For a long time, there was only one way to reduce varicose veins. It involved surgery to remove the problem section of the vein and tie off the ends (known as vein stripping). However, the disadvantage of this technique was an ove
ight hospital stay, potential complications from general anesthesia and invasive surgery, scars on the legs, and a high rate of recurrence (veins coming back).
There are other options today that are non-invasive. The type of vein problem you have will determine the options that are available to you.
Let’s look at the best
varicose vein treatment options available today.
Sclerotherapyr
This includes injecting a specific solution into the afflicted vein, causing a biochemical response along the vein wall. This reaction causes the vein to collapse and stiffen, a condition known as sclerosis. The vein will gradually disappear over several months as the body absorbs it into the system.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, like direct vision
sclerotherapy, requires injecting a sclerosant solution into a damaged vein. However, with UGS, an ultrasound is utilized to precisely put the injecting needle into the target vein, delivering the solution exactly where it is needed. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy has improved its efficacy and safety, ushering in a new and higher standard of varicose vein therapy.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
EVLA is a highly effective alte
ative to traditional invasive surgical vein stripping. It is used to treat the massive, internal saphenous veins (great and small saphenous veins), which frequently supply the visible surface veins. EVLA is a straightforward operation that uses ultrasound guidance to insert a laser fiber into the problematic vein. When the laser fiber is engaged, it destroys the vein's internal wall, causing it to collapse and seal itself. Unlike vein stripping, EVLA does not leave any scars.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is similar to EVLA in that it heats the saphenous veins from within. It is also done under local anesthesia, with no scarring or downtime. In general, RFA causes less discomfort tha
EVLA because the vein is treated more gradually using electromagnetic waves rather than laser radiation.
VenaSeal Medical Adhesive Gluer
The most recent advancement in vein treatment, medical adhesive glue, does not rely on heat or metabolic processes within the vein. Instead, it quickly and permanently glues the vein shut, fully closing it off and initiating a permanent hardening process throughout its length. In our experience, VenaSeal Glue is the least invasive and stressful of the new-age treatments.
Patients with reflux in the great saphenous veins may benefit from endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation, according to NICE recommendations. Even though these veins can be treated with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation is far more definitive and has a superior long-term prognosis.
Natural varicose vein treatmentr
If you do any research on varicose veins online, you will come across numerous lotions, vitamins, and natural therapies that claim to cure
varicose and spider veins. So, shall we recommend any of these as the greatest treatments? No. Why? They do not work.
The majority of claims conce
ing nutritional supplements that assist in reducing varicose vein symptoms are flavonoids (food extracts) such as Grape Seed Extract, Horse Chestnut Extract, Pot Marigold, Prickly Ash, and Butcher's Broom Root. However, a systematic evaluation of studies indicated that these supplements have little effect on varicose vein symptoms, and they are certainly not a long-term cure for damaged veins.
Key Takeawaysr
The best treatments for varicose veins include sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and VenaSeal medical glue. A phlebologist can recommend the right treatment for your case.
You may try natural remedies and supplements, though they have not been proven to provide effective relief or healing for varicose veins or spider veins.
The best way to treat varicose veins is via medical intervention, as they do not heal on their own.
A careful assessment of your venous problem, with an ultrasound examination and discussion with your phlebologist, is the best way of determining which treatment is best.