Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged, and twisting veins that appear blue or purple in legs or feet. They are caused by aging, hormonal changes, excess weight, restrictive clothing, smoking, and genetics. Most Tomball varicose veins are comprehensively evaluated and effectively treated by a team of experts at Northwest Houston Heart Center in Texas to alleviate the excruciating pain and symptoms associated with it.
Outlined below is how varicose veins are diagnosed and treated to help you enjoy your everyday activities.
Diagnosis
Your doctor conducts a physical exam by checking for the following symptoms:
- Skin discoloration and ulcer.
- Swelling, itching, and pain in the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Heavy legs and bulging veins.
- Leg muscle cramps.
- Ultrasound tests are conducted to determine how functional your veins are and detect evidence of blood clots.
Treatment
Varicose veins are usually treated outpatient since it is a less invasive procedure, meaningless hospital stay, and comfortable recovery.
Below are treatment options.
Self-care
Your doctor may recommend self-care activities such as not sitting or standing for long periods, elevating your legs, losing weight, exercising regularly, and not wearing tight clothes to ease pain and prevent chronic varicose veins.
Compression Stocking
Prescription-strength stocking should be the first option before seeking other treatment. The stockings steadily squeeze your legs, helping leg muscles and veins to move blood efficiently and preventing blood clots.
However, compression stockings should be hand washed with warm water, dried with indirect heat, and replaced every three to six months for effective results.
Surgical Treatment
If your varicose vein does not respond to self-care and compression stocking, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgery to remove large varicose veins.
The following surgical methods help alleviate debilitating symptoms of varicose veins:
Sclerotherapy
During this procedure, your physician injects small and medium-sized varicose veins with a chemical solution or foam that scars and closes the veins causing them to fade away within a few weeks after surgery.
Endovenous Ablation
During the procedure, small lasers are threaded through the catheter inserted into your vein to deliver short energy waves that heat the vein sealing it shut.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia to limit nerve injuries.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Small incisions are made in your knee with the help of an ultrasound scan, and a catheter is threaded into the vein to help emit radiofrequency energy. The energy heats the veins, causing their walls to collapse, closes them effectively, and seals them shut.
Ligation and Stripping
During this procedure, two incisions are made, one on the groin and the other on the leg. The vein is then tied up and sealed shut.
Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy
An endoscopic transilluminator is threaded through an incision under the skin to help the doctor identify which veins need to be taken out during the procedure. Then targeted veins are cut and removed through a suction tube hence easing the symptoms.
Consult a Varicose Vein Specialist Today
The varicose veins can cause chronic pain while others do not. Various people use different methods to get rid of this disease. However, consult with your physician to determine the best treatment option possible. Book an online appointment with varicose veins specialists at Northwest Houston Heart Center in Tomball, Texas, and eliminate varicose veins with effective treatment and comprehensive diagnosis.
