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Varicose Veins – Dos and Don’ts

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regular exercise can help varicose veinsIt’s easy to dismiss varicose veins as a purely cosmetic issue, but when left untreated they do have the potential to lead to potentially serious issues. There are also things you could be doing right now which are making the problem worse.

If you have varicose veins, there are numerous things you should and shouldn’t be doing to ensure they don’t become an even bigger problem. Here we’ll look at some of the most important dos and don’ts.

Do – Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings are often dismissed as a waste of time, but the right ones do actually make a massive difference to your varicose veins. This is especially true if you spend long periods of time either on your feet or if you’re stationary for hours on end. They help to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

The thing to remember with compression stockings however is that they are only a temporary solution and should ideally be worn until you undergo a more permanent treatment.

Don’t – Rely upon natural home remedies or ointments

If you research varicose vein treatments, you’ll come across a lot of so called miracle products claiming to help eliminate the problem. There’s also a lot of home remedies advertised which claim to work. Unfortunately, the majority of these ointments and home remedies are useless. They don’t help the problem so essentially, you’ll just end up wasting money and risking your varicose veins getting worse.

Do – Exercise frequently

Regular exercise can really help to minimise the symptoms of varicose veins. Not only does it help boost blood flow, but it also helps control weight. Varicose veins are often made worse, or brought on, by weight gain due to the pressure it places onto the legs. So, regular exercise is going to help lower your weight and in turn reduce unsightly veins.

Don’t – Wear high heeled shoes

This is probably one of the most surprising on the list, but high heeled shoes can place extra strain onto the calf muscles. This in turn can cause your varicose veins to get worse. Instead, opt for low heels or flat shoes until you can undergo treatment.

These are some of the most important do’s and don’ts you should follow if you’re suffering from varicose veins. However, it is better to seek treatment as soon as possible to eliminate the problem entirely. There are lots of different treatment options available and some are non-invasive. Contact us today to see what treatments could work for you.

Top 5 Varicose Vein Facts

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top 5 varicose vein factsVaricose veins may be a very common problem, but they’re still largely misunderstood. Here we’ll look at the top 5 varicose vein facts everyone should know.

1. Varicose veins aren’t the same as spider veins

Although they do look similar varicose veins and spider veins aren’t the same thing. The main difference is the size of the veins. Spider veins are pretty small and they’re also flat. Varicose veins on the other hand are large and often bulge out from the skin.

Of course, this isn’t always the case and some varicose veins don’t actually stick out. It can also be difficult to tell them apart based on colour. While varicose veins do tend to be bluish, they can also be red or purple, the same as spider veins. As it can be difficult to tell them apart, it does help to have them looked over by a vein specialist who will be able to tell you what you’re dealing with.

2. They can be dangerous

By far the biggest misconception about varicose veins is that they are 100% harmless. In most cases, varicose veins aren’t harmful and they are purely a cosmetic concern. However, they can get worse and lead to more serious health issues. Therefore, it is a good idea to have them treated as soon as possible.

3. They are caused by faulty or weak valves

The primary reason varicose veins occur is because the valves in the vein aren’t functioning properly. This could be a genetic issue where the valves are naturally faulty, or they could weaken due to pressure caused by weight gain for example.

4. Some people are more at risk than others

There are several risk factors which increase your chances of developing varicose veins. These include pregnancy, family history, weight gain and gender. Did you know for example, that women tend to develop varicose veins more than men? Age can also play a role as the risk of developing them increases as you get older.

5. There are plenty of treatment options available

While the range of treatment options available these days is impressive, many believe the only option open to them is surgery. This is because in the past, the only option was to have the veins surgically stripped. However, these days you have a range of treatments to choose from, including non-invasive procedures.

The treatment type that’s best for you will depend upon the severity of the varicose veins. Just some of the options include laser treatment, compression stockings and injections.

Overall, these are the top 5 facts about varicose veins everyone should know. It’s important to understand the facts and seek treatment as soon as you can. While varicose veins may not be necessarily harmful, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Contact the Cornwall Vein Clinic today to find out more and book a consultation.

Preventing recurring varicose veins with laser treatment

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Prevent recurring vein problems with laser vein treatment in CornwallVaricose veins affect millions of people, yet they often go untreated. The biggest reason behind this is its treatment reputation. In the past, surgery was the only solution and it wasn’t pretty. Not only did it involve a long recovery time, but it also wasn’t overly effective. In fact, even today, the recurrence rate of surgery is said to be as much as up to 50%. That’s a very discouraging statistic when you’re trying to decide whether or not to get the problem treated.

However, times have changed and now there’s a huge range of treatments available, with surgery used in only the more severe cases. If you treat varicose veins early, especially with laser treatment, it significantly reduces the chance of them recurring later on in life. Compared to surgery, the recurrence rate is said to be as low as 2%-4%.

