Varicose veins form when the valves located within veins, that control the flow of blood, become weak and incompetent. When this happens the blood pools in the vein, instead of flowing normally, and this often results in a swollen appearance. Varicose veins have a number of appearances that include a twisted or enlarged look that can look very unsightly.
Choosing the best varicose vein clinic in London
For most people, varicose veins are purely a cosmetic issue but in some cases, they can cause discomfort and pain – we can discuss this with you at the Centre for Surgery. Common varicose vein symptoms include:
- Swollen feet/ankles
- Sensations of legs feeling heavy and ache
- Burning/throbbing feelings in the legs
- Cramped muscles
- Itchy or dry skin
There are numerous things patients can do or use to help relieve the pain of varicose veins. These include:
Compression Stockings
These stockings can be found in most pharmacies and stores on the high street. Compression stockings are worn to prevent several venous disorders from appearing. These disorders include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and they also help to boost circulation in the legs. Often recommended to those with varicose veins, the compression stockings help to reduce pain associated with varicose veins in the legs. However, the relief gained from the wearing of compression stockings is only temporary and they should not be worn for long periods because of possible side effects. Before buying them, discuss this with your pharmacist or GP. You can also discuss it at your consultation with the Centre for Surgery.
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
Exercise
Regular exercise is always recommended by the Centre for Surgery here in London, and it can help with treating varicose veins. Exercise encourages blood circulation, and in the legs, this helps with varicose veins. The Centre for Surgery recommends low impact exercises, particularly ones that target the calf muscles. This means walking, yoga, swimming or cycling. Taking regular breaks from sitting at a desk, for instance, and walking around is also going to help.
Healthy diet
A healthy diet that is full of all the nutrients a body needs is always the ideal, regardless of overall health. Reducing salt intake, or sodium-rich foods will help if you are experiencing swelling. Salt retains water, so reducing the amount you are ingesting can help reduce the swelling. Foods that are known to reduce water retention include lentils, leafy greens, nuts and potatoes. Adding these to your diet can help to reduce the swelling. Maintaining ideal body weight is always a healthy option but it also helps with minimising complications associated with varicose veins. Excessive weight puts pressure on the veins, so reducing this is going to alleviate discomfort and swelling.
Leg elevation
If you are feeling discomfort in the legs, try resting with them elevated. Ideally, they should be at the same height or above your heart – this will help to improve the circulation in your legs. In cases where you know, you will be sitting for long periods, elevating the legs will help relieve pain, too.
Choose to clothe wisely
Different types of shoes or clothing could cause varicose vein symptoms to become worse. Tight jeans and high heels should be exchanged for loose-fitting pants and flat shoes, for example. Tight clothing can cause additional discomfort by restricting blood flow.
Surgical treatment for varicose veins
Although the non-surgical treatments mentioned above can significantly improve symptoms, this may only be for a limited period of time before symptoms occur. For a more permanent solution for the treatment of all types of varicose veins, you should consider making an appointment with us at Centre for Surgery in London. Varicose vein removal treatments Centre for Surgery are considered some of the most advanced in the UK and with the highest success rates. At Centre for Surgery, we offer several different types of minimally invasive procedures for varicose veins and thread veins. These are performed by surgeons at the top of their field.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is regarded as being the very best treatment for varicose veins and is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment. EVLA is the most widely chosen option by our patients. The treatment involves using ultrasound to accurately locate damaged veins, followed by the application of precise laser thermal energy to collapse the vein wall leading to eventual destruction and its natural absorption by the body leading to effective resolution of the root cause.
Foam sclerotherapy is commonly used for the treatment of larger veins that may not be amenable to treatment with EVLA. In this case, the vascular specialist prepares the sclerosant into a foam solution which is then injected and ultrasound guidance into the affected veins. The sclerosant results in the vein walls becoming inflamed followed by eventual shrinkage of the vein and disappearance.
Phlebectomy also known as vein avulsions is an effective treatment for prominent veins that are located just beneath the surface of the skin. The Surgeon will make a tiny incision and will then gently tease the vein out using a vein hook. Vein avulsions do not require the use of sutures and the recovery time is very short. Phlebectomy is often combined with EVLA for patients who desire a quicker response to treatment compared with foam sclerotherapy.
Varicose vein treatment at Centre for Surgery in London
- Our vascular specialists are experts in the treatment of all types of leg veins including varicose veins, thread veins and spider veins.
- At our London vein clinics, we have successfully treated hundreds of patients with EVLA (endovenous laser ablation).
- All varicose vein treatments are carried out under local anaesthetic and without the requirement for a general anaesthetic which reduces the risks of treatment
- All treatments have little if any downtime and treatments are quick and efficient which allows you to leave the clinic within two hours
- We have achieved success rates as high as 97% using EVLA. Our lasers are German designed and manufactured.
- We offer varicose vein treatments with highly competitive pricing and our patients have access to affordable financing plans if required
- Our treatment philosophy focuses on addressing the underlying cause of varicose veins and recommending treatments that carry no risk of scars.
