Vein disease can occur in any part of the body but leg vein disease – varicose veins – is probably the most common concern for most people. However, many people also seek treatment for spider veins or prominent hand veins as well. Since vein disease doesn’t just disappear on its own, knowing the best treatment options to promote vein health is important. Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of Dr. David Bellamah, of the Bellamah Vein Center in Missoula, Montana.
Many people who have varicose veins or spider veins don’t have symptoms and seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Others have symptoms such as burning, itching, leg pain or swelling. While symptom relief is one good reason, there are others. Leg vein disease can increase your chances of thrombophlebitis, an inflammatory process that may result in blood clots. These can travel to the lungs or brain, with serious consequences. Severe varicose veins may also develop ulcers.
The best treatments depend on various factors – your age, overall health, the location of the diseased veins and their severity. Insurance coverage may also affect your choice. Here are some of the possibilities:
Deciding among possible treatment options is a joint activity with your doctor. For some people, conservative treatment is attractive as it is less expensive and does not involve any invasive treatments. It’s important to remember that conservative treatment doesn’t affect a cure and must be continued for the rest of your life. For small varicose veins or spider veins, a procedure like sclerotherapy or RFA is a good choice. EVLT and phlebectomy are better for larger or deeper veins. All of these are in-office procedures, use local anesthesia and require little time. Downtime is also minimal.
No matter what your vein problems, we have a potential solution. Please contact us for an assessment and recommendations. Dr. Bellamah can explain the treatment options and help you make a choice. Here’s to your vein health!
