8 treatment options for varicose veins

Treatment for varicose veins should always be guided by an angiologist or vascular surgeon, who should indicate the best type of treatment on an individual basis.

Treatment can be carried out with different techniques such as laser therapy, sclerotherapy with foam or glucose, or in more serious cases, surgery, which must be recommended by the angiologist according to the characteristics of the varicose veins and symptoms such as pain, swelling or the appearance of ulcers. , for example.

In addition, treatment may include the use of medicines to improve blood circulation, as well as some precautions, such as avoiding sitting or standing for a long time, as this helps to keep blood and lymphatic circulation working properly, reducing varicose veins and the appearance of symptoms. Know how to identify the symptoms of varicose veins.

Treatment options

The main forms of treatment for varicose veins are:

1. Lasertherapy

Laser therapy, or laser sclerotherapy, is a laser treatment for varicose veins to eliminate small and medium-sized vessels that appear on the nose, cheeks, torso or legs. The laser works by converting light energy into thermal energy, heating and destroying the blood vessel wall, with an instantaneous effect, improving the appearance of skin with varicose veins.

This type of treatment is quick, lasting around 20 to 30 minutes per session and guarantees good results. Furthermore, it does not cause much pain compared to other treatments, it is not an invasive procedure, however, it may be necessary to carry out a complementary treatment to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

After the laser, it is important to avoid exposure to the sun and use sunscreen to prevent the treated area from becoming stained. See other precautions that should be taken after laser sclerotherapy.

Make an appointment with a vascular surgeon in your nearest region:

2. Radio frequency

Radiofrequency works in a very similar way to laser surgery, as it uses heat inside the vessel to close the varicose vein, and is performed using local anesthesia.

To do this, the doctor inserts a small catheter into the vein to be treated, guided by ultrasound, and then, using radiofrequency, heats the tip, leaving it hot enough to cause the vessel to close.

Normally the cost is 250 reais per radiofrequency session and up to 10 sessions may be needed to completely eliminate them, depending on the number of varicose veins.

3. Foam sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for small-caliber varicose veins, being more suitable for spider veins up to 4 mm in diameter or microvaricose veins. The technique is performed by an angiologist and consists of applying polidocanol foam directly to the varicose veins, closing the vein.

This type of treatment is practically definitive and after the procedure it is recommended to use elastic compression stockings, recommended by the doctor, to improve circulation and reduce the chances of varicose veins reappearing. See how foam sclerotherapy is performed.

Foam sclerotherapy should not be used by pregnant women, the elderly or people who have a history of pulmonary embolism.

4. Glucose sclerotherapy

Glucose sclerotherapy is a type of treatment carried out by an angiologist that consists of applying glucose directly to varicose veins or microvarices up to 2 mm in diameter, until they disappear.

Glucose is applied with a concentrated glucose solution, generally 50% or 75%, which is easily absorbed by the body, reducing the chances of complications or allergies during or after treatment. However, it is not recommended for diabetic people, as it can interfere with blood sugar levels. Understand better how glucose sclerotherapy works and the possible side effects.

5. Pharmacy remedies

Pharmacy remedies for varicose veins are generally tablets that contain flavonoids or bioflavonoids, such as diosmin and hesperidin, which are substances with anti-inflammatory and vascular protective action, or creams and ointments for use on the skin.

These remedies help to reduce dilation and increase the tone of blood vessels, improving circulation and reducing symptoms associated with the disease, such as pain, swelling or the appearance of ulcers.

These medications should be used with the advice and guidance of an angiologist, with individualized doses according to each person’s symptoms. Check out all the remedies that may be recommended for treating varicose veins.

6. Endolases

The endolaser or intravenous laser is a treatment in which the doctor inserts an optical fiber into the affected vein and applies the laser to close the blood vessel.

This type of treatment is minimally invasive, as no cuts to the skin are necessary, and there is also a quick recovery. See how the endolaser for varicose veins is performed.

7. Surgery

Surgery for varicose veins is indicated for the most serious cases, where the varicose veins are very thick, more than 1 finger in size, generating symptoms such as swelling in the legs, pain and itching, which can cause complications.

Recovery from varicose vein surgery depends on the number and size of the veins that are removed. See how surgery for varicose veins is performed.

8. Natural treatment

A good natural treatment for varicose veins is to take a horse chestnut tablet, because this medicinal plant improves blood circulation, making it a good option to complement the treatment recommended by your doctor. Horse chestnuts can be purchased in pharmacies, compounding pharmacies and health food stores, but they should only be taken when recommended by a doctor.

Another natural option for treating varicose veins is the use of herbal medicines, such as Novarrutin and Antistax, as they contain substances capable of relieving pain and swelling in legs with varicose veins. In addition, there are home remedy options to treat varicose veins, such as grape juice and cabbage compresses, for example. See all home remedy options for varicose veins.

How to guarantee treatment results

However, it is important to follow some important recommendations for the treatment to be effective, such as:

• Wear elastic compression socks daily, as they compress the blood vessels, and should be placed on the legs as soon as you wake up and removed to shower and sleep. Elastic compression stockings can be found in pharmacies or hospital supply stores, however, they must be used under medical supervision. Know what compression socks are for and when to use them;
• Place a wedge at the foot of the bedto improve blood circulation in the legs;
• Remedies for varicose veins, as they reduce fluid retention and improve venous return, reducing the chances of developing new varicose veins. These medications must be prescribed and guided by a doctor.

In addition, it is recommended to practice some type of physical activity, as this means the blood is pumped more vigorously and heart capacity also improves, reducing the incidence of varicose veins.

How to prevent varicose veins

To prevent varicose veins, it is recommended to do regular physical exercise and be accompanied by a professional, avoid being overweight, sit and lie with your legs up and evaluate the possibility of not taking the contraceptive pill, for example.

Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid sitting or standing still for a long time and avoid wearing high heels every day. This way, it is possible to prevent the appearance of varicose veins or the reappearance of old varicose veins.