Veins are blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from the outer parts of the body back to the heart and lungs. When veins become abnormally thick, full of twists and turns, or enlarged, they are called varicose veins. Generally, the veins in the legs and thighs have a tendency to become varicose.

Varicose veins are abnormal, dilated blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vessel wall. They may appear as swollen, twisted clusters of blue or purple veins and are sometimes surrounded by thin red capillaries known as spider veins (group of small blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin). Spider veins may also be called venous telengiectasias.

However, non medical treatments are more effective for milder cases of varicose vein. Some of these treatments are:

1) Acupuncture and Acupressure
2) Aromatherapy
3) Hydrotherapy
4) Compression Stockings
5) Massage
6) Exercise
7) Healthy Diet
8) Vitamins

With sclerotherapy that uses injections to shrink swollen veins, a few may suffer from allergic reactions, infection, streak-like pigmentation, scarring, temporary bruising, and ulceration. The most common side effects are a black-and-blue skin discoloration, which disappears with time.

Radiosurgery (that relies on electric current) is contraindicated in those with pacemakers. It may burn the skin and leave the patient scarred. But Dr. Larry Roy C. Tojino of the Vein Care Clinic in Manila adds that the risks involved are related more to the experience of the doctor than the patient’s reaction. Obviously one has to choose the right physician since the radio surgical unit is not a toy that can be used by anyone.