While varicose veins can be uncomfortable, most people try to avoid surgery until they are sure it is necessary. It can be challenging to know whether you should apply home remedies or discuss surgery options with a specialist. That’s why anyone suffering from varicose veins, or spider veins, should know the signs that dictate treatment.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins or spider veins are enlarged and twisted veins commonly visible in one or both legs. Since this condition is visible on the surface of the skin, people often consider it unsightly and feel uncomfortable exposing their bare legs. It can also cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Itching
- Pain
- Swelling
- Aching
- Burning Sensations
- Bleeding
- Blood Clots
- Ulcers and Sores
These symptoms are usually isolated close to the area of your body where the problem appears most visibly.
Options in Treating Varicose Veins
When you’re suffering from uncomfortable varicose veins, you have a number of different options for treatment:
- Try Home Remedies
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- VenaSeal
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
- Sclerotherapy
- Vascular Surgery
If you haven’t tried any of the recommended options for treatment at home, then it is a good idea to see if any of these options will provide you with enough temporary relief. Home treatment options for varicose veins include:
- Wearing Compression Socks
- Elevating Your Legs Often
- Getting More Exercise
- Lose Weight
The efficacy of each of these methods varies greatly among people, so it is vital that you try a number of different options to see if one or more will work better for you. One option may also work better depending on the cause of your varicose veins, be they genetic or environmentally conditioned.
Signs that You Require Surgery
Perhaps the most telling sign that you should consider surgery for your varicose veins occurs when you have already attempted a variety of home treatment options but are not able to find relief.
You might also elect to have surgery done, even if you do not have painful symptoms if the appearance of your varicose vein is constantly making you feel uncomfortable in general.
Finally, if you feel as though you might require surgery to treat your varicose veins, you can talk to a health care practitioner to get medical advice. If your doctor tells you that it is a good time for you to get surgery, then you should follow their medical advice.
Don’t Avoid Surgery When You Need It
While one in five adults suffers from varicose veins, many people put off the treatment they need for poor reasons. Some of the reasons include:
- I Can’t Afford Cosmetic Surgery
- It Doesn’t Work
- It’s Painful
- I Can’t Take Time Off
Despite the prevalence of these excuses, they are largely based on misinformation. For example, surgery treatments work well in about 80 to 93 percent of cases, and the procedure does not take long.
If you’re unsure whether you’d make a good candidate for varicose vein surgery, check the signs. You can also get in touch with a clinic that offers treatment to learn more about your options.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Microdiscectomy Treatment
