How to treat varicose veins on the legs
Feb 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chu Yaonan
Introduction
1. Non-surgical therapy: Patients may wear medical-grade compression stockings, which exert a higher pressure distally and lower pressure proximally, thereby compressing and collapsing the varicose veins.
2. Sclerotherapy: A sclerosing agent is injected into the emptied varicose vein, inducing an inflammatory reaction that leads to vein occlusion; it may also serve as an adjunct to surgical treatment.
3. Surgical therapy.
Varicose veins of the lower leg are among the most significant vascular disorders and also one of the most common conditions affecting the blood vessels of the limbs. So, how are varicose veins of the legs treated? Below, we address this question.
How Are Varicose Veins of the Legs Treated?
Clinically, there are three primary treatment approaches for varicose veins of the legs:
1. Non-surgical therapy. Patients may wear medical-grade compression stockings, which exert higher pressure distally and lower pressure proximally, thereby compressing and collapsing the dilated veins. Patients should avoid prolonged standing or sitting and intermittently elevate the affected limb. While non-surgical management can alleviate general clinical symptoms, it is primarily indicated for patients with mild symptoms who decline surgery, for those developing varicose veins during pregnancy (as these veins may resolve spontaneously postpartum), and for patients with poor surgical tolerance.
2. Sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the emptied varicose vein, inducing an inflammatory response that leads to vein occlusion. Sclerotherapy may also serve as an adjunct to surgical treatment to address residual varicosities. Importantly, effective post-procedure compression of the treated limb is essential for optimal recovery.
3. Surgical therapy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed and no clear contraindications to surgery exist, surgical intervention is appropriate. The standard procedure is high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein. If incompetent perforating vein valves are present, ligation of the affected perforating veins is also required to achieve complete resolution.
The above outlines the main treatment options for varicose veins of the legs. We hope this information is helpful to you.
