What is the Best Treatment for Venous Insufficiency?

You’ve spent a long day on your feet at work, only to return home with heavy, aching legs. Perhaps your ankles are swollen, or you notice bulging veins creeping up your legs. As the discomfort increases, you may even start to notice these veins looking more twisted. You might be experiencing the symptoms of venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins in your legs aren’t working properly to return blood to your heart. This can lead to various symptoms such as swelling, varicose veins, skin discoloration, and, in some cases, ulcers or blood clots.

At Vein Treatment, we specialize in minimally invasive venous insufficiency treatments that can help restore proper vein function and reduce symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the best treatment for venous insufficiency and cover various vein treatment options available at our vein clinics in New York, New Jersey, California, and Washington, D.C.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are often the first line of defense against venous insufficiency. These special socks apply gentle pressure to the legs, starting at the ankles and gradually decreasing as they move up the legs. This compression helps to improve circulation by supporting the veins and assisting in the return of blood to the heart. As a result, swelling is reduced, and symptoms like aching or heaviness in the legs can be relieved. Wearing compression stockings regularly can help prevent the condition from worsening, especially if you are on your feet for extended periods. They are non-invasive and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a popular, minimally invasive treatment for venous insufficiency. During this procedure, a small laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance. The laser energy heats the vein’s walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. Once the vein is closed, blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins, improving circulation and reducing symptoms. EVLA is highly effective for treating larger varicose veins and is a great alternative to traditional vein stripping surgery. The procedure is done in-office, requires no general anesthesia, and typically has a short recovery time.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is another minimally invasive treatment for venous insufficiency. Similar to EVLA, RFA uses heat to close off problematic veins. However, instead of laser energy, radiofrequency energy heats and shrinks the vein, causing it to collapse. This procedure is guided by ultrasound, ensuring that the treatment is precisely targeted. RFA is especially effective for treating larger veins that contribute to venous insufficiency. The procedure is quick, performed under local anesthesia, and doesn’t require incisions or stitches. Most patients experience minimal downtime and can return to normal activities within a day or two.

VenaSeal

VenaSeal is a newer treatment for venous insufficiency that uses a medical adhesive to close the affected vein. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the vein, and a special adhesive is released to seal the vein shut. The body gradually absorbs the treated vein, and blood flow is rerouted to healthier veins. One of the benefits of VenaSeal is that it doesn’t require incisions or heat, making it comfortable with minimal recovery time. This treatment is effective for small and large veins and can be done in a single office visit.

ClariVein

ClariVein is a minimally invasive procedure that combines mechanical and chemical techniques to treat venous insufficiency. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and the tip of the catheter rotates to break up the vein walls. At the same time, a sclerosant solution is released, which irritates the vein walls and causes them to collapse. This treatment is ideal for patients with smaller veins or those who need a less invasive alternative to other therapies like EVLA or RFA. The procedure is generally well-tolerated and involves minimal downtime and a quick recovery.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a tried-and-true treatment for smaller varicose and spider veins, which are common symptoms of venous insufficiency. During this procedure, a special solution is injected directly into the vein. The solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and eventually fade away. The body then naturally reabsorbs the treated vein, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. This procedure is minimally invasive and usually requires no anesthesia or downtime. It is an excellent option for treating smaller veins that might not require more aggressive treatments.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a more invasive treatment used to remove large varicose veins. This procedure involves making small incisions in the skin through which the vein is extracted. It is used for veins that are too large and bulging to be treated with laser therapy, sclerotherapy, or other minimally invasive treatments. Despite its slightly more involved nature, ambulatory phlebectomy is still performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization. Ambulatory phlebectomy provides immediate results and is often performed after the primary vein treatment for underlying venous insufficiency.

What is the Best Venous Insufficiency Treatment?

The best venous insufficiency treatment depends on the severity and type of veins involved. Sclerotherapy is ideal for treating spider veins, while ambulatory phlebectomy is used for large, bulging varicose veins. For underlying venous insufficiency or larger varicose veins, treatments like endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and VenaSeal may be more suitable. Each vein treatment is tailored to your specific needs.

At Vein Treatment, our board-certified vein doctors specialize in creating personalized treatment plans to address your specific condition, ensuring the most effective care possible. If you are struggling with symptoms of venous insufficiency, contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our minimally invasive treatments can improve your quality of life. We have vein clinics in New York, New Jersey, California, and Maryland., so visit your nearest vein clinic to get started on the path to healthier legs.