Foot Veins
Varicose veins are not exclusive to the legs. They can develop on other areas of the body, and the feet are a common location. That is due to the pressure placed on the veins of the lower extremities from standing and walking. Varicose veins form when the valves within a vein weaken and allow some blood to flow backward. The vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, raising the skin surface.
Foot veins are more than just a cosmetic problem. If left untreated, they can lead to potentially serious issues including extensive bleeding and the development of phlebitis, which is swelling within the veins.
Sclerotherapy is an effective form of treatment for foot veins. It is performed in the doctor’s office and typically takes only about 30 minutes. Some patients require only a single session of sclerotherapy to completely resolve the issue, while others may require multiple sessions. Anesthesia is not necessary and most patients report experiencing little to no pain, other than a mild burning sensation. After the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, the sclerosant is injected into the affected veins with a very fine needle. The number of injections per session varies based on the number and length of the damaged veins. After the sclerotherapy procedure, cotton balls and compression tape are applied to the injection site.