Is Varicose Vein Treatment Painful

Varicose veins are swollen veins that appear just below your skin. These veins are formed when the valves in your vein are weak and are malfunctioning, leading to the blood flowing backwards. This pooling of blood results in the bulging, hard, ropy appearance of the veins.
Varicose veins can cause symptoms like pain and heaviness in the legs and cramps in the middle of the night. Serious complications like deep vein thrombosis and non-healing ulcers and sores can occur when left untreated.
Conservative management and symptomatic treatment help in the initial stages. Varicose veins are treated surgically. Read along to know what are the treatment options for varicose veins and whether they are painful or not.

Treating Varicose Veins

Up until a couple of decades ago, varicose veins treatment was quite a scary notion. It involved a proper surgical procedure where you would be taken to the operating theatre and administered general anesthesia. This would be followed by the surgeon cutting open your legs to remove the varicose vein. This would be followed by weeks of painful recovery.
Over the years, medical science has grown in leaps and bounds. Varicose veins treatment is not what it was years ago. Today, there are several methods of treating your varicose veins that do not require an operating theatre. These minimally invasive procedures are all done as out-patient procedures and you can go home the same day. All the procedures involve closing the vein using laser, heat or chemical irritants. These procedures are very effective and provide faster relief from your symptoms. The recovery time is also very less and you can be up and about in no time. All these procedures cause minimal to no pain and discomfort. A slight pinch or a tiny stab of pain may be felt while you are administered numbing medications. 

Types Of Varicose Vein Treatment

There are a lot of methods available today to treat varicose veins. All these procedures are minimally invasive, almost painless and ensure a quick recovery. A specialist will conduct a thorough examination and choose the treatment method best suited for you. Here are some of the methods used commonly for treating varicose veins-

• Sclerotherapy- This is the most popular method for varicose veins treatment. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a chemical called sclerosant into the varicose vein. This chemical destroys the inner lining of the vein wall, leading to the collapse of the vein. The collapsed vein forms scar tissue over time.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation- This is a minimally invasive procedure that makes use of laser waves to treat your condition. The laser waves are used to destroy and close the damaged vein. The blood flow is re-directed towards healthy veins. The collapsed vein is converted into scar tissue that eventually fades away.
• Radiofrequency Ablation- This procedure is very similar to endovenous laser ablation. In this procedure, radiofrequency waves are used instead of laser waves to close the damaged vein.
• VenaSeal- This is a specialised glue. This glue is delivered to the damaged vein where it acts like an adhesive and seals off the damaged vein. 

Benefits of Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins can be a worrisome issue. Not only are the symptoms quite painful and bothersome, but the ugly-looking veins can also be a cosmetic issue. Gone are the days when one had to undergo painful surgery and weeks of painful recovery to get rid of varicose veins. Today there are a lot of options that u can choose from to get rid of varicose veins. Here are some of the benefits of the various treatment options available-

• All the options available are minimally invasive procedures.
• The pain during the procedure is minimal to nil.
• You can get the treatment done in an outpatient procedure and go home the same day.
• Anesthesia is usually local and you will only feel a pin-prick sensation while you are being administered the injection.
• Post-operative care is simple and not a big hassle. You will be sent home with bandages on your leg and some painkillers, just in case you experience pain when the anesthesia wears off.
• The recovery time is very minimal. 

Takeaway

Varicose veins are veins with malfunctioning valves. The veins appear as thick, bluish-black ropy structures just below the skin. 

Varicose veins can be very painful apart from being a cosmetic issue. Unlike in the past, treating varicose veins has become extremely simple these days. If the fear of going under the knife is what prevents you from seeking treatment for this condition, do not fret. Most of the treatment options available these days are minimally invasive procedures that do not require you to get into the operating room. The procedures are painless, quick and very efficient. You can go back home the same day and the recovery period is also quick.
We at MedFin are always happy to help you with your queries regarding varicose vein treatment. Reach out to our team of experts to know more about the options available to you. We will also address all your fears and guide you in the right direction.

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