Read More Conservative Treatment

Read More About Conservative Treatment

Many people with varicose veins do not require treatment because their veins do not cause them any discomfort. If you choose not to opt for treatment, you can prevent your vein problems from progressing to some extent with conservative, home care methods. At Innovative Vein, we can guide you on specific home care methods that will help you keep your varicose veins under control.

Leg Elevation

Elevating the legs above the level of the heart will bring you  temporary symptomatic relief. Use pillows or a foam wedge to keep your legs elevated properly. Any time you are at home and resting, you can elevate your legs.

Compression Stockings

At Innovative Vein, we will prescribe compression stockings that slow down the progression of varicose veins and alleviate symptoms like swelling and pain. Compression stockings with a pressure of 20-30 mmHg to 30-40 mmHg have been shown to alleviate swelling and improve micro-circulation in the legs. Your legs will be measured to ensure that the stockings prescribed are the correct size and fit.

Compression stockings squeeze your legs, helping the veins and muscles move blood more efficiently through your legs. By shifting blood volume from compressed areas to more central areas of your body, compression stockings narrow varicose veins, decrease venous influx, and reduce venous volume. Compression stockings keep vein problems under control, but they do not cure the problem. The stockings must be worn all day in order to have effect. Compression stockings can be utilized alone or in combination with other treatments.

Compression stockings may be purchased in our office or at most pharmacies and medical supply stores. The amount of compression that the stockings provide varies depending on the brand. Prescription-strength compression stockings are also available. There are devices that ease the process of putting compression stockings on for those who have weak hands or arthritis.

Exercise and Weight Loss

Being overweight puts more pressure on your veins. If you are obese, losing weight can help to ease the symptoms associated with varicose veins and slow the progression of vein problems. Exercise will help you lose weight as well as improve symptoms associated with venous insufficiency. Exercise that targets the calf muscle pump is thought to be the most effective in the treatment of vein problems.

Avoid Sitting or Standing for Long Periods of Time

Your blood does not flow as well when you stay in the same position for long periods of time. To prevent your varicose veins from worsening, avoid sitting and standing for extended periods.

Typically, the first approach for treating mild vein problems is conservative treatment. If your vein problems are not responsive to conservative treatment, the next step will be to evaluate your condition further and decide on a more aggressive treatment, such as sclerotherapy, or laser treatment.
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