Having varicose veins is a normal albeit challenging dilemma, especially for women. Varicose veins are normally characterized by large veins in blue, purple or green shade and oftentimes, they appear in protruding manner in the legs.

Varicose veins are oftentimes the result of circulation problems wherein the veins in the affected areas turn weak and the blood which flows through it gets stuck, resulting to the enlargement of the veins. Although most varicose veins do not cause physical pain, some people who have them experience a burning and swelling sensation on the affected areas. Aside from the ugly physical characteristics of varicose veins, intense effects can also lead to skin ulcers and severe problems in the vascular system of the affected regions of the body.

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Fortunately, there are different options for varicose vein treatment that can be done naturally, or through self-medication. Other options can also include medical varicose vein treatment, which normally incorporates invasive surgery, especially when the problem worsens.

Self-medication as a form of varicose vein treatment is an easy and affordable way to get rid of varicose veins at the first display of signs and symptoms. Most self-medicating techniques are the most non-invasive form of varicose vein treatment. One known example of treating varicose veins in this option is by using ointments and herbal creams which can be purchased in pharmacies and drug stores. The anti-inflammatory component in these creams acts as a stimulant to improve blood circulation within the areas of affected veins. Since this is the most non-invasive form, the results of using creams as a varicose vein treatment can be seen for relatively a longer time, as compared to its other counterparts.

Taking pills is another form of varicose vein treatment. A good number of pills nowadays are prescribed to treat problems concerning vascular problems. These pills stimulate circulation of the blood stuck in the veins to flow properly again. Results of taking pills as avaricose vein treatment show that the circulation of the blood within the body has greatly improved, and the discoloration and swelling of the veins are lessened.

For men and women who suffer from more than physical embarrassment due to the swelling of their varicose veins, medical experts recommend varicose vein treatment options which are more invasive and can provide remedy to the swelling and smoldering sensation caused by the enlargement of the veins.

Varicose Vein Therapies

Surgical varicose vein treatment options come in the form of vein removal surgey (ambulatory phlebectomy), sclerotherapy, or laser treatment therapy.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy (vein removal surgery): This varicose vein treatment aims for the removal of the shallow and visible varicose veins by making 1-2mm incisions on the skin. The treatment uses local anesthesia and a phlebectomy hook which is used to scoop out the superficial veins. For several day, the patient might experience mild discomfort on the affected areas, but this is a normal side effect of the varicose vein treatment.
Schlerotherapy: schlerotherapy is a varicose vein treatment which uses sodium chloride solution to reduce the enlargement of the veins. A syringe with the solution is injected into the affected veins, thereby damaging and collapsing the veins. Aside from the liquid solution, another form of schlerotherapy uses foam instead of liquid sodium chloride solution. Foam-type schelrotherapy is normally used to cure over sized varicose vein. The patient will then be asked to wear compression stockings or bandage for a few weeks following the operation.

Laser Therapy: using laser and radio frequency, laser therapy is the newest form of varicose vein treatment available. The process can go for around nine months, wherein the treatment is performed for three months on separate occasions. There are different kinds of laser therapy available:
* Endovenous laser therapy: a fine line of laser is passed through the varicose vein, thereby heating the vein, causing the vein walls to be damaged in the process. The collapse of the veins will then consequently result to its closing.
* Radiofrequency laser therapy: the process is much like that of an endovenous laser therapy, only this kind of varicose vein treatment uses a high-frequency current rather than fine laser waves.

These days, most patients opt for the laser technology in varicose vein treatment. It is by far the most expensive option among the above-mentioned treatments, but the effects are more long-term.

Getting a surgical varicose vein treatment is the best way to get rid of the dilated, protruding discolored veins which can cause physical discomfort and visual embarrassment. Finding a suitable varicose vein treatment is important in order for the person to get her money’s worth.

First of all, she needs to decide whether or not the appearance of varicose veins in the body are so intense and it physically disrupts her from performing her daily work. With this consideration, the patient can opt to choose the cream or pills treatment instead of undergoing an invasive surgery. However, if the presence of the varicose veins are indeed straining the person’s daily activities, then it is high-time to look for available options in varicose vein treatment and by consulting a physician on the possible modes of treatment as well as the potential side effects that each option could result to.

Varicose Vein Tips

For those who experience signs of varicose veins, it is important to note that there are certain tips in order to prevent the spread of these damaged veins, which can mostly occur in legs, hands, feet and in the face. Following these tips may not ultimately cure the appearance of varicose veins, but it can help lessen and minimize any further appearance, thereby avoiding the high-cost of most varicose vein treatments:
1. Avoid standing on long periods- prolonged standing can promote pressure to the veins in the legs and feet, thereby weakening the walls of the veins. In order to prevent such occurrence, people who engage in jobs or activities that require them to stand for hours are advised to shift positions or walk in frequent intervals.
2. Proper sitting posture: maintaining a proper posture while sitting or standing up helps in the correct circulation of blood in the body. Crossed legs and feet while on a sitting position will only restrict the flow of blood in certain parts of the body, especially in areas where there are applied pressure.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle- aside from other health-related complications, being overweight can put pressure on the legs and feet of a person. With good exercise and balanced diet, blood circulation will greatly improve, thereby strengthening the muscular as well as the circulatory system of the body. Smoking can also be attributed to the appearance of varicose veins, as this activity promotes high-blood pressure and decrease blood circulation.
4. Relax the feet- too much pressure on the legs and feet are the two main culprits attributed to the appearance of varicose veins. Take time to elevate the feet far from the ground, allowing the veins to relax and letting the blood flow smoothly through the capillaries.

With proper prevention techniques, the appearance of varicose veins can be eventually eliminated. However, when the patient experiences discomfort from the swelling of the veins, then it would be best to opt for a suitable varicose vein treatment from a reputable health-care facility.