Treating Varicose Vein Disease
Chronic venous conditions can impact not only your health but also your daily comfort and confidence. They can cause pain, swelling, and even lead to serious complications if left untreated. Fortunately, modern treatments are effective and minimally invasive.
What Are Varicose Veins and Venous Hypertension?
Venous hypertension is a condition when vein valves are weakened or damaged, causing them to not function properly. This creates blood pools in the veins and increased pressure. The high blood pressure within the veins can lead to twisted, enlarged veins also known as varicose veins.
Over time, this pressure can lead to:
-Leg heaviness or aching
-Swelling, especially around the ankles
-Skin changes or discoloration
-Restless legs or cramping
-Visible, bulging veins
-Non-healing sores in severe cases
When Should You Seek Help?
If non-invasive treatment like compression therapy does not help and symptoms remain consistent or become worse, it’s time to consult a specialist. It is important not to wait for symptoms to escalate, early treatment can prevent complications including venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What Treatments Are Available?
Treatments are typically outpatient and involve little to no downtime.
1. Sclerotherapy
Your provider injects a medication directly into the vein making the vein walls collapse. Your body then naturally removes the treated tissue and reroutes the blood through a healthy vein. This option is best for small varicose or spider veins.
2. Endovenous Thermal Ablation (Laser or Radiofrequency)
This treatment uses heat from a laser or radiofrequency energy to close off problematic veins. Similar to Sclerotherapy, your body then absorbs the tissue, eliminates the treated vein, and restores healthy circulation through another vein. This treatment is performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance.
4. Microphlebectomy
Removal of surface varicose veins through tiny skin punctures. No stitches are required and minimal scarring occurs.
5. VenaSeal
An injectable treatment containing a medical-grade adhesive that makes the vein walls stick together. It is designed to stay in the vein, so your vein isn’t eliminated even though your varicose veins disappear.
Each treatment is customized based on the extent of your disease, overall health, and lifestyle.
Consultation and diagnosis includes a physical exam and venous duplex ultrasound to evaluate vein function. We’ll then explain your options and answer all your questions.
Recovery is typically quick and well-tolerated. You’ll be encouraged to walk shortly after your procedure to promote circulation. Minor bruising or tightness is common and resolves quickly.
Follow-up ultrasounds ensure your veins are healing properly, and additional treatments can be performed if needed.
At Lakewalk Surgery Center we partner with Fall General Surgery and Advanced Surgical Associates of Northern Minnesota to use the latest techniques to safely and effectively treat varicose veins in a comfortable facility. If you’re struggling with painful or unsightly veins, talk to your physician about getting care at Lakewalk.