Varicose veins typically occur due to venous insufficiency—a condition in which the valves in our healthy leg veins that maintain the flow of blood to our heart stop working properly and allow blood to flow backwards or pool in the lower leg veins.
Learn More: Understanding the Different Types of Varicose Veins
If you’re suffering from varicose veins and contemplating whether to seek treatment, we would advise you to do so. This is because, if left untreated, symptoms of varicose veins can worsen over time and may even lead to life-threatening conditions.
The veins in our body serve two very important purposes. They transport either oxygen-rich blood throughout our body or carry oxygen-poor blood back to our hearts. Without healthy veins, our body will not be able to function, and there will be no life. Hence, it is crucial for us to protect our veins.
If you experience vascular problems, such as varicose veins, it is important to see a vascular doctor to determine the cause of your condition and seek treatment. Your doctor will share with you the varicose vein treatments you’ll be suitable for, and see you through your recovery process.
There are multiple varicose vein treatment options available, some more complicated than others. But thanks to technological advancements, there are plenty of minimally-invasive procedures that, when paired with proper care, can help you recover quickly.
Undergoing varicose vein treatment is a significant step towards improving the way you feel, look, and live. But the steps you take after are just as important in getting you back to full speed. In this article, we share what doctors will typically instruct for post-treatment care, and what you need to do to promote recovery.
Post Treatment Care
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience discomfort and bruising along the treated vein depending on the treatment option you’ve chosen. This typically resolves in one to two weeks. Medications may be prescribed to help with pain relief.
The vascular doctor may advise you to wear compression stockings for the first few days to prevent the collapsed vein from refilling with blood. It can also help to manage pain. Patients who have undergone vein stripping instead of the less-invasive ClosureFastTM or VenaSealTM treatments may have to keep the compression stockings on for much longer, approximately two to six weeks.
However, due to advancements in medical technology, most varicose vein treatments today are minimally-invasive and designed to reduce recovery time. Many patients can return to their normal routines immediately after the procedure and will be able to engage in more strenuous activities within a few days. A regular walking regimen may also be recommended to help promote recovery.
In order to prevent the same condition from developing again, it is important to take better care of your vein health. Some steps you can take include cutting down on your consumption of sugar and saturated fats, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, introducing more plant-based foods high in flavonoids into your diet, and avoiding sitting or standing in one position for more than 30 minutes. If you do have to sit or stand for extended periods, take breaks in between to move or stretch your legs. At the end of a long day, elevate your legs and put on compression stockings to relieve pressure and promote blood circulation.
Cheng SC Vein and Endovascular Clinic in Singapore offers a variety of varicose vein treatments to help resolve and manage your conditions. Schedule your medical appointment with us today.