Vein clinic in Chicago. Varicose vein treatment is an important topic to discuss as the varicose vein is a common venous disease. According to a study published on AHA Journals, about 23 percent of adults in the United States have varicose veins. The prevalence increases to 85 percent of women and 80 percent of men if other chronic venous diseases like reticular veins and spider telangiectasias are considered.
A varicose vein is more common in older adults and women. The study says that it affects 11 million men and 22 million women aged between 40-80 years. Contact us to get qualified assistance from the best vein doctors in Chicago!
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged, and twisted veins that often appear dark purple or blue. Varicose veins appear typically on the feet and legs. They are caused by increased blood pressure on the veins and are noticeable on veins near the skin surface.
Typically veins consist of valves that help channel blood towards the heart. In the case of varicose veins, the valves have become damaged or weakened, causing blood accumulation in the veins or blood flow in the wrong direction.
Varicose vein inhibits the proper flow of blood, particularly from the lower limbs. In most cases, varicose veins do not require treatment as they rarely cause health complications. However, in cases where it causes swelling, pain, and aching in the legs, treatment would be needed to relieve the discomfort.
There are several treatment options a vein clinic can use to help resolve varicose veins and their symptoms. Some people want to get rid of the varicose vein for cosmetic reasons. You should see the best vein doctor in your town for any of these procedures. Below are effective treatment options a vein doctor might prescribe for varicose. Get help in the best vein clinic in Chicago!
Ligation and stripping
This procedure involves making one incision at the top of the target vein and another down the leg (at the lower end of the vein) at the ankle or knee. The vein will be tied at the top and sealed, after which a flexible, thin wire is threaded through the lower end of the vein and then pulled out with the vein following along.
For ligation and stripping treatment, patients are not usually required to be admitted for a stay in the vein clinic. However, patients will need about 1 to 3 weeks to recover before going back to their normal activities as the procedure sometimes results in bleeding, bruising, and pain.
Surgery
In some cases, the vein doctor will suggest surgery for treating varicose veins, especially if the veins are large.
A general anesthetic is usually required here. After removing the large veins, the smaller veins are closed off using laser treatments. Laser treatment means focusing a strong light source (laser) on the vein, after which the vein fades and disappears.
Phlebectomy using an endoscopic transilluminator
In this procedure, the vein doctor will pass a special light (endoscopic transilluminator) through an under-skin incision. This enables the doctor to see the veins that need to be taken out.
After identifying the veins, the doctor cuts and removes the veins with a suction device. Typically, the patient is given local or general anesthesia prior to the procedure.
Radiofrequency ablation
This varicose vein treatment procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to seal up the varicose vein. It is a preferred treatment option for larger varicose veins.
In this case, the vein doctor will make a small incision above or below the knee and thread a narrow tube (catheter) into the vein with the help of an ultrasound scan.
A probe that emits radiofrequency energy will be inserted into the tube to heat the venous wall, collapse it and finally seal it up.
Sclerotherapy
This is the less invasive of most other procedures. It involves injecting a chemical into the varicose veins to scar and close them up. It is preferably used for treating small and medium-sized veins. The injected veins should fade after few weeks of the chemical injection.
There are quite a number of vein clinics and vein doctors out there but be careful to visit the best vein doctor for your varicose vein treatment.
Varicose veins are not life-threatening. However, they present with symptoms that can be discomforting for an individual. Some of the symptoms of varicose veins include:
Swelling on the ankles and feet
Heavy and achy legs
Throbbing or burning sensation in the legs
Muscle cramps felt especially at night
Itchy, dry skin that seems to be thinner over the varicose veins
Here are some simple home remedies you can try to help you manage this venous disease and improve its symptoms.
Use compression stockings
Compression stockings are used to apply pressure to the legs and help improve the condition by helping the muscles and veins move the blood up to the heart.
Wearing compression socks can help reduce the aching and pain caused by varicose veins. You can purchase compression socks from offline or online pharmacy stores.
Work out
One of the factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins is increased blood pressure. The good thing is that exercise helps to reduce blood pressure and improves blood circulation in the legs. Performing some effective low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming, yoga, and walking can help manage the condition.
Dietary changes
Making certain changes in diet can help in varicose vein treatment. For instance, it might help to cut down on foods containing sodium or salt as salt increases water retention.
On the other hand, potassium-containing foods like potatoes, almonds, lentils, and white beans can help reduce water retention, improving the condition.
Also, obesity and overweight increase the risk of developing varicose veins. Thus, sticking with diets that contain fewer calories and helps shed excess fat might beneficial here.
Massaging and keeping the legs elevated
Ideally, keeping the legs elevated improves circulation by reducing pressure in the veins of the leg and improving the smooth flow of blood back to the heart.
It will also help to massage the area of the leg that is affected to help keep the blood flowing through the veins. However, while massaging, take care not to apply pressure directly on the veins as this may cause damage to fragile tissues.
A varicose vein is not life-threatening. However, treatment is required for several reasons, such as pain relief and cosmetic reasons. Whether you want to opt for invasive procedures or try out home remedies, it is best to see the best vein doctor in your area. Check out for vein clinics and get yourself treated.
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