Overview
Varicose veins occur when the veins are overfilled with blood causing them to swell and bulge. They mostly occur in the lower part of the body and legs. You may notice some discolouration of the veins such as the veins may get purplish or reddish. Varicose veins can make your legs feel heavy, and cause pain, and inflammation.
In most cases, varicose veins may not cause any problems. However, the condition may worsen with time there may be severe pain, bleeding, heaviness, and soreness.
Fortunately, there are several treatments for varicose veins. Conservative treatments include wearing compression stockings, exercise, lifestyle changes, massages, ice packs, medications, etc. However, if your symptoms are getting worse and not responding to conservative treatments, you may have to undergo a procedure.
The are several procedures available to treat varicose veins like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment, or ligation and stripping.
The recovery and postoperative wound management depend on the type of procedure and your overall health condition.
Dos – Things to do after a varicose vein surgery
Recommendations to keep in mind after a varicose vein treatment:
Take ample rest
Like any other procedure, you need to relax and take adequate rest after a varicose vein surgery. Lie down comfortably on your bed or a sofa and elevate your legs by placing them on soft cushions. Ideally, the legs should be elevated at a level above your heart.
Adequate rest helps the wound site to heal, reduces bruising and bleeding, alleviates pain and swelling, and speeds up the recovery.
Wear compression stockings
Usually, you should wear compression stockings for at least three months after varicose vein surgery. Follow the doctor’s recommendations on the type of compression stockings you should use, the appropriate size, and how long you should wear them.
Stockings compress the veins and allow the blood to flow back to the heart. They provide relief to pain and swelling.
Wear the stockings throughout the day and remove them before you shower or go to sleep. Wear them again as soon as you get up from bed in the morning.
Wound care
The wound care routine depends on the type of treatment.
Sclerotherapy
If you have undergone sclerotherapy which is a minimally-invasive procedure where the surgeon injects a solution to shrink the affected vein, wound care is minimal. You should avoid soaking the leg for two days. Do not do any strenuous activities for at least seven days otherwise, the sclerosing solution may come out of the veins.
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision to insert the catheter through which laser energy is passed to seal the affected veins.
The surgeon will place bandages and stockings. You should keep the bandage for one or two days as the surgeon recommends. Remove the bandages after two days after taking a shower. You can wear the compression stockings regularly and remove them at night before going to sleep.
Ligation and stripping
This procedure involves minor incisions in the groin and behind the knee. You can resume bathing after a few days. The bandages are usually replaced every day. Cover the bandages with a waterproof cover before taking a shower.
Do not strain or put pressure on the legs or it may bruise the wound site. Avoid exposing the wound to direct heat or hot showers.
Wear compression stockings as they reroute blood flow and also provide comfort and support.
Mobility
After discharge, you can walk moderately at home or outdoors at a comfortable pace. This improves mobility and blood circulation and aids in faster wound healing.
Pain management
Take prescribed pain relievers as directed by the physician. Apply ice packs to get relief from pain, bruising, and swelling. Look for symptoms like redness on the wound site, bleeding, pus, high fever, or edema. These are signs of infection and need immediate medical treatment.
Healthy diet
After surgery, the body needs essential nutrients to gain strength and to boost the healing process. Consume a lot of high-fiber foods like leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, and fluids. Lower the intake of fatty and spicy foods.
Light exercise
Engage in gentle exercises like brisk walking and leg elevation to strengthen the leg muscles and improve blood circulation.
Heavy workouts should be avoided for at least 4 weeks until full recovery.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
