Vein treatment in Schaumburg covers a variety of methods for treating varicose veins. They range from self-care like diet or elevating one’s legs through sclerotherapy to surgery.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are distended and ropy-looking veins that can be seen through the skin. They typically develop on the ankles and lower legs. Veins have valves within them that keep the blood flowing towards the heart. In a varicose vein, those valves stop working properly, so the blood pools within them or even flows backward. The resulting pressure causes the vein to become swollen.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
There are many ways to treat varicose veins. Since being overweight exacerbates varicose veins, the doctor will often recommend diet and exercise. They will also often start by recommending conservative self-care measures like keeping the legs elevated. They may also have the patient wear compression stockings to reduce swelling and help the circulation.
If those don’t work, the doctor will recommend any of several different procedures depending on the size of the affected vein and the severity of the condition.
What Is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the doctor’s office. The doctor will use a topical anesthetic to numb the area and then make a small incision. They will insert a catheter containing a laser fiber and use ultrasound to guide it to the targeted vein. The heat from the laser will cause the vein’s walls to collapse in on themselves, and the body will reroute the blood through healthy neighboring veins. The procedure typically takes about a half-hour.
Contact Bradley Ashpole, MD, or visit to learn more about vein treatment in Schaumburg.
