More than 40 million people suffer from varicose veins. The greater percentage are women, many of them over the age of 50. Some to their own medical professionals for help, while others rely on the services of a vein clinic to address the problem. This is true whether the vein issue is of significant concern or is at its earliest stages of development.
Common Problems Addressed in a Vein Clinic
In essence, there are two common problems a vein clinic normally is consulted about. These are varicose veins and spider veins. Both can result in serious health issues and both present cosmetic problems.
* Varicose Veins: These darkish-blue knobs below the surface are usually found on the legs. The problem is due to a pooling of blood when the valves fail to function properly.
* Spider Veins: This is a minor variation of varicose veins. They are close to the surface and appear as highly visible red or blue etchings. They are most frequently found on the legs, but can also appear on the face.
While some people can go through life without suffering any severe or even minor health-related consequences for the presence of varicose or spider veins, others do not. They can produce pain and negatively affect the quality of life of those afflicted. The ankles may swell when blood leaks into the tissue of the ankle or the leg.
Vein Clinic Treatments
In order to get the problem under control, some doctors suggest a change in lifestyle. They believe that measures such as weight loss, increased and regular exercise, as well as decreasing prolonged sitting or standing times can help patients improve. Such measures may also reduce the probability of further varicose or spider veins occurring. A vein clinic might suggest this approach. Professionals in vein clinics may also recommend wearing compression stockings, as they are considered to be therapeutic.
In more serious cases, while these approaches might still be considered a necessary part of the overall treatment plan, a different tactic may be required. Experts at the vein clinic may well suggest you undergo a surgical procedure. There are different types of procedures, some invasive and others non-invasive. Sclerotherapy is among the most common and modern types suggested.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins. It gets its name from the irritant chemicals used in the procedure. These are called sclerosants and are injected into the affected vein(s). The result of this action is the collapsing of the vein. Over time, the walls of the affected veins heal. The vein or veins are sealed and no longer convey blood.
It will take time for the veins to heal. A vein clinic will probably tell you that healing time ranges between two to six months. You may be asked to wear a compression stocking to help speed up the healing process. During your recovery period, make sure to follow the instructions precisely. Failure to do so may result in an undesirable outcome. This would mean that the hard work that everyone in the vein clinic put towards your success would have been in vain.
If you are considering the value of visiting a Vein Clinic for your problems, do not hesitate. Contact the Chicago Vein Institute (CVI) as soon as possible. After a free consultation, they will be able to advise you as to what is the best course of action to take in your situation. Their singular focus on vein problems will act as your assurance that they can and will guide you successfully through the process. To learn more, visit them online. You can also visit their Google+ page for more information.
