Treatment
Treatment is usually conservative. You will be asked to avoid excessive standing, raise your legs when resting or sleeping, and wear elastic support hose.
You may need treatment to improve the appearance of your legs. Surgery may be recommended, such as:
- Vein stripping and removal of the varicose vein (ligation)
- Sclerotherapy of veins
Vein stripping is usually reserved for patients who are experiencing a lot of pain or who have skin ulcers.
See also:
- Varicose vein – noninvasive treatment
- Varicose vein stripping
Prognosis (Expectations)
Varicose veins tend to get worse over time. You can ease discomfort and slow varicose vein progression with self care.
Complications
- Phlebitis (chronic inflammation of the vein)
- Formation of leg ulcers
- Rupture of a varicose vein
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- Varicose veins are painful
- They get worse or do not improve with self-treatment, such as keeping the legs elevated or avoiding excessive standing
- Complications occur, including a sudden increase in pain or swelling, fever, redness of the leg, or leg ulcers
Pictures & Images
Varicose veins
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Varicose veins:Overview, Causes
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Varicose veins: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Varicose veins:Treatment
Review Date : 6/1/2009
Reviewed By : Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
