Varicose veins

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Kathleen D. Wright

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Injection therapy is an alternate therapy used to seal varicose veins. This prevents blood from entering the sealed sections of the vein. The veins remain in the body, but no longer carry blood. This procedure can be performed on an out-patient basis and does not require anesthesia. It is frequently used if people develop more varicose veins after surgery to remove the larger varicose veins and to seal spider-burst veins for people concerned about cosmetic appearance.

Injection therapy is also called sclerotherapy. At one time, a method of injection therapy was used that did not have a good success rate. Veins did not seal properly and blood clots formed. Modern injection therapy is improved and has a much higher success rate.

Expected results

Untreated varicose veins become increasingly large and more obvious with time. Surgical stripping of varicose veins is successful for most patients. Most do not develop new, large varicose veins following surgery. Surgery does not decrease a person's tendency to develop varicose veins. Varicose veins may develop in other locations after stripping.

Prevention

While genetics plays a significant role in the development of varicose veins, swimming and other exercises to increase circulation in the legs helps prevent varicose veins. This is especially important during pregnancy, when additional weight can exert pressure on the legs and feet.

Key Terms

Congenital

Existing at or before birth; a condition that developed while the fetus was in utero or as a consequence of the birth process.

Edema

Swelling caused by a collection of fluid in a tissue or body cavity.

Hemorrhage

Bleeding from blood vessels.

Palpation

The process of examining a patient by touch.

Further Reading

For Your Information

Books

• Alexander, R.W., R. C. Schlant, and V. Fuster, eds. The Heart. 9th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998.
• Berkow, Robert, ed. Merck Manual of Medical Information. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1997.
• Larsen, D.E., ed. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1996.

Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Gale Group, 2001.