Varicose veins

If your varicose veins are not causing uncomfortable symptoms and their appearance does not bother you, then it is not necessary to treat them. However, you might consider medical treatment to relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and improve appearance. Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes, including exercise, weight loss, not sitting or standing for long periods for time, and using compression stockings to prevent pooling of blood in the veins
• Sclerotherapy, a procedure in which your doctor injects a chemical into affected veins to block blood flow
• Vein stripping, the surgical removal of large varicose veins while you are under general anesthesia
• Laser surgery, an in-office procedure that uses light to improve the appearance of smaller varicose veins
• Ablation therapy, an in-office procedure using local anesthesia and lasers or radio waves to close off veins

You can prevent varicose veins from forming or returning with the following strategies:

• Exercising regularly
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Elevating your legs when you sit down
• Wearing compression socks
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothes and high heels

Dignity Health provides quality treatment and care options for women dealing with varicose veins in Arizona, California, and Nevada.