Treatment Options for Trunk Veins
Your body’s veins are responsible for sending blood from your heart and lungs to the rest of your body. They have one-way valves that prevent blood from moving back towards the heart. Blood can pool in those areas when these valves become damaged and stop working properly, causing venous insufficiency. This happens when too much pressure on the veins results in them not doing their job properly.
Varicose veins are a common problem, especially in people over 40. It causes the vein walls, mostly on the back of your thighs, to stretch, swell and weaken. The main symptom is aching pain or cramping, usually felt at night or after sitting for long periods. You may also have a swollen feeling under your skin that makes it look like you have sausage-like fingers or toes, often called “cankles.” Other symptoms include bruising easily and spider-like red lines spreading from varicose vein clusters.
Treatment for Veins on the Legs
There are many treatment options for trunk veins, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to more invasive surgeries. Minimally invasive options include compression stockings, sclerotherapy, and laser therapy.
· Sclerotherapy Treatment
Sclerotherapy treatment for trunk veins works best for many people. It’s not a quick fix, but it can help you eliminate those pesky red and blue veins that have been bothering you for years. It is a procedure that treats problematic veins by injecting them with a solution that causes them to shrink, fade away or disappear altogether. The solution contains chemicals that tend to irritate the inside lining of your veins, which causes them to swell up and eventually close off completely over time if left untreated.
· Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose and spider veins. During the procedure, the specialist inserts a laser fiber into the vein, where it emits infrared light to heat the blood inside. The heat causes the vein to collapse, which blocks blood flow and prevents it from returning to your heart.
The risk of complications from this procedure is low but varies depending on your overall health and the number of veins treated. Some side effects include scarring, discoloration, and redness. It is usually recommended for small veins and works best on superficial veins visible under the skin. The procedure takes about 15 minutes in a doctor’s office or clinic. You might need to wear compression stockings after the procedure to help prevent further swelling or bleeding.
· Compression Stockings
These tight ankle-high socks help improve circulation in the legs by applying moderate pressure on the lower leg and forcing blood back up toward your heart. They are not recommended for people with poor circulation, as increased leg pressure may cause damage to the skin and leg tissues.
Invasive Surgical Treatments
Invasive surgical treatments include angioplasty and endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA).
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is the most common treatment for trunk veins. It involves inflating a small balloon at the end of a catheter inserted into the vein. The balloon is then expanded to open up the blocked section of the vein and restore blood flow.
EVTA
EVTA is a minimally invasive procedure that treats venous reflux and varicose veins by sealing off the affected vein, thus eliminating the symptoms caused by these conditions. The professional inserts a catheter or thin tube through a small incision at the groin or ankle. This heats the inside of the vein that activates collagen. This makes it shrink and close off, which prevents blood from flowing through it anymore.
Conclusion
There are several treatment options available if you have unsightly, painful varicose veins on your legs. The best treatment option for you will depend on the type and location of your varicose veins. Some choices include compression stockings, sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and vein surgery. All these can be effective solutions for many people.
The good news is that most patients will notice an improvement in their symptoms after treatment. Talk to East Bay Vein Specialists if you’re looking for a way to get rid of those unsightly bulging veins on your back or chest. We offer services around San Francisco/Oakland, including hand vein removal, varicose veins, and more. Please book an appointment so we can discuss the best treatment option that works for you. Alternatively, you can find us on Twitter or call us at (925) 494–0898 today!