One of the things that prevents many people with varicose veins or other forms of vein disease from seeking treatment is…unfortunately…fear of treatment. They may have heard stories of the “bad old days” when varicose veins could be removed only by surgery, or they may feel that their insurance won’t fully cover modern non-surgical methods of varicose vein removal such as sclerotherapy or endovenous laser treatment, so they resist going to see a vein doctor at all. This is a pity, because many of the cases of varicose veins and other vein diseases we encounter in our Boynton Beach vein center can be successfully managed using conservative care methods that don’t require any further intervention.
At South Palm Cardiovascular Associates, whenever possible, we always consider conservative treatments as a first-line approach. This means that our doctors will always recommend a trial of conservative, non-invasive measures to manage and treat a patient’s symptomatic vein disease before offering other minimally invasive options. Many of the unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins, for example, can be successfully managed through the use of compression stockings, exercise, weight control, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Many vein specialists think of graduated compression stockings as the first line of defense when treating varicose veins. The disease that commonly causes varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, causes blood to pool in the veins of the legs. Compression stockings can provide low-cost and effective relief to those whose swollen legs and ankles have become painful. Wearing these stockings eases the pain, and at the same time promotes more normal blood circulation through the veins, reducing the likelihood of blood clots forming.
Exercise and elevation
One of the things that happens when a person has vein disease is that the discomfort they feel in their legs often causes them to become inactive – to stop walking as much and stop exercising. Unfortunately, falling into patterns of inactivity are one of the worst things one could do, because lack of exercise causes the vein disease to become worse. So our vascular doctors often prescribe gentle exercises to increase circulation in the legs, ankles, feet and toes. One of the most effective exercises to alleviate the discomfort of varicose veins is to simply elevate one’s legs several times a day. This provides relief from the constant pull of gravity causing blood to pool in the veins of the legs.
One of the biggest risk factors for vein disease is being overweight or obese. So we often work with our patients to formulate diet and exercise programs to help them lose weight, and then keep it off once they’ve lost it.
Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can help to alleviate many of the symptoms of vein disease. These may range from ibuprofen to manage pain to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. We can also offer lifestyle advice about activities that worsen vein disease symptoms, like sitting for long periods of time. Because smoking also hinders circulation, we can work with our patients to help them stop.
These are just a few of the conservative treatment options the best vein doctors in Boynton Beach can offer to help you in your fight against vein disease. Call us at 561-515-0080 and we’ll be happy to explain them to you. Or visit our website at: http://www.southpalmcardiovascular.com to learn more.