How does laser vein treatment work?

There are several types of laser treatments available, with the main difference being the strength of the laser. Endovenous laser ablation is a popular option, using laser energy to seal the veins shut.

Earlier laser treatments were known to cause a lot of discomfort up to five days after the procedure. However, thanks to advancements in the field, newer lasers are much more effective at targeting the area, significantly reducing the discomfort felt during recovery. In fact, some are now virtually painless.

Is it right for you?

While laser treatment is an excellent solution, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is more effective at treating complex varicose veins, but if the problem is severe, surgery may be the only option.

Overall, it’s important to book a consultation and seek advice from a specialist before you decide which treatment option is right for you. Laser treatment can be used to treat a wide range of varicose vein issues, but if could be you only need support stockings if the problem is very mild.

Can support stockings really help treat varicose veins?

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Can support stockings really help treat varicose veins in Cornwall?Those who suffer with very mild varicose veins can usually wear support stockings to help ease the symptoms. While they may not necessarily require treatment, that doesn’t stop mild varicose veins from causing aches, pains and swelling. The use of compression stockings is often recommended, though are they really an effective treatment?

How effective are they?

There’s a reason support stockings are commonly recommended for the treatment of mild varicose veins and that’s because they can be extremely effective. However, that said, it is important to remember they are only a temporary solution and will not eliminate the varicose veins completely. They are simply designed to ease the symptoms and make life more comfortable, particularly during the day.

There are different types of support stockings available, but short-stretch, elasticated support stockings are used to improve blood flow within the calf muscles and reduce ambulatory venous hypertension. This reduces the likelihood of the varicose veins getting worse and also eases the painful, uncomfortable symptoms associated with the condition.

Whilst they can be extremely effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to stop the progression of venous disease.

Are they right for you?

It is highly recommended you seek advice from a vein specialist to determine how severe the condition is. Support stockings should only be worn to treat very mild varicose veins, or as a temporary aid until more permanent treatment is undergone.

Varicose veins aren’t generally dangerous, but they do have the potential to progress into a more severe health issue. Untreated varicose veins have been known to cause blood clots, which can travel up towards the heart. If left untreated, this can prove to be fatal. It’s rare, but it can happen.

Even if you do only have mild varicose veins, you need to consider whether you’re happy to wear support stockings consistently. Remember, they will never eliminate the varicose veins so unless an alternative treatment is sought, you would need to wear the stockings indefinitely.

Overall, getting the veins treated with a more permanent solution, such as laser treatment, is a much more effective solution. Book a consultation at the Cornwall Vein Clinic now to discover which type of treatment would be better for you.

New Magical Home Remedy Claims to Eliminate Varicose Veins in a Month

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New home remedy claims to cure varicose veinsNo matter what type of ailment or illness you suffer with, you’ll always come across home remedies claiming to help. The latest natural miracle cure being advertised for varicose veins is a mixture of grape seed and jojoba oil.

It is claimed this great home remedy can minimise varicose veins in just one month when combined with massages and an hour of exercise each day. But does it really work and are home remedies really effective?

Can home remedies help?

While there is certainly no harm in trying home remedies such as this one, it is highly unlikely they will be very effective.

The jojoba and grape seed oils are said to be packed full of anti-inflammatory benefits. This in theory, will help to reduce the swelling associated with varicose veins. However, it will not actually treat the problem. It may make the condition easier to live with, but it won’t get to the root of the issue. Therefore, the minute you stop using them, the varicose veins are sure to return.

It’s a common misconception that varicose veins are harmless. While most generally are, there is always the potential for them to lead to serious health problems. In severe cases, blood clots can form which travel up the legs to the lungs heart. So, before you try out home remedies, it’s advisable to seek help from a vein specialist to see if treatment would be a safer option.

Treatment options available

With so many different treatment options available for varicose veins, it makes sense to have the condition looked at, rather than trying out ineffective home remedies.

The main reason most people don’t seek treatment is because they think the only option is surgery. However, there are a lot of non-invasive, virtually pain-free options available these days, some of which can even be done in your lunch break.

At the Cornwall Vein Clinic, we have the largest number of approved varicose vein treatments available. From Cyanoacrylate glue to ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy – there’s a treatment choice to suit all types of varicose veins.

Overall, some home remedies are great at providing relief from the symptoms of varicose veins. However, they should never be used as an alternative to actual treatment.

Worried about your varicose veins this Christmas?

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Worried about varicose veins in Cornwall this ChristmasThe Christmas party season is almost underway and the pressure is on to look your best. If you’re suffering with unsightly varicose veins and you’re worried about covering them up, why not eliminate the problem and get them treated once and for all?

