Enlarged veins on the feet or legs are called varicose veins. With vein treatment Austin, TX, the main goal is to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins while also improving the overall appearance. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 60% of people have to deal with varicose veins at some point in their life. They are seen more in women.

Varicose veins result from a reduction in blood flow in the human system. This blood flow comes from the vein around the leg up to the where the heart is. The valves that keep the blood flow to the heart aren't working properly which makes it so blood flows backwards. Blood will come into the veins. Medical procedures work to remove or close varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a method that injects a watery substance or chemical into the vein to close it. The procedure is done every 2 to 4 weeks. Microsclerotherapy is another method that injects a chemical or fluid substance into the vein. It is commonly done with spider veins.

With medical procedures, varicose veins can be closed or removed. Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which liquid chemical is injected into veins, closing them. The injections are done every 2 to 4 weeks, or until there is improvement. Another method is microsclerotherapy. This is also a chemical injection. This is a treatment that is normally done with spider veins that are not as severe.

Procedures that can be used to close of a vein include laser surgery. Heat produced by the laser light make the vein disappear. There is also vein stripping, which involves cutting open the skin in order to remove the vein. This is usually only performed in severe circumstances of vericose veins, however.

Side effects for medical treatments include slight discomfort, bruising, skin discoloration and swelling. Less common and more severe side effects include scarring and blood clotting. Severe side effects are more common in vein stripping and ligation. Usually, you will only experience minor side effects. Lifestyle changes can improve varicose veins. This is a good option if your varicose veins are not too severe and symptoms are few. You may just need lifestyle changes instead of other medical procedures.

Try to take frequent breaks whenever possible. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting. You ought to raise your legs above your heart so that blood flow in your body can be increased. If you're obese, try losing weight which will increase your blood flow and reduce varicose veins.

Try to avoid tight clothing, especially around your legs and thighs, as they can be bad for varicose veins. Loose clothing allows your body to breathe, and will not intensify your varicose veins. Choosing low-heeled shoes over high heals can help to tone calf muscles.

Another alternative for clothes is compression stockings. These special stocking work by giving your legs friendly pressure. Support pantyhose offer the least amount of pressure. Over-the-counter compression pantyhose offer medium pressure while prescription strength compression hose comes with the most pressure among the three. You need to be uniquely fitted for these kinds of pantyhose to ensure they work. They can be found in pharmacies and medical supply stores.

Choosing how you deal with varicose veins is entirely up to you. Treatments can be used to improve how veins look. While treatments help with the healing of varicose veins, it does not necessarily mean new ones will not form. If you are not sure what the best option is for you, talk to your doctor.