Varicose Veins FAQ
You have questions about varicose vein treatments.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Vein Treatments
Symptoms can vary but may include:
- Visible, twisted, and bulging veins
- Aching, heavy, or throbbing legs
- Burning or itching sensation
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Skin discoloration around the veins
- Leg fatigue
- Muscle cramps, especially at night
In clinical studies, the majority of patients treated with Varithena experienced improvements in symptoms: heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing and itching after just one treatment. The clinical studies also found that the majority of patients experienced improvement in vein appearance in assessments by both patients and physicians.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of treatment. Minimally invasive procedures usually have a shorter recovery period, with most people able to resume normal activities within a few days. Surgical procedures may require a longer recovery period. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your treatment.
While not always preventable, you can reduce your risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
- Elevating your legs when resting
- Wearing compression stockings, especially during pregnancy or when standing for long periods.
A doctor will typically perform a physical examination and review your medical history. They may also recommend a Doppler ultrasound, a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in the veins and check for blood clots or valve problems.
The best treatment option depends on factors such as the size, location, and severity of your varicose veins, your overall health, and your preferences. Your doctor will discuss the available options and recommend the most suitable approach for you.
You should consult a doctor if you experience:
- Pain or discomfort in your legs
- Swelling or heaviness
- Skin changes or discoloration
- Ulcers or sores
- Bleeding from the veins
- A rapid worsening of your varicose veins
Insurance coverage varies depending on your plan and the medical necessity of the treatment. If the varicose veins are causing pain, discomfort, or other medical issues, treatment is more likely to be covered. Cosmetic treatments may not be covered. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
Most minimally invasive treatments, like sclerotherapy, EVLA, and RFA, involve minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is often used. Surgical procedures may involve more post-operative discomfort, which can usually be managed with pain medication.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity and your overall health. They include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Compression stockings, regular exercise, weight management, and elevating your legs can help manage symptoms and slow progression.
- Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected directly into the varicose veins, causing them to collapse and fade.
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): A thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision. The laser heats the vein, causing it to close.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Similar to EVLA, this procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat and close the vein.
While treatment can effectively address existing varicose veins, it doesn’t 1 prevent new ones from forming. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including wearing compression stockings if recommended, can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Varicose veins can be caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins. These valves normally keep blood flowing toward the heart. When they don’t work properly, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and become varicose. Factors like genetics, age, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and a history of deep vein thrombosis can increase the risk.
- The physician administers a small amount of Varithena.
- The microfoam fills and treats the desired section of the vein.
- The diseased vein collapses and the foam is diluted in the bloodstream and flushed out.
Varithena polidocanol injectable foam 1% is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat varicose veins caused by problems with the great saphenous vein (GSV) and other related veins in the leg’s GSV system. Varithena improves symptoms related to or caused by varicose veins, and the appearance of varicose veins.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are visible just under the skin’s surface. They most commonly occur in the legs and ankles.
While some people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, varicose veins can also cause significant discomfort and lead to more serious complications if left untreated, such as skin ulcers, blood clots, and bleeding.
