How to Treat or Get Rid of Vericose Veins

Vericose veins or spider veins are dark purple, sometimes raised veins that can look unsightly. Most often these occur in the legs or feet, but they can occur in any part of the body. Although most people are concerned about them from a cosmetic point of view, vericose veins can also cause discomfort, pain and even occasionally rupture which would require immediate medical treatment. If you suffer from this problem, here is some information on how to get rid of vericose veins or their flatter counterpart, spider veins.

Instructions

• 1

  Sclerotherapy is a treatment in which an injection is given with a solution that irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to close off. The blood is then redirected into healthy veins and the enlarged one shrinks. Often sclerotherapy is guided by ultrasound. It is a simple process that replaces the need for surgery. Sclerotherapy usually takes less than an hour and has minimal after-effects.

• 2

  Laser treatments can come in several forms. For the most part a local anesthetic is given and the laser treatment frequently takes only about 45 minutes. Pulse Light treatments can be used alone or in conjunction with Lasers. All work on the same basic principle which heats and reduces the inside of the vein lining.

• 3

  Radiofrequency Occlusion is a technique that actually heats the vein from the inside by using a heated catheter that is inserted into the vein after the area is anesthetized. Support stockings are advised after this treatment.

• 4

  Surgery is also an option albeit the most invasive of the choices. In certain circumstances, surgery may be the best choice if, for some reason, sclerotherapy, laser or radiofrequency occlusion is not appropriate.

• 5

  The cause of vericose or spider veins is still unsure. Being overweight, standing or sitting for long periods of time can aggravate the condition. Adjusting your lifestyle can help. Women are more prone to them than men, and heredity seems to be a factor. You can also help control the problem with regular exercise, support hose and general weight control. Stay away from heat as it will make both vericose veins and the lesser spider veins worse, so you might want to pass on hot tub soaks.

• 6

  For more information on how to treat or get rid of vericose veins or spider veins, check under the Resources, below.