The symptoms of varicose veins often interfere with everyday life. Swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue can keep patients from enjoying their favorite activities. In search of pain relief? Learn what options are truly effective for varicose vein disease.
What Is Venous Insufficiency?
When functioning properly, our veins return blood from the legs back to the heart. Working against gravity, one-way vein valves open and allow blood to flow upward. When these valves become unable to close, blood flows backward and pressure increases in the legs.
Symptoms & Risk Factors
Many factors can lead to varicose veins, including heredity, gender, pregnancy and age. Prolonged standing, obesity, hormone levels and physical trauma can worsen vein disease. Common symptoms include:
- Aching or throbbing
- Swelling
- Leg heaviness and fatigue
- Burning, itching or tingling
- Tenderness
- Restlessness
If treatment is delayed, patients may also be at risk for inflammation, DVT blood clots, ankle sores or skin ulcers and bleeding.
At-Home Solutions
Patients can address varicose vein symptoms by leading a healthy lifestyle and caring for their bodies with the following.
A Balanced Diet
Stay hydrated and eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. Fibrous
foods, including beans, whole grains and berries, can help promote proper circulation.
Regular Exercise
Low-impact activities, such as walking and swimming, get the body moving and are easy on the joints. Per the American Heart Association, adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
Compression Socks
Compression socks help improve circulation by providing gentle pressure to encourage blood flow from the legs to the heart. Wearing them can reduce leg pain, heaviness, swelling, fatigue, tingling and tenderness.
Leg Elevation
After a long day, elevate your legs at or above your heart to help keep blood from pooling in your lower legs. This position can also improve blood flow to the rest of your body.
Vein Treatment Options
At the Vein Centers of Connecticut, we provide patients virtually painless, minimally invasive treatment options to address symptoms and improve the appearance of their legs.
The following methods treat the underlying vein disease, rather than mask the symptoms:
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Varicose veins are pulled out one section at a time. Only local aesthetic is needed and stitches are not required.
- Endovenous Laser Ablation: With ultrasound guidance and local anesthetic, the bad veins are closed and absorbed by the body.
- Radiofrequency: Guided by ultrasound imaging, radiofrequency energy is delivered through a small catheter to destroy the vein wall.
- Sclerotherapy: Used to eliminate spider veins or small to medium varicose veins, a mild chemical solution irritates the venous walls, causing them to collapse and stick together, then get absorbed by the body.
When our doctors diagnose your condition, the best course of treatment will be recommended. To schedule a consultation, contact the Vein Centers of Connecticut today!