Diagnosis and treatment of Varicose veins

 

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Diagnosis

 

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The diagnosis of vericose vein is based mainly on physical examination,which includes taking a look  at your legs while you are standing to observe any swellings.

The doctor may also ask for description of pain of aching in your legs.

A times the diagnosis may include an ultrasound to test for the functionality of the valves of the veins in your legs.

Your doctor will also check for the evidence of blood clot in your veins.

In this noninvasive test, a technician runs a small hand-held device (transducer), about the size of a bar of soap, against your skin over the area of your body being examined. The transducer transmits images of the veins in your legs to a monitor, so a technician and your doctor can see the vericose vein.

Of a truth the treatment of varicose vein is quite simple and not complicated thanks to the non-invasive treatment procedures employed.

Treatment will not require a long stay in the hospital.

Treatment

Self-care

Vaticose vein can also be treated through self-care procedures which includes;

•  Exercise
• Weight loss
• Avoiding high heels and tight clothes
• Elevating the legs on regular intervals.
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting.

Exercise:

Exercise. Get moving! Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation in your legs. Your doctor can recommend an appropriate activity

Weight loss:

Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off your veins. What you eat can help, too.

Follow a low-salt diet to prevent swelling caused from water retention.

Avoiding high heels. Low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for your veins. Don’t wear tight clothes around your waist, legs or groin because these garments can reduce blood flow.
Elevating the legs on regular intervals. 

To improve the circulation in your legs, take several short breaks daily to elevate your legs above the level of your heart.

For example, lie down with your legs resting on three or four pillows.
Avoid  long periods of sitting or standing.

Always endeavor to Change your position frequently to increase blood flow simultaneously to the necessary parts of your body.
Don’t sit with your legs crossed.

Some doctors believe this position can increase circulation problems.

Above mentioned self-care criteria will help in alleviating the pain and aching caused by varicose veins.

If you are diagnosed with varicose veins,it’s good you adopt the following self-care procedures.It will sure help!

Compression stockings:

Wearing compression stockings all day is often the first approach to try before moving on to other treatments.

They steadily squeeze your legs, helping veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently.

The amount of compression varies by type and brand.

You can buy compression stockings at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.

 

Is the varicose vein severe?Then this additional treatment should be employed

 
If you don’t respond to self-care or compression stockings, or if your condition is more severe, your doctor may suggest one of these varicose vein treatments.

Sclerotherapy:

In this procedure, yo0ur doctor injects small- and medium-sized varicose veins with a solution that scars and closes those veins.

In a few weeks, treated varicose veins should fade.

Although the same vein may need to be injected more than once, sclerotherapy is effective if done correctly.  doesn’t require anesthesia and can be done in your doctor’s office.
Foam sclerotherapy of large veins:

Injection of a large vein with a foam solution is also a possible treatment to close a vein and seal it. This is a newer technique.

Laser surgeries:

Doctors are using new technology in laser treatments to close off smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Laser surgery works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear.

No incisions or needles are used.
Catheter-assisted procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy.

In one of these treatments, your doctor inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an enlarged vein and heats the tip of the catheter using either radiofrequency or laser energy.

As the catheter is pulled out, the heat destroys the vein by causing it to collapse and seal shut.

This procedure is the preferred treatment for larger varicose veins.
High ligation and vein stripping.

This procedure involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through small incisions.

This is an outpatient procedure for most people.

Removing the vein won’t adversely affect circulation in your leg because veins deeper in the leg take care of the larger volumes of blood.
Ambulatory phlebectomy (fluh-BEK-tuh-me).

Your doctor removes smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures.

Only the parts of your leg that are being pricked are numbed in this outpatient procedure. Scarring is generally minimal.

Endoscopic vein surgery. You might need this operation only in an advanced case involving leg ulcers if other techniques fail.

Your surgeon uses a thin video camera inserted in your leg to visualize and close varicose veins and then removes the veins through small incisions.

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy generally improve without medical treatment within three to 12 months after delivery.

Natural Remedies 

Bilberry and horse chestnut, two plants that are thousands of years old and popular folk remedies, have been found to be both effective and safe for treating varicose veins.

Both have been studied for chronic venous insufficiency that causes pain, ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching and nighttime leg cramping.

They’re also beneficial for lowering water retention, circulatory problems, swelling, diarrhea, PMS cramps and other skin-related conditions.

Talk with your doctor before trying any herb or dietary supplement to make sure these products are safe and won’t interfere with any medications.