Conservative Therapy
What is Conservative Therapy?
If you have done any research at all on varicose vein treatments, you’ve come across the term “conservative therapy.” If you’re like many of our patients, you are confused about what this means. In general, conservative therapies are non-invasive methods used to decrease the symptoms of venous insufficiency. Conservative therapy helps relieve the leg pain and other symptoms that come with vein problems. Insurance companies sometimes ask clients to try conservative therapy for 6 to 12 weeks before they will cover the cost of a medical procedure.
If you are noticing skin discoloration in your legs or see any bulging appearance of varicose veins, conservative therapies might be a suitable treatment for you. If you are not eligible for insurance coverage for vein treatment, conservative therapies can also keep your symptoms moderate. After screening your legs and reviewing your medical history, our doctors at Physicians Vein Clinics can customize your treatment plan. We’re committed to helping you lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Conservative Treatment Options
• Compression stockings. Before you cringe, we will explain. These aren’t your grandma’s stockings! Today’s compression stockings come in fashionable fabrics, colors and styles and are designed to apply a gradient of pressure against your leg. This pressure makes it easier for your body to pump blood upward and harder for gravity to pull it downward. Many patients claim wearing compression stockings feels like their legs are being massaged while they wear them. We can help you find compression stockings that fit into your lifestyle. Just ask!
• Avoid high heels. High heels limit your ankle motion and interfere with the pumping of your blood. If you must wear high heels, wear compression stockings, take frequent breaks with your shoes off and consciously flex your ankles up and down whenever possible.
• Exercise. Strong calf muscles are more efficient at helping pump blood through your leg veins. Walking, running or any other type of exercise that includes continuous leg motion is a great form of exercise for improving blood circulation to your legs.
• Leg elevation. Elevating your legs above the level of your heart can help gravity do its job in circulating blood flow through your legs. You can do this by lying on the floor or bed with pillows under your legs or by putting your feet up high on the wall.
• Anti-inflammatory medications or supplements. The experts at Physicians Vein Clinics can talk to you about specific products and dosages depending on your symptoms, severity and lifestyle. These products are generally designed to reduce swelling and supplement other forms of conservative therapies.
Request a Free Screening
Conservative Therapy Near Me
Mild cases of spider veins and varicose veins often find relief and decrease in symptoms by using conservative therapies. We can tell you more about expectations with a FREE varicose vein screening at Physicians Vein Clinics. Just call today to schedule your screening at one of our 12 convenient locations in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.