My mother has been suffering from varicose veins since she was born. She is now 49 years old. We are Chinese. The Chinese doctor we consulted with suggested a therapy using iodine, but my mother has thyromegaly (an enlarged thyroid gland). Is this the appropriate treatment for her or are there better therapies? Please advise.
I would definitely avoid doing the described procedure. Varicose veins usually come from a valve reflux situation which is usually inherited. She should be evaluated by a Board Certified Vascular surgeon including ultrasound to determine the underlying cause. Treatments today are minimally invasive, done in the Surgeon's office under local anesthetic. This is standard of care in the USA. Without treating the underlying problem, anything done on the surface with be ineffective or even get worse. It is important to look at the whole venous system first.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Varicose vein disease is an inherited defect in the venous valves within the lumen of a person's veins. These valves, in essence, allow your body to pump blood back towards the heart against gravity. Without them, all your blood would just pool in the legs. That said, since vein disease is a mechanical defect in these valves, purely taking a pill or elixir will not fix the vein issues. Modern non-surgical treatment techniques are now available for the treatment of your mom's varicose vein issues. What treatment your mom would require would ultimately be determined by what kind of vein issues your mom has. Your mom really needs a thorough ultrasound of her leg veins to determine what treatment options she would need.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no role for iodine to treat varicose veins; it just wont help.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I can't really advise you on that since our primary doctor does not use iodine therapy in our practice. Sorry I can't be of more assistance. Good luck!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Minimally invasive procedures (endovenous radiofrequency ablations, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy) are the way to go. Find a physician that is accredited by the American College of Phlebology and have an ultrasound to find out which treatments your mother needs. If you visit the website you are able to find physicians in your area.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Don't use iodine. She needs a venous ultrasound study of her legs. The information obtained from this exam will then direct the physician as to which treatments are best given her diagnosis. The person who treats your mother's varicose veins should be board-certified and have experience with a variety of different modalities, like ablations, sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, etc.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Many years ago a form of iodine was used to do sclerotherapy but this is no longer considered standard of care and is not FDA approved. The treatment of varicose veins is to first do a venous ultrasound to determine the source of the veins, then close the leaking valves then either remove the veins through tiny incisions or inject them usually with polidocanol or STS.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Iodine has not been in mainstream use in over 40 years. Sclerotherapy is one effective way to treat varicose veins. The best sclerosants are polidocanol or sotradecol. When choosing a vein specialist, be sure that he/she is versed in how to use various sclerosants.
Published on Jul 11, 2012