after therapy, like a burning sensation, redness, and bruising, it subsides in some days. However, patients might require several treatments, and months before the veins disappear.
5. Surgery
Surgical procedures to address spider veins include stripping (removing the vein) or ligation (tying the vein). Conventional vein ligation and striping entail tying veins and eliminating them via tiny cuts in the skin. This outpatient surgery takes up to three weeks for a full recovery. More advanced surgical techniques include endoscopic vein surgery, ambulatory phlebectomy, and more.
Spider veins stem from ruptured blood vessels or damaged veins. Generally, these protruding veins are painless and do not pose serious health concerns. Nonetheless, some people consider undergoing spider vein therapy for cosmetic reasons. You can explore numerous treatment options based on the degree of your spider veins. While solutions like lifestyle changes do not need any professional expertise, more intensive therapies like surgery or laser therapy require a specialist. Talk to your vein doctor to determine what treatment is appropriate for you.
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