What steps can you take to treat varicose veins when you discover you have them?

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varicose veins, varicose veins removal, varicose veins treatment

Varicose veins do not usually cause pain or have any adverse effects on general health, but in some cases they can become painful, so treatment may be recommended.

Most people with varicose veins do not need varicose veins treatment; though, there are various treatment options available for those who find varicose veins unsightly.

Should I see my Warwick doctor?

If you have varicose veins and they are resulting in hurt or discomfort you should see your Warwick GP. There are treatments available that can help to ease any pain and make you feel more comfortable.

Your Warwick GP may refer you to a specialist for treatment in the following cases:

One of the veins is bleeding
One of the veins has bled before and there is a risk that it may bleed again
You have a leg ulcer
Your veins are causing pain and other unpleasant symptoms

If you want treatment for aesthetic reasons, for example, if you do not like the look of the veins, treatment is not usually obtainable on the NHS, but private clinics can provide treatments to help improve the look of the veins.

Treatment options for varicose veins

There are various options available varicose vein removal and the treatment path your doctor chooses will usually depend on the location, size and harshness of your veins. Treatments include:

Compression stockings

Compression stockings are tight knee-length or thigh-length socks, which are designed to improve circulation in the legs. Compression stockings are usually tighter around the ankles and they are obtainable in an assortment of diverse sizes, colours and pressures. Compression stockings can help to ease pain caused by varicose veins but it is not known whether or not they prevent veins from getting worse. Your GP will explain how and when to wear your compression stockings and will make sure that they fit properly, to ensure that they are effective. Sometimes wearing compressions stockings can cause the skin to become dry, if this is the case use emollient (moisturising cream) to moisturise your skin.

Surgery

If compression stockings do not ease the pain or you have a large varicose vein, surgery from a professional organisation such as The Private Clinic may be recommended. Surgery to remove varicose veins is preformed under general anaesthetic. The most common procedure (known as ligation and stripping) involves tying the vein off and removing it. The procedure involves making two incisions, one by the groin and one further down the leg, then passing a very thin, flexible wire through the vein and pulling it out of the bottom of the vein. The surgical procedure does not affect blood flow in the legs but it can cause temporary pain and bruising. Serious complications are very rare but they do exist and your doctor will explain all the risks associated with the procedure before you decide to go ahead with the treatment.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that involves injecting chemicals into the varicose veins to seal them closed to prevent bleeding. Sclerotherapy is usually used for people who have small or medium-sized varicose veins but a technique known as foam sclerotherapy may be used for large varicose veins. This technique involves injecting a special type of foam instead of the liquid chemical. Sclerotherapy is carried out under local anaesthetic.