How Are Varicose Veins Treated? Conservative & Minimally Invasive Treatments For Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins most commonly found in the legs and feet. They can be blue, purple, or skin-colored and are often raised above the skin’s surface. The most common cause of varicose veins is chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the valves in the veins responsible for pumping blood back to the heart are damaged or not functioning properly. This causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to the characteristic swelling and twisting of varicose veins.

Other risk factors for varicose veins include being overweight or obese, pregnancy, aging, and a family history of varicose veins. Standing or sitting for long periods can also increase the risk of developing varicose veins, as more blood accumulates in the leg veins due to gravity without sufficient muscle contractions to push them forward. Other medical conditions, such as blood clots, inflammation of the veins (phlebitis), and tumors, can also cause varicose veins.

In summary, the main cause of varicose veins is chronic venous insufficiency, but other factors such as obesity, pregnancy, aging, and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of developing these twisted, enlarged veins. The best vein doctors carefully examine varicose veins, discuss your symptoms, and administer duplex ultrasound imaging tests to visualize the root cause of varicose veins before curating a personalized treatment plan. That’s why you must find vein doctors specializing in minimally invasive varicose vein treatments.

New York Vein Treatment is led by some of the country’s leading Harvard-trained vein doctors who specialize in the latest and safest minimally invasive procedures, such as sclerotherapy, laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy. Our offices are in Midtown Manhattan, a short walk from Central Park and the Financial District. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest medical center for vein treatment in New York.

Several conservative treatments can improve the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins. One of the most common treatments is wearing compression stockings. These special stockings apply gentle pressure to the legs to improve circulation and reduce swelling. They are available in different levels of compression and can be worn throughout the day to alleviate discomfort and improve the appearance of varicose veins.

Another conservative treatment option is exercise. Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, can improve circulation and reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. It is important to choose low-impact activities that do not put too much strain on the legs. When you engage your calf muscles, you push some of the accumulated blood toward the heart, thus alleviating the symptoms of varicose veins. However, conservative treatments can temporarily relieve the symptoms — they can’t treat the root cause.

If your varicose vein is causing discomfort or pain when you walk, try these:

• Wear compression stockings to apply gentle pressure to the legs.
• Elevate your legs above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
• Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, improves circulation.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods to improve circulation.
• Apply a warm compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Most varicose vein treatments are not painful and are well tolerated by most people. Some treatments, such as endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation, may cause a mild burning sensation during the procedure, but this is usually well controlled with local anesthesia. Other treatments, such as VenaSeal and sclerotherapy, are generally painless.

After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling, discomfort, and bruising at the treatment site. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days to a week. Your vein specialist will provide specific post-treatment instructions and may recommend over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort.