Varicose Veins Treatment: Myths and Facts

Myths and Facts About Varicose Veins

My varicose veins aren’t bothering me, so I don’t need treatment. 

Not all problem veins come with symptoms of discomfort at first, so one of the early signs to look out for is appearance. This comes in the form of unusual dark purple or blue-coloured veins or skin discolouration which likely occurs during venous reflux. As blood pools beneath the skin, red blood cells break down, causing inflammation such as redness. This change in colour likely comes in the form of a reddish-brown appearance also known as hemosiderin staining.

You may also experience bulging or enlarged veins. While it’s true that bulging veins do not automatically signal varicose veins, problem veins tend to be more chronic. So, it’s best to monitor how long your bulging symptoms last. 

If left untreated, these initial signs can develop into more symptoms like itching, pain, heavy legs, sores and infections, and venous ulcer. In some cases, these untreated symptoms can further progress into life-threatening conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. 

I can treat my varicose veins at home.

Natural at-home remedies are good for relieving varicose veins symptoms But, they shouldn’t be treated as an alternative or replacement for medical intervention which addresses the issue of malfunctioning vein valves.

Like with the development of many illnesses, a healthy lifestyle is always recommended to decrease the risk of complications. You can alleviate symptoms by:

• Eating a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins and minerals. There are certain foods that promote healthy veins, which you can incorporate into your meals.
• Moving your body. Exercising can help boost circulation and ultimately, contribute to healthier veins. If your job entails having to sit or stand for prolonged periods, moving your body every day is essential. Here are some exercises that can help strengthen your veins.
• Elevating your legs. During rest periods, you can elevate your legs above heart level to help stimulate blood flow. If you’re experiencing swelling, bulging, or discomfort, doing this for around fifteen minutes daily can help lessen discomfort.

Surgery is the only option for varicose veins.

For years, surgery has served as the main method to remove varicose veins. Traditional varicose veins treatment methods include surgical stripping and phlebectomy which require in-hospital care and a longer recovery period.

But thanks to today’s technological advancements, varicose veins treatments no longer require surgery. Using the latest technology from Europe and the USA, The Vein Institute provides non-surgical, minimally invasive laser treatments for its patients. Learn more about the treatment options here.

Varicose veins treatment is painful. 

Because traditional varicose veins treatments involve surgery, it isn’t surprising that patients would need to undergo cuts and incisions. But, luckily today, minimally invasive treatments are now possible. 

With these treatments, you’ll likely experience a feeling of discomfort rather than pain.  During an EVLA procedure, the doctor will administer a local anaesthetic through a fine needle before using a laser to ablate the vein. Patients typically describe the laser sensation as uncomfortable rather than painful.

For treatments like Sclerotherapy and Medical Superglue, you might experience the same feeling as getting a vaccination or a blood test.

I’ll need to take several days off to recover.

With varicose veins surgical procedures, patients would need up to four weeks to recover. But with the availability of minimally invasive laser treatments, a walk-in walk-out experience is now possible. 

What does this mean? A walk-in walk-out treatment means that you can simply undergo vein treatment without the need for hospitalisation. Here’s what you can expect post-treatment: 

• Minimal to no downtime or time away from work.
• You can drive after the procedure if you haven’t taken any medications to reduce anxiety.
• Long-distance travel is possible as long as travel time is no longer than five hours.
• It’s best to wear compression stockings for a minimum of five days to assist the healing process.