Lifestyle changes
If the appearance of your veins bothers you or they are very uncomfortable, it's best to consult a specialist. General and vascular surgeons typically do major overhauls, such as removing large veins, while dermatologists specialise in the procedures involving spider and other smaller veins. Ask each specialist what the best procedure is for veins of your type.
To remove large veins, a procedure called vein stripping is traditionally used. This involves opening the largest superificial vein, the saphenous, which extends from your groin to your ankle. Several small incisions are made and the vein is removed using a flexible wire. Don't worry that you'll be increasing the load on adjacent veins; the damaged vein has already lost its liability to function and blood flow has been naturally rerouted. With this treatment, new varicose veins are the least likely to appear, but it also requires the longest recuperation (up to two weeks) and leaves the most scarring.
An alternative treatment for large veins near the surface of the skin is ambulatory phlebectomy, also called the stab avulision technique. This mini-stripping procedure involves pulling out large veins through a series of small incisions. It has become increasingly popular because it requires only local anaesthesia, causes less discomfort than vein stripping and involves just one day of rest.
CONDITIONS TO WATCH FOR
Sometimes, varicose veins don't just throb and ache, but become painfully swollen and inflamed, causing a mild fever. This condition, in which tiny blood clots form, is called superificial thrombophlebitis, and is usually treated with an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, and cold compresses.
Thrombophlebitis is your visible veins isn't dangerous, because the tiny clots won't find their way to your heart or lungs. If a clot develops in the larger, deep veins of your leg, however, you could have deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms include swelling in one leg alone and pain and tenderness in the thigh or calf. Go immediately to the hospital, where you will be treated with blood thinners, and given diagnostic tests to help determine the exact location of the clot and the right treatment for it.
Another procedure for treating large varicose veins is called the radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins. Here, doctors insert a tiny catheter through a slit in the skin and deliver radiowaves to the vein wall. The vein shrinks and seals shut. In Australia this technique has been largely superseded by a method called endogenous laser treatment, which uses laser energy rather than radiofrequency energy to lose the vein. Both techniques cause minimal bruising, and normal activities can be resumed immediately.
If you have spider veins or other small veins on your legs, your doctor may recommend sclerotherapy. In this procedure, the veins are injected with an agent designed to irritate them, causing the blood vessel to collapse and glue itself shut. Over time, the veins will be absorbed by the body and disappear. The effectiveness of this procedure is greatly improved with the application of a compression bandage afterwards.
Although they can't be used for larger spider veins or varicose veins, lasers have revolutionised the treatment of small superifical spider veins on the face or legs. For this procedure, a laser is passed through a small tube inserted in the vein, and laser energy is applied.
Natural methods
To boost the health of your veins, take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins C and E. Several herbs are also helpful. Gotu kola works to tone surrounding tissues, keep veins flexible and encourage blood flow. Horse chestnut seed extract (available in tablet and capsule forms) is thought to reduce vein swelling and inflammation, and is often taken with bilberry, an antioxidants herb that appears to enhance blood flow and reinforce vein walls.
- Get regular exercise. Building up your calf muscles helps push the blood pack up to your heart. It's best to stick with low-impact workouts, however. Of all activities, swimming and water aerobics are the best of varicose veins. The surrounding water acts as a giant compression stocking, and if the water is cold, it's all the better to tone your muscles. Other good choices are walking (be sure to put on your compression stockings first) and easy bike riding.
- Lose weight if you need to. Excess kilos put extra pressure on your legs and your veins.
- Don't stand for long periods. Standing makes it harder for blood to flow back up to your heart. If you have to stand for a long time, do heel raises and stand on tiptoe to stimulate your calves.
- Resist the urge to scratch, even when your veins bother you. Doing so may prompt a skin ulcer. Apply a moisturising cream, or ask your doctor to prescribe something to soothe the itch.
If the appearance of your veins bothers you or they are very uncomfortable, it's best to consult a specialist. General and vascular surgeons typically do major overhauls, such as removing large veins, while dermatologists specialise in the procedures involving spider and other smaller veins. Ask each specialist what the best procedure is for veins of your type.
To remove large veins, a procedure called vein stripping is traditionally used. This involves opening the largest superificial vein, the saphenous, which extends from your groin to your ankle. Several small incisions are made and the vein is removed using a flexible wire. Don't worry that you'll be increasing the load on adjacent veins; the damaged vein has already lost its liability to function and blood flow has been naturally rerouted. With this treatment, new varicose veins are the least likely to appear, but it also requires the longest recuperation (up to two weeks) and leaves the most scarring.
An alternative treatment for large veins near the surface of the skin is ambulatory phlebectomy, also called the stab avulision technique. This mini-stripping procedure involves pulling out large veins through a series of small incisions. It has become increasingly popular because it requires only local anaesthesia, causes less discomfort than vein stripping and involves just one day of rest.
CONDITIONS TO WATCH FOR
Sometimes, varicose veins don't just throb and ache, but become painfully swollen and inflamed, causing a mild fever. This condition, in which tiny blood clots form, is called superificial thrombophlebitis, and is usually treated with an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, and cold compresses.
Thrombophlebitis is your visible veins isn't dangerous, because the tiny clots won't find their way to your heart or lungs. If a clot develops in the larger, deep veins of your leg, however, you could have deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms include swelling in one leg alone and pain and tenderness in the thigh or calf. Go immediately to the hospital, where you will be treated with blood thinners, and given diagnostic tests to help determine the exact location of the clot and the right treatment for it.
Another procedure for treating large varicose veins is called the radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins. Here, doctors insert a tiny catheter through a slit in the skin and deliver radiowaves to the vein wall. The vein shrinks and seals shut. In Australia this technique has been largely superseded by a method called endogenous laser treatment, which uses laser energy rather than radiofrequency energy to lose the vein. Both techniques cause minimal bruising, and normal activities can be resumed immediately.
If you have spider veins or other small veins on your legs, your doctor may recommend sclerotherapy. In this procedure, the veins are injected with an agent designed to irritate them, causing the blood vessel to collapse and glue itself shut. Over time, the veins will be absorbed by the body and disappear. The effectiveness of this procedure is greatly improved with the application of a compression bandage afterwards.
Although they can't be used for larger spider veins or varicose veins, lasers have revolutionised the treatment of small superifical spider veins on the face or legs. For this procedure, a laser is passed through a small tube inserted in the vein, and laser energy is applied.
Natural methods
To boost the health of your veins, take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins C and E. Several herbs are also helpful. Gotu kola works to tone surrounding tissues, keep veins flexible and encourage blood flow. Horse chestnut seed extract (available in tablet and capsule forms) is thought to reduce vein swelling and inflammation, and is often taken with bilberry, an antioxidants herb that appears to enhance blood flow and reinforce vein walls.
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