Treating varicose veins

Varicose veins are engorged veins in your legs and can occur due to pregnancy, prolonged standing or even genetics. Symptoms include calf ache, ankle swelling, night cramps and sometimes even ulcers on the skin of your legs. The least invasive way to treat varicose veins is to wear tight stockings, which can be very uncomfortable. Plus, because it's not treating the disease, you have to wear the stocking for life to keep the symptoms at bay.
     Surgical treatment for varicose veins has evolved. Initially the veins were stripped from the legs - a traumatic procedure requiring general anaesthesia and several days in hospital. Endovenous Radio-Frequency Ablation is a modern, heat-source treatment that is inserted into the vein and uses much less energy than lasers. The lower heat level means you experience much less discomfort and only light sedation and local anaesthesia is required. Radio-Frequency Ablation is a day surgery procedure and you'll be up and walking the same day you are treated. The Vascular & General Surgery Centre, Tel: 6736 2302.

Posted Sept 2011