Conservative treatment
The most common type of conservative treatment is wearing graduated
compression stockings (tighter at the ankle than the thigh).
The added external support of compression stockings increases the function
of your calf muscles in pumping blood back to your heart. Although this
may not get rid of any existing varicose and spider veins in your legs,
your symptoms associated with vein problems can be greatly improved by
wearing support stockings. Support stockings can also help slow the progression
of leg vein problems. Conservative treatment is well suited for women who
are pregnant or for those who are unable to undergo medical therapy due
to advanced age or illness.
For many people, merely slowing the progression of varicose or spider
veins will not be enough. If you fall into this category, many corrective
forms of treatment are available to improve both the cosmetic appearance
of your legs as well as alleviate associated symptoms.
Medical therapies
The first step, and likely the most important, is finding a physician
with experience and expertise in phlebology, which is the field of medicine
that deals with diseases and disorders of veins (the venous
system). In addition to a physical examination, additional evaluations
using a variety of diagnostic instruments may be necessary when determining
the cause, severity, and best treatment options available for your particular
problem. These diagnostic tests include duplex
doppler ultrasound (an exam that uses ultrasound waves to view
structures inside the body as well as measure blood flow), and plethysmography
(a test to measure the volume of blood in the veins).
