How can I prevent varicose veins?

Compression stockings are used to treat a variety of chronic leg disorders, besides blood clots. Since there is no good treatment for varicose veins, the best way to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression stockings. 


The stockings also prevent formation of blood clots and keep the leg from swelling after being up on your feet all day. For the best results, the stockings should be work daily for an indefinite period. Compression stockings do require a trial period of getting used to. Initially one should try to wear the stockings for a few hours per week and then gradually increase the number of hours. Most individuals wear stockings during the day and take them off at night. 


Unlike the past, the compression stocking available today come in many colors, fabrics and are very attractive. Both men and women can wear these stocking. 

How can I treat my spider veins?

Spider veins are tiny “star” shaped dark blue veins frequently seen in women in their 30s and 40s. Spider veins are most common on the face and upper thigh.

Spider veins appear blue and can be very prominent in individuals with fair skin. One fact all individuals who have spider veins need to know. Spider veins are harmless. If you have pain, swelling, itching, headache or any other symptoms. – the cause is never spider veins. Spider veins are only of a cosmetic concern.

Individuals with symptoms should not undergo treatment for spider veins until the cause of their symptoms has been discovered. Treating spider veins will not get rid of your symptoms but will make your skin look nicer

Spider veins tend to occur spontaneously or during minor trauma. Many individuals who are over weight, pregnant or those who stand around for long periods also develop spider veins.

There are only two treatments for spider veins: which include sclerotherapy, and laser- neither is ideal. Today, there is a lot of hype made about the latest lasers and how they can cure spider veins. Lasers can be used on any part of the body but the results are not guaranteed, complications are common and lasers are exorbitantly expensive.

Both sclerotherapy and laser treatments can be done as an outpatient. In sclerotherapy, an irritant solution is injected in each spider vein. This painful procedure requires several sessions, is associated with many complications, and the results are mediocre at best. Most women who undergo sclerotherapy remain unsatisfied. The only upside of sclerotherapy is that it is cheaper than laser.

Laser therapy is faster, can treat many spider veins in a few minutes but the results are also not guaranteed. Complications with lasers are common, the procedure is painful, and laser is very expensive.

Neither sclerotherapy nor laser is a cure for spider veins. In both cases, spider veins disappear for a few months and do reappear.

For those who have spider veins and have no money, stay way from both laser and sclerotherapy- instead wear compressions stockings. For those who have money, perhaps one may opt for laser. Remember, there are no refunds with both therapies and the results are not predictable. The best way to treat spider veins is to prevent them in the first place- this means keeping away from the sun and wearing compression stockings.

Varicose veins & treatments

What types of treatment are available for varicose veins?

In the last 15 years, many different treatments for varicose veins have been developed. In the past, the only two treatments were available for varicose veins- removal of the vein with surgery or wearing of compressive stockings. Today, many fancy treatments have been developed to treat various degrees of varicose veins- mind you varicose vein treatment is a lucrative business and many health care professionals are doing these procedures even when patients have minimal symptoms. The best treatment for the individual with varicose veins depends on severity, location and physician experience.

Facts: there is no doubt that varicose veins are unattractive and sometimes may cause symptoms. However, not all varicose veins need surgery.

The following treatments for varicose veins are available today.

Compression stockings

Despite 40 years of advanced research on surgical methods to treat varicose veins, compression stockings are probably the best treatment. There are a variety of compression stockings available today. When worn on a regular basis they prevent worsening of varicose veins and also reduce symptoms. Compression garments do not cure varicose veins but prevent them from getting worse. Stockings also improve symptoms and prevent development of blood clots.

The only downside to stocking is that they must be worn on a daily basis. One can remove them just before bedtime. Compression stockings are ideal for the pregnant female, individuals who are bed ridden, those who have had a stroke, and those who do not want surgery. Compression stockings also preserve the vein just in case it is needed for open-heart surgery in future.