For nearly 20–25 million Americans, varicose veins are a common condition—especially for those who spend an excessive amount of time sitting or standing, or for those who are obese, elderly, smokers or pregnant.
Thankfully, symptoms of varicose veins are usually very mild. Although there is some swelling and aching, these veins are mostly just an eyesore with little to no real health threat associated with it.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
When we sit or stand for too long over an extended period of time, it becomes harder for our veins to fight back gravity to get blood flowing back up to the heart. This can cause valves to malfunction and create a backflow of blood—typically the ones located in legs and feet. That’s how the appearance of these superficial varicosities begins to surface.
At-Home Remedies
Here are some quick fixes that may help with the appearance of varicose veins:
- Elevate legs to heart level (multiple times per day)
- Wear compression socks (knee-high stockings are best)
- Exercise (walking, swimming, ankle flexion, etc.)
Vein Sclerotherapy
For those who are looking for a more immediate solution to treat the symptoms of varicose veins (as well as spider or reticular veins), a minimally invasive option is sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy is a commonly used treatment that can be performed in a physician’s office in just a few minutes. The procedure involves injecting sclerosing agents, such as Polidocanol or Sodium Tetradecyl, into the affected veins, which causes them to collapse and gradually fade. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Here are some of the main reasons why sclerotherapy is a popular option for treating varicose veins:
- – Minimally invasive
- – Quick in-office procedure
- – Little to no downtime
- – Frequently used by physicians to address visible or symptomatic veins
Learn more about sclerotherapy online or contact us today to find the vein therapy solution that best suits you.