Know About Your Vein Treatment Options
Vein disease is a common condition among adults. There are several causes of dysfunction in veins. Examples of vein diseases include spider and varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, which is a serious blood clot.
In Houston, venous insufficiency treatment options typically progresses from do-it-yourself remedies to treatment from vascular surgeons. The approach is to treat any underlying causes of vein disease. Next, vein doctors treat symptoms such as varicose and spider veins. Finally, any cosmetic issues can be treated. These are some of your options for vein treatment.
Home Remedies
Some causes of vein disease are congenital and you cannot do anything about them, but other causes are modifiable. A healthy lifestyle can support better vein function and lower your risk for varicose veins and blood clots. These are some changes to consider.
- Losing extra pounds if you are overweight.
- Exercising regularly to improve your cardiovascular function.
- Eating healthier fats and limiting saturated and trans fats.
- Eating more vegetables, beans, whole grains, and fruits.
- Quitting smoking.
Despite a healthy lifestyle, some individuals still need to visit a Houston area vein clinic so they can receive care from vascular surgeons.
Liquid or Foam Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. It involves injection of a solution into the target vein, which eventually closes so the blood is directed elsewhere. The solution can be liquid. For slightly larger veins, the doctor may use a foam, which is a mixture of gas and liquid. Most sclerotherapy sessions take less than half an hour, and you may need about two sessions per area. Results may be visible within weeks or 2 to 3 months.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
This advanced technique relies on ultrasound to guide the procedure. In Endovenous Laser Ablation, vein doctors thread a catheter into your vein. The catheter has a heated laser at the end, which is used to make the vein walls collapse. You do not need to take down time from normal activities.
VNUS Closure
Vnus Closure uses radiofrequency waves as an alternative to the old-fashioned, painful vein stripping technique. It occurs under local anesthesia, and does not require incisions to be made. It helps remove varicose veins. The radiofrequency energy destroys the target vein’s walls, so blood can no longer pool.
Clarivein
Instead of relying on heat to close the veins, as in the case of VNUS closure and endovenous laser ablation, Clarivein uses mechanical energy. The procedure is FDA approved, and it requires fewer injections.
Micro-phlebectomy
Micro-phlebectomy, or ambulatory phlebectomy, is used to get rid of medium to large varicose veins. It takes place under local anesthesia, and the entire procedure requires less than an hour in the doctor’s office. Vein doctors remove your veins through small incisions, and then bandage your legs. You can see results within one to two weeks.
Your vein treatment options go far beyond home therapies. If you think you have a vein disorder, a trip to a Houston area vein clinic may be in order so you can get properly evaluated and learn your recommended course of treatment.
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