The range of treatments available these days is outstanding. There are procedures which can even be carried out during your lunch break and require very little recovery time.

So, if you’ve been put off by the thought of surgery, you may want to pop into the Cornwall Vein Clinic to see if a non-invasive procedure would work for you.

Helping you to have a healthy, happy Christmas

It’s not just the unsightly appearance of varicose veins you need to worry about. Did you know that they can also be harmful to your health? There’s a huge misconception that varicose veins are harmless. Granted, in many cases they can be, but they can also lead to potentially serious complications, including blood clots which could prove fatal.

There’s also the pain and discomfort to consider. How many times have you felt the aching, painful effects of your varicose veins? The Christmas party season can put a lot of additional pressure onto the legs, leading to even more discomfort than usual and increasing the chances of developing a blood clot.

The right treatment can help to minimise and often completely eliminate the pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins.

Treatments you can trust

All of the treatments offered at our clinic are recommended by NICE. Just some of the options available include:

  • Micro sclerotherapy for thread veins
  • VNUS Closure Procedure
  • Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (injections)
  • Endovenous Laser Ablation

To find out which treatment would be most effective at correcting your varicose veins, contact us today. You may just be surprised at how quick and easy it is to eliminate the condition once and for all.

Overall, varicose veins aren’t pleasant and they can cause a lot of psychological distress. Why suffer when you don’t have to?

Cornwall Vein Clinic Now Offering New, Virtually Pain Free Varicose Vein Laser Treatment

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Cornwall Vein Clinic offers new, virtually pain-free treatmenrAt the Cornwall Vein Clinic, we’re dedicated to offering the newest, most innovative varicose vein treatments on the market. Our latest investment is a 1470nm laser, means patients can now enjoy a virtually pain free treatment.

Introducing our new laser

Our new 1470 nanometre laser is proven to eliminate most of the discomfort you’d experience with older laser techniques. Its longer wavelength capacity means it can specifically target cells right within the vein wall. This prevents the laser damaging the surrounding tissue, significantly reducing the pain felt during the procedure.

This innovative new laser treatment also reduces both procedure and recovery time.

A treatment choice to suit you

The addition of our new laser treatment means we are now the only clinic within the Southwest to offer all the recommended varicose vein treatments.

With such a wide choice of procedures available, patients have full control over their treatment. Of course, the type of treatment required will depend upon numerous factors including how severe the varicose veins are. The majority of patients tend to require minimally invasive techniques, though surgery may be needed for particularly large, painful and dangerous veins.

You can find out which procedures are recommended to treat your varicose veins by booking a consultation with our expert surgeons. It is advisable to read up on the different techniques and treatments prior to deciding which one is right for you.

Simple preventative measures

Of course, prevention is always better than a cure. If you have received varicose vein treatment, or you want to avoid developing them in the first place, wearing support stockings during long periods of standing up and ensuring you get plenty of exercise can help.

Overall, varicose veins are a common but highly treatable condition. The majority of the time they are harmless, but there is a possibility they could lead to more serious issues. Therefore, we recommend getting them treated as soon as possible to eliminate the risk.

3 Unusual Places Varicose Veins Can Develop

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VeinsVaricose veins are most commonly found in the lower legs, but did you know they can spring up in more unusual areas?

Developing varicose veins anywhere on the body can be distressing. The green and blue veins don’t just look unsightly – they can also be painful or uncomfortable too. Below you’ll discover 3 unusual places varicose veins can develop.

1. The vagina/vulva

Perhaps the most surprising area varicose veins can appear is around the vagina and vulva area. They most commonly develop during pregnancy and are caused by ovarian or pelvic vein reflux. They can cause a lot of discomfort, as well as lead to other issues such as IBS and stress incontinence.

It is often said there isn’t a suitable treatment available to treat vaginal varicose veins, but coil embolization has been proven to work on some patients.

2. Hands and arms

While it is rare, varicose veins can develop in the hands and arms, especially in older individuals and those who work out a lot. They pose more of a cosmetic issue than a medical one and are pretty harmless compared to varicose veins found on other parts of the body.

Fillers tend to be the most common treatment, though ultrasound guided phlebectomy can also prove successful.

3. Around the eyes

Varicose veins around the eyes can be particularly distressing as they are much more noticeable than on other parts of the body. They can cause a lot of embarrassment and even give the face a disfigured appearance. Treatment will depend upon individual circumstances.

A laser may be used to try and close the veins, but some patients may require plastic surgical procedures to remove them.

These are just 3 surprising places varicose veins can crop up. If you’re concerned about varicose veins on any part of your body, contact us today to book a consultation. It’s also important to visit your GP to have the problem properly diagnosed.