Patients who have varicose veins are advised by their doctors to try conservative treatments such as changing their lifestyle, wearing compression stockings and elevating their legs when they are resting. But if your varicose veins bother you, you don’t need to put up with the pain or aching. Endovenous laser ablation is one technique that can treat varicose veins successfully without having to undergo the vein-stripping surgery of yesterday. Read on to learn more about this advanced solution to treat varicose veins.
Defining varicose veins
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged, bulging veins that are most commonly found in your legs. They are dark purple or blue in color and may not cause any pain. Some people only find them a cosmetic concern. Painful signs and symptoms include:
- Achy feeling in the legs
- Heaviness in legs
- Burning, throbbing or swelling
- Itching around veins
- Skin discoloration around veins
Risk factors
Family history of varicose veins, obesity and sitting or standing for long periods of time increases your risk of varicose veins. Your risk also increases with age and whether you are female. Women are more likely to develop the condition due to hormonal changes that relax vein walls. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to enlarged veins in the legs due to the increased volume of blood in your body.
When to see your doctor
If you experience any of those painful symptoms and have tried conservative methods with little or no relief, it’s time to see your doctor to explore your options.
Endovenous laser ablation
Endovenous laser ablation called VenaCure is a minimally invasive treatment with virtually no recovery. This outpatient procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance. A thin sheath or tube is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision. A thin laser fiber is guided through the sheath until it reaches the top of the diseased vein. Once the laser fiber is in place, local anesthesia numbs the area and prevents a buffer to protect surrounding tissue.
When the laser fiber is turned on, it is slowly pulled out of the vein to close it. Blood is immediately re-routed into surrounding healthy veins. After the procedure, you’ll have several small dressings placed along the length of the vein and you’ll wear a compression sock for a week.
You don’t have to live with unsightly and uncomfortable varicose veins. If you live in or around the Fort Worth area, call 817.893.2699 to schedule a consultation.