Conservative Therapies For Varicose Veins In Traverse City & Cadillac, MI
Conservative Therapies For Varicose Veins
When it comes to treating varicose veins for our patients from across Northern Michigan, our first approaches are always conservative and non-invasive. For some patients, these treatments may be all that’s necessary. For others, they are only the first step and treatment will need to progress from there.
What Are Conservative Therapies For Varicose Veins?
Conservative varicose vein therapy involves many things the patient can do on his or her own with the guidance of our team. These are the simplest approaches to treatment for any vein-related problems. They can be as simple as avoiding standing or sitting for long periods or keeping your legs elevated when sitting.
Why Do You Need To Start With Conservative Therapy?
Although the various approaches to vein treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation, are only minimally invasive and don’t involve long incisions and lengthy recovery, it’s never the aim to jump right into these approaches.
This is especially the case with how insurance companies view varicose vein treatment. Many insurance providers require a period of 6-12 weeks of conservative care before they will cover more involved procedures.
Plus, when patients understand how these simple self-treatments work, they can continue to utilize them in the future to help prevent the formation of new varicose or spider veins or just to improve their vascular health.
MEET Dr. Brian Heeringa, Board Certified
Dr. Heeringa is a Board certified General Surgeon, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. He and his team treat a broad spectrum of venous conditions ranging from spider veins to varicose veins to venous ulcers and everything in between. We also offer DVT risk assessment and can help manage post thrombotic syndrome. Call today to find out how our team can help you.
Who Is A Candidate For Conservative Therapy For Varicose Veins?
Conservative vein treatment is a good option for anyone who has mild vein issues and hasn’t yet progressed to the point of needing invasive treatment or something like ambulatory phlebectomy. Conservative options, such as wearing compression hosiery, are a great approach for anyone who wants to lessen the cosmetic appearance of these vein issues.
These conservative options are also the best option for pregnant women or anyone who cannot undergo medical treatment for their vein issues due to age or illness considerations.
What Are The Different Conservative Therapies Used?
These are the conservative options we use for our patients at Northern Michigan Vein Specialists:
Compression stockings — Compression stockings add pressure (compression) to the legs, helping to support the veins and promote better blood flow. Compression stockings basically give your veins the boost they used to get from your muscles and other tissues in the legs when you were younger.
Elevating your legs — Gravity is a tough customer, and in your legs your veins are fighting it the whole way when returning blood back to the heart. By elevating your legs, this makes the job of fighting gravity that much easier. When you’re sitting, try and put your feet up on a footrest or ottoman. If you’re on the couch, bring your feet up with you.
Anti-inflammatory medication — Much of the pain of varicose veins can be caused by inflammation. Oral ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, and others) works to reduce inflammation and pain.
Lose weight — If you’re overweight or obese, the added pounds put pressure on your veins. Losing weight decreases this pressure and can reduce swelling and pain. Attaining a healthy weight also lowers your cardiovascular risk factors.
Exercise — Regular exercise has many benefits for your health. For your veins, it boosts your circulation. Walk as much as you can, even just 30 minutes a day, and perform other leg-related workouts. Strengthening your leg muscles helps to provide better support for your veins.
Reduce prolonged standing or sitting — If you need to be on your feet all day, such as if you’re a flight attendant or retail clerk, take breaks to sit down and reduce the pressure on your legs and veins. If you sit for your desk job, get up and walk around as much as possible to break up the periods of sitting.
Are Any Conservative Therapies For Varicose Veins Painful?
If you haven’t been doing exercise, getting winded may be a “pain” but it’s not painful. Aching muscles the day after a walk or run is a good sign you’re giving your legs some help.
These treatments are not painful in any way.
Is There Any Preparation Or Recovery Necessary With These Treatments?
These are simple treatments. There isn’t any preparation or recovery. You need to be diligent about doing these things to see if they can be effective enough to keep from needing more involved procedures such as ablation or phlebectomy.
Schedule Your Conservative Therapy Consultation!
If you are interested in learning more about Conservative Therapy for treating varicose veins, be sure to contact us for a personalized consultation in Cadillac, Traverse City, and the surrounding Michigan areas! Dr. Heeringa and his experienced staff can answer any questions you have, and can help you determine whether you are a candidate for spider veins treatment. Today to reach either of our offices, or fill out the form in our contact page. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
