How Varicose Veins Impact Health And Wellbeing
Having varicose veins is a significant health condition that can affect overall health and wellbeing. Recent research has highlighted that it’s not uncommon for people with varicose veins to experience depression. Thankfully treatment at our Auckland clinic is fast, effective and requires no down time for most people.
The Physical Impact
Living with a chronic condition like varicose veins puts extra stress on the body because it has to work extra hard to function.
The physical symptoms of varicose veins can also be a drain on the body’s energy as it’s constantly trying to manage pain and discomfort. These symptoms can include:
- Tired, achy or throbbing legs
- Swelling in the legs, feet and ankles
- Pain
- Eczema and ulcers
Fighting physical symptoms can be fatiguing and may cause people to exercise less, go out less and stop doing activities they used to enjoy. This can have an impact on overall wellbeing.
The Mental Impact
In our experience many people seek treatment because their varicose veins make them feel self conscious, rather than because their legs are causing them discomfort.
Over time, feeling self conscious can also affect wellbeing which is why seeking varicose vein treatment for aesthetic reasons is just as common and important as treating physical symptoms.
The mental health impact of varicose veins can be experienced as:
- Feeling self conscious or ashamed about the appearance of the legs
- Feeling the need to cover the legs
- No longer doing activities where the legs need to be visible
- General lack of energy
- Becoming socially withdrawn
Seeking Treatment
Thankfully varicose vein treatment is fast, effective and requires no down time for most people. The treatments we offer at Palm Clinic, NZ are proven to be the most effective treatments available.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RF)
(RFA) is a non-surgical treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to close off the varicose vein so that it no longer carries blood. In time swelling and other symptoms will subside and the vein will no longer be visible.
RFA is recognised globally as the best treatment option for varicose veins because it delivers the longest-lasting results and causes the least amount of discomfort.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
Where RFA is not appropriate, the best alternative is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). UGS involves injecting a solution into the varicose veins to cause them to close down. UGS is the best treatment available for smaller varicose veins.
If you’re interested in exploring treatment with Palm Clinic in Auckland please contact our reception team to book an initial consultation.
