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6. What treatments are available?
Support Stockings. These may be all that is required if aching and swelling are the main problems. Properly fitted medium-strength compression stockings below the knee usually work best.
Injections (Sclerotherapy). This can be done using using liquid or foam.
Liquid Sclerotherapy involves a small amount of a special chemical (sclerosant) being injected into each vein and the leg is then bandaged firmly for a few days. The veins shrivel up and eventually becomes less visible. This treatment can also be used for thread veins (Microsclerotherapy).
Foam Sclerotherapy is a variation of the established liquid sclerotherapy technique. The liquid sclerosant is forcibly mixed with air to make a foam which is then injected into the veins using an ultrasound scanner to guide the injection into the correct place (Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy).
Endovenous ablation. A laser (ELT) or radiofrequency catheter (VNUS closure) is passed inside the vein and used to generate heat which produces thermal coagulation of the vein as the catheter is slowly withdrawn.
Operation. The most severe varicose veins may require surgery. The visible varicose veins are removed (avulsed) through a series of small cuts. More importantly the leaky valves are tied off in the groin or behind the knee. Usually, the vein in the thigh is also removed (stripped) to reduce the risk of varicose veins returning.
7. How good is the treatment?
No treatment can completely remove every visible varicose vein. Nor is there any such thing as an "invisible mend", as injections may cause some skin staining and surgery some scarring.
New varicose veins often appear even after satisfactory treatment. However it may be many years before they return.
Click here for more information about recurrent varicose veins.
8. How can I help myself?
Avoid being overweight and wear support stockings if you have to stand up a lot of the time. Regular exercise such as walking also helps to pump the blood out of the leg. Dry itchy skin can often be helped by moisturising (emollient) creams or bath additives available at the chemist.
Patient information prepared by Mr S. Ashley MS, FRCS, Consultant Vascular Surgeon
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Nuffield Health Hospital Derriford Road Plymouth PL6 8BG |
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VARICOSE VEINS (cont.) |
