(866) 552-4866 When Frank* began suffering from cramps and unrelenting achiness in his legs, regardless of whether he was sitting or standing, he did the right thing and visited a vascular specialist. After all, these and other symptoms don't just happen for no reason and rarely go away on their own. Often, they get worse over time thanks to one underlying cause: vein disease. That's right; one in every three adults over 45 develops some form of vein disease in their lifetime, and Frank was officially part of that statistic. The good news is that his vascular doctor had several treatment options to consider, including one called sclerotherapy.
Frank was relieved to learn that sclerotherapy could effectively treat his damaged veins without surgery or downtime. That said, he knew that getting the best results isn't just about the treatment itself. Yes, sclerotherapy is one of the least disruptive ways to resolve leg and foot conditions that hinder daily life. Additionally, proper aftercare ensures the best possible outcome.
How much you listen to your doctor and how well you care for your legs in the days and weeks after vein treatment can affect your comfort and healing time.
Imagine Overcoming These and Other Vein Disease Symptoms
- Painful varicose veins
- Smaller but unsightly spider veins
- Blood clots
- Burning, throbbing, itchy legs
- Feelings of leg achiness
- Leg discomfort when sitting or standing
- Cold or numb legs
- Leg muscle cramps
Are you considering vein treatment? Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today to see if sclerotherapy is the right solution for you.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
As previously mentioned, sclerotherapy is not the only vein treatment in our toolbox. Our vascular specialists have access to a comprehensive list of minimally invasive procedures, including radiofrequency ablation, stenting, compression therapy, and microfoam ablation, ensuring a swift recovery and lasting relief. Which one is right for you depends on your unique vein condition. For instance, sclerotherapy is one of the most well-known treatments for varicose veins and superficial spider veins.
With sclerotherapy, our vascular doctors inject a specially formulated solution containing sclerosing agents into the affected veins. As the series of injections progresses, the solution irritates the vein from within, causing it to collapse, disappear, and be absorbed into the surrounding tissue. As a result, you will notice improved appearance of spider veins on the thighs, calves, and feet. It can also reduce discomfort caused by mild to moderate varicose veins.
Procedure-wise, there are no incisions. There is also minimal downtown and no significant recovery. Instead, an anesthetic may be applied to your treatment area to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Each sclerotherapy session typically takes 15 minutes to an hour, and patients can return to their daily routine.
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Featured in this video is StrideCare's expert Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Danny Chan, M.D., discussing the benefits of StrideCare's minimally invasive treatment options, including sclerotherapy. Click the video to learn more.
You do not have to let varicose veins control your life. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures that you receive the care you need.
Sclerotherapy Recovery Tips: Your Care Role
Sclerotherapy is quick, easy, and highly effective. As a result, you, Frank, and other men and women in your position might feel there is not much to do post-procedure except sit back and enjoy the results. But that could not be further from the truth.
Immediately after your sclerotherapy treatment, you may notice swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated areas. This is normal, and side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days of treatment. That said, there are a few things you will want to do and be mindful of as you begin to heal.
- Wear compression stockings, as directed — Depending on your unique needs, your vascular specialist may ask you to wear compression socks. This will help promote blood flow, reduce swelling or bruising, and keep treated veins closed. Your doctor will advise you how long you should wear them, though most people are asked to wear them consistently for at least a few days.
- Follow your doctor's medication instructions — Over-the-counter pain relievers (as approved by your doctor) can help with mild soreness or tenderness. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen unless your provider clears them, as they can affect healing in some patients.
- Keep the injection site clean — As with any surgical or injection site, it's important to keep yours washed and clean at all times. If you are wearing bandages for any length of time, be sure to change them every few hours.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, and sun exposure — Heat of any kind can impact blood vessels and interfere with healing. This goes for hot showers, direct sunlight, or tanning on treated areas.
- Stay active, but not too active — Your doctor will approve you for light exercise. Be sure not to overdo it, though. Intense workouts, such as heavy lifting, sprints, and high-impact activities, can negatively affect recovery. Examples of light activities include short walks around the neighborhood.
- Stay hydrated — After sclerotherapy, it is essential to drink plenty of water. Doing so maintains solid blood volume and promotes healthy circulation. It also helps reduce the chance of nausea and light-headedness post-procedure. Exactly how much you drink varies from person to person; that said, most people need at least 4-6 cups of plain water daily.
- Attend your follow-up appointments — Your specialist may schedule follow-up visits to monitor your results and determine if additional treatments are needed. These check-ins are essential for ensuring proper healing and long-term success.
StrideCare Is Your Sclerotherapy Professional
You do not have to deal with unsightly spider veins or the inconveniences of painful varicose veins. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about surgery being the only option to help you reclaim your healthy legs. Minimally invasive vein treatments like sclerotherapy can be an extremely effective alternative. Who could benefit from sclerotherapy? Anyone with noticeable spider and varicose veins, women who developed these vein conditions during pregnancy, and individuals with a family history of vein-related conditions.
StrideCare's mission is to surround ourselves with the best in this field so that our patients are never short of options for reclaiming their lives. StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions. That includes our ability to perform leading-edge procedures to treat artery and vein disease and symptoms that, while minor in their earliest stages, can eventually lead to more serious and life-interrupting issues. The experts at StrideCare will recommend a personalized plan to help you achieve the best results.
Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. StrideCare continues to be a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat these and other conditions—all the while providing compassionate patient care.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, and more.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.