Understanding the Different Treatments for Your Varicose Veins

Almost 13% of Americans have varicose veins, with more women than men affected. If the appearance of these bulging veins doesn’t bother you, you can live with varicose veins — unless they begin to cause issues.

Whether your varicose veins cause pain or just have an unsightly appearance, board-certified surgeon Dr. Jacob Rinker and our team of specialists at Wyoming Medical Associates offer a range of treatments.

Treatments for varicose veins

Depending on your situation, we might recommend one of the following treatments for your varicose veins:

Radiofrequency ablation

For this type of treatment, we numb your leg, then insert a very thin tube into the vein. The radiofrequency waves generate heat to your vein, closing off the blood flow to the problem vein.

Phlebectomy

For a phlebectomy procedure, Dr. Rinker uses a scalpel to make small incisions in your leg, removing small segments of your veins that are just beneath the surface of your skin.

Sclerotherapy

With sclerotherapy, we use a foam called Varithena™ that we inject into your larger, malfunctioning veins, causing them to collapse. 

VenaSeal™

With this treatment, we use a medical adhesive that safely and effectively closes your diseased vein. Think of it as super-gluing the vein shut. VenaSeal offers a quick recovery time, and you don’t have to wear compression stockings after the procedure. 

All of these procedures are minimally invasive, promote healthy blood circulation in your nearby veins, and enhance the appearance of your legs.

Treating your varicose veins can also help you avoid related problems, like venous insufficiency. 

The venous insufficiency connection

Chronic venous insufficiency affects about 40% of Americans, with women and people over 50 being the most at risk. Varicose veins and previous cases of blood clots are the most common causes. 

When the forward blood flow in your varicose veins gets obstructed, blood builds up below the clot and can cause venous insufficiency.

For healthy blood flow, you need working valves in your veins. If they are damaged or missing, your blood can flow backward and pool in your veins. That’s why you might notice the rope-like lumps under the skin in your legs that indicate varicose veins.

Causes of venous insufficiency

Your lifestyle can play a role in your risk factors. For example, smoking, obesity, and standing or sitting for long periods of time can contribute to vein insufficiency.

Other factors include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clots
  • Cancer
  • Trauma to your leg
  • Family history of venous insufficiency
  • Swelling of superficial veins

Regardless of how it develops, you need treatment if you suffer from swelling or pain in your legs, leg cramps, achiness, and skin color changes around your ankles.

When you come in for an evaluation, we can determine the condition of your varicose veins and work with you on a successful treatment plan, as needed.

To learn more about the right treatment for you, schedule an evaluation with us at our Gillette or Casper, Wyoming, location. Call or book your appointment online today. We also offer telehealth consultations as a convenience if you’re not able to visit our practice.