You can take steps to help prevent vein problems from becoming more serious.
Elastic Support Stockings (Compression Stockings)
Wearing support stockings is usually the first step in treating vein problems.
- They can help symptoms like pain and swelling.
- Stockings are available over the counter or by prescription.
- A healthcare provider can help choose the style, size, and amount of compression (tightness)
Tips on Using Compression Stockings
- Put the stockings on as soon as you get out of bed and keep them on all day.
- Replace the stockings when they begin to lose their tightness, usually every 3 to 4 months.
- Pharmacies and medical supply stores sell aids that can help you put on the stockings, if they are difficult to get on.
- Remove stockings at night, unless your healthcare professional tells you not to do that.
- Notify your healthcare provider immediately if your toes become cold, blue, painful, or numb while wearing the compression stockings.
Skin Sores
If you develop skin ulcers (sores) on your legs or feet, see your healthcare provider immediately. The provider may suggest treating them with antibiotics, foot soaks, and surgical or chemical cleansing.
Medications
If you have vein problems, your healthcare professional may prescribe anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots from forming.
- Aspirin is usually the first treatment: A coated, low-dose (81 mg) aspirin once a day.
- If you are taking a long airplane flight, your healthcare provider may advise you to take a full dose aspirin (325 mg) a day or two before and after you fly.
- If you have a blood clot, you may need an injection of a stronger anticoagulant (such as heparin) followed by an oral anticoagulant (such as warfarin) for several months. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood clotting time frequently while you are taking these medications.
If you are undergoing surgery, or if you are unable to move around during hospitalization, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should receive treatment to prevent deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Therapies and Surgery
Your healthcare professional may recommend a procedure, if serious varicose veins lead to skin ulcers, bleeding, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about which treatment is best for you.
Procedures to treat varicose veins include:
- Endogenous ablation. Lasers or radio frequency energy heats the inside of the vein and closes it off. Ultrasound guides this treatment. Bruising, pain, and skin color changes are common. Rare side effects are numbness, blood clots, and skin burns.
- Sclerotherapy. Liquid or foam chemicals are injected into the vein to seal it closed. Ultrasound guides this therapy. The liquid type is often used for spider veins. The foam type can change skin color. Rare side effects are blood clots, allergic reactions, temporary vision problems, headaches, confusion, or stroke.
- Vein ligation or stripping. Tools are used to tie off veins and remove them. Side effects are more pain and a longer recovery time than for endogenous ablation or sclerotherapy. Vein ligation or stripping is generally used only for people who cannot have the other two treatments
Last Updated January 2023