Is Varicose Vein Treatment Painful?

Jan 16, 2023

Having varicose veins can be very unpleasant. They cause aching, throbbing, and even leg cramps. However, many people would rather bear the discomfort of varicose veins than seek treatment because of the notion that vein treatment is painful.

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear on the legs and ankles. They can be painful and uncomfortable, and many people seek treatment to alleviate these symptoms and improve the appearance of the affected area. But is varicose vein treatment itself painful? The short answer is: it depends.

Treatment Options

There are several different treatment options for varicose veins, and the level of pain and discomfort associated with each one can vary. Here is a brief overview of some common treatment options and what you can expect in terms of pain:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA has quickly become one of the most common procedures to treat varicose veins and venous insufficiency. The procedure requires insertion of a catheter into the vein followed by placement of tumnescent anesthesia around the vein. The catheter then heats the vein, which is eventually absorbed by the body. RFA is performed as an outpatient procedure and can be performed with minimal discomfort and does not require general anesthesia.
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): EVLT is performed by inserting a laser fiber into the vein through a small puncture site in the skin. EVLT is generally considered to be a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. Some people may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the treatment, but most people find it to be relatively painless.
Venaseal: A relatively newer procedure that also requires insertion of a catheter into the target vein. Advantages include no need for tumnscent anesthesia, which is consider to be the uncomfortable part of varicose vein treatment. After placement of the catheter, tiny droplets of glue are placed along the vein, which results in successful closure of the vein. The procedure is relatively painfree and does not require using compression stockings afterwards.
Varithena: Also a newer procedure that requires only a few pinches of local anesthetic to perform. The whole procedure can be performed through a single puncture site and takes 15 minutes or less. There may be a sensation of burning during the procedure which is very well tolerated by most patients. The medication is injected through the small puncture site and is performed under ultrasound guidance.
Sclerotherapy: This is a procedure in which a solution is injected into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is generally considered to be a relatively painless procedure, although some people may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the injection.

Patients are asked to walk and wear compression stockings after majority of the procedures listed above.

Varicose Vein Treatment Is Well Tolerated

It's important to note that every person is different and may experience different levels of pain and discomfort during varicose vein treatment. Some people may be more sensitive to pain than others, and certain treatment options may be more or less comfortable for different individuals. In general, however, most people find varicose vein treatment to be relatively painless and well-tolerated.

Discuss Your Pain Tolerance With Your Vein Specialist

If you're considering varicose vein treatment, it's important to discuss your concerns about pain and discomfort with your doctor. They can provide you with more information about the specific treatment options available and what you can expect in terms of pain and discomfort. They may also be able to suggest ways to manage any pain or discomfort you may experience during the treatment process.

In conclusion, varicose vein treatment is generally not painful, although some people may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the procedure. If you're considering treatment, it's important to discuss your concerns with your doctor and consider the potential risks and benefits of the different treatment options available. With the right treatment plan, you can alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with varicose veins and improve the appearance of the affected area.

Center for Varicose Veins

Contact the Center for Varicose Veins today to know more about minimally invasive and noninvasive varicose vein treatments. At the center's helm is Dr. Vinay Midan, a vein specialist who has performed thousands of minimally invasive treatments. Dr. Midan has board certifications in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology, and Phlebology. Call us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about the different vein treatment options available.