I have bulging veins on my feet that concern me health-wise. Can they be treated using sclerotherapy? Or, is there a better procedure for this particular area?
There are various options for vein treatment if there are signs and symptoms and if ultrasound confirms that you are presenting venous reflux of the lower extremities. Venous treatment for reflux includes VenaSeal closure system which is a newer treatment option that uses an adhesive to seal the vein and does not require the use of compression stockings after the procedure. Other treatment options are the thermal energy that uses heat to target the veins presenting problems, but does require compression stockings after the procedure like in the case of endovenous laser ablation and/or radiofrequency ablation. Another treatment option is guided sclerotherapy that uses a chemical liquid or foam to treat the vein. This last one can be used in combination to treat veins that still remain or present problem even after reflux has been treated. Another option for this is microphlebectomy. My recommendation is to go one step at a time. First you should go see a board certified vein specialist who you can trust to help you make a decision according to your symptoms and ultrasound results. The vein specialist can help you decide what treatment or combination of treatment is best for your specific case.
All the best and good luck!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would recommend having an ultrasound done first of your legs to make sure those bulging veins are not being fed by something that you can't see above your ankles. If veins are found diseased in your legs and aren't treated, your body could create more bulging veins that could appear again in your feet. Many times there are veins with reflux found in the superficial system and by treating those veins, it could help the bulging veins in your feet disappear on their own.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There could be an underlying problem causing the bulging veins on your feet; therefore, it's best that you be evaluated before starting any form of treatment like sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If prominent veins on the feet are simply normal veins, then treatment is unnecessary. If they are dilated due to pressure from varicose veins in the thighs or calves, treating the problematic veins higher in the leg usually helps take pressure off foot veins. Any leftover foot veins may then be safely treated with foam sclerotherapy, unless you wish to have them surgically removed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for bulging veins on the feet.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The veins you are describing are probably reticular veins, and certainly sclerotherapy is effective in treating this type of vein. Oftentimes, however, larger reticular veins will best be addressed by microstab phlebectomy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Bulging foot veins can be treated by sclerotherapy or probably, better still, small microphlebectomies through 2 mm micro incisions.
Published on Jul 11, 2012