Varicose veins are dilated, and bulging veins in the legs give a bluish discolouration. They occur due to incompetent valves in the vein, causing reflux of blood into the wall.
There are different methods for reducing varicose veins. The choice of treatment depends on the type of varicose veins and symptoms. For the safest varicose vein treatment in Adelaide, click here.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
For many years, the only way to reduce varicose veins was surgery – removing the problematic section of the vein and then tying off the ends (known as surgical stripping). This procedure involves overnight hospital stays, general anaesthetic, significant downtime and complications, scarring of the legs, and the risk that the varicose veins will recur.
Today’s phlebologists have less invasive, minimally invasive and non-invasive treatment options, including ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. During this procedure, a sclerosing medication is injected into the affected varicose vein(s). This causes the vein to close down, and then over time (usually months), the body will naturally absorb the vein, and it will disappear from view.
The ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy procedure uses an excellent needle and is relatively pain-free. You will wear compression stockings and be asked to walk for a half hour after the treatment, but otherwise, you can resume normal activities, such as work, exercise and driving. This treatment is Medicare rebateable except for the most minor spider veins.
Phlebology
A phlebologist is a medical doctor who specialises in vein disorders. This includes a wide range of conditions, such as varicose veins, blood clots and leg ulcers. For the safest varicose vein treatment Adelaide, click here.
Varicose veins are the result of weakened valves and stretched widened vein walls. They can cause discomfort, heaviness and swelling in the legs and feet. If left untreated, they may lead to more severe problems, such as venous leg ulcers.
Non-surgical treatment for varicose veins has advanced significantly over the past twenty years. Prior to this, the only solution was surgical stripping involving general anaesthetic and hospitalisation.
Spider veins (small red and blue veins) are also amenable to minimally invasive treatment that causes the veins to close. This is often done with ultrasound guidance. The doctors are Phlebologists, meaning they have completed extensive postgraduate training in venous disease. They also have experience with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and laser and radiofrequency treatments for varicose and spider veins.
Varicose veins do not heal on their own and need medical intervention. They are the result of a disease within your veins, and if left untreated, they can cause complications, including blood clots, swelling and skin barrier breakdown/open sores. Symptoms include heavy, swollen and painful legs, burning or throbbing pain and restless leg syndrome. A phlebologist (a Fellow of the Australasian College of Phlebology) can assess and treat your varicose veins.
The sclerotherapy treatment involves injecting an irritant chemical into the problem vein. This causes the vein to collapse and seal in, allowing your body to reroute blood through other healthier veins. For the safest varicose vein treatment Adelaide, click here.
The procedure is a safe and effective treatment for removing varicose veins, and it does not require general anaesthetic or hospitalisation. In addition, most patients return to work and other normal activities the same day or the following day. Some varicose veins may recur, but this is rare and is usually related to a genetic predisposition to varicose veins.
Varicose veins are bluish-purple, swollen and twisted veins that occur when the one-way valves in the blood vessels no longer work. These valves ensure that blood flows only in one direction, from the organs and extremities, back to the heart. When these valves malfunction, the blood pools, and the vein enlarges and becomes swollen. It is important to treat varicose veins early in order to prevent complications.