Can you treat vein disease with sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting a medicine containing solution into your veins to treat venous diseases mainly, spider veins and varicose veins. This solution enters the body by the use of injections that target the affected vein and causes them to shrink and scar. It is a non surgical method of treating vein disease and it is very successful. It has been around since the 19th century.
Sclerotherapy for Vein Disease: Vein Conditions
Varicose veins or venous insufficiency usually occurs in the patient’s legs. It causes the legs to swell up and the veins turn dark purple. The sufferer will also experience intense pain and weakness in their legs. A varicose vein is the result of faulty valves forcing the blood to flow in the opposite direction. Sclerotherapy aims to close these damaged veins by shrinking them using the medicinal chemical solution. In some severe cases varicose veins cause inflammation in veins with the formation of a painful blood clot. This condition is thromophlebitis.
Spider veins are veins, as the name suggests, look like a spider web and require sclerotherapy as a treatment. Obesity, hormonal issues and heredity are all causes that may lead to the development of spider veins. Women are more likely to develop spider veins. Cramping, soreness and pain in legs are common symptoms of spider veins.
Other conditions that require sclerotherapy include malformed lymph vessels. These produce lymph fluid that is responsible for fighting immune diseases. Hemorrhoids, this is a condition in which blood vessels in the rectum area or surrounding it swell up and cause discomfort. This may also make it hard for the sufferer to pass bowel movement with ease. Take the example of Hydroceles, in which there is formation of unhealthy fluid mainly in the testicles.
Risks of Sclerotherapy for Vein Disease
Sclerotherapy is a relatively safe procedure because it is non-surgical and does not require anesthesia. Treated veins take about 3 to 6 weeks to respond to treatment and such veins do not reappear after the treatment. Bruising and swelling in the affected area is normal and tends to go away in some weeks.
Mild side-effects are normal. However, if side effects get severe and inflammation or blood clotting occurs, you must go to the doctor immediately. In some cases air bubbles start to form in your blood stream which is not safe and requires medical attention. Also, larger veins sometimes harden and take several months to fade. That is why doctors test the effects of the chemical solution on your body before injecting it in a large portion, in order to avoid risk of complications.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you must delay your sclerotherapy treatment plans. If someone senses unbearable chest pain after sclerotherapy treatment, they must consult the doctor on emergency basis.
Bottom-Line
Do not be afraid of the bruises and darkened skin, it is a common side effect of sclerotherapy. It requires multiple fine needles entering your body to get in contact with the affected vein, so it may be painful. You must consult the doctor if you experience pain in your veins but you do not know the exact underlying problem.
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you about your existing medical conditions, if there are any. Your medical history is very important for proper diagnosis. An ultra sound test also helps give a clear image of the exact size and location of veins.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chideckel and treat your venous condition now.
Vascular Surgery & Vein Center
108 East 96th Street
New York, NY 10128
212-993-6133