When it comes to treating varicose veins for our patients from across Northern Michigan, Dr. Heeringa’s first approaches are always conservative and non-invasive. For some patients, these treatments may be all that’s necessary. For others, they are only the first step and treatment will need to progress from there. Call (231) 946-1488 today to schedule your Conservative Therapy consultation in Traverse City, Cadillac, and the surrounding Michigan areas!

Although the various approaches to vein treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation, are only minimally invasive and don’t involve long incisions and lengthy recovery, it’s never the aim to jump right into these approaches.

This is especially the case with how insurance companies view varicose vein treatment. Many insurance providers require a period of 6-12 weeks of conservative care before they will cover more involved procedures.

Plus, when patients understand how these simple self-treatments work, they can continue to utilize them in the future to help prevent the formation of new varicose or spider veins or just to improve their vascular health.

These are the conservative options we use for our patients at Northern Michigan Vein Specialists:

• Compression stockings — Compression stockings add pressure (compression) to the legs, helping to support the veins and promote better blood flow. Compression stockings basically give your veins the boost they used to get from your muscles and other tissues in the legs when you were younger.

• Elevating your legs — Gravity is a tough customer, and in your legs your veins are fighting it the whole way when returning blood back to the heart. By elevating your legs, this makes the job of fighting gravity that much easier. When you’re sitting, try and put your feet up on a footrest or ottoman. If you’re on the couch, bring your feet up with you.

• Anti-inflammatory medication — Much of the pain of varicose veins can be caused by inflammation. Oral ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, and others) works to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Lose weight — If you’re overweight or obese, the added pounds put pressure on your veins. Losing weight decreases this pressure and can reduce swelling and pain. Attaining a healthy weight also lowers your cardiovascular risk factors.

• Exercise — Regular exercise has many benefits for your health. For your veins, it boosts your circulation. Walk as much as you can, even just 30 minutes a day, and perform other leg-related workouts. Strengthening your leg muscles helps to provide better support for your veins.

• Reduce prolonged standing or sitting — If you need to be on your feet all day, such as if you’re a flight attendant or retail clerk, take breaks to sit down and reduce the pressure on your legs and veins. If you sit for your desk job, get up and walk around as much as possible to break up the periods of sitting.

If you are interested in learning more about Conservative Therapy for treating varicose veins, be sure to contact Dr. Brian Heeringa for a personalized consultation in Cadillac, Traverse City, and the surrounding Michigan areas! Dr. Heeringa and his experienced staff can answer any questions you have, and can help you determine whether you are a candidate for spider veins treatment. Dial (231) 946-1488 today to reach either of our offices, or fill out the form in our contact page. Our practice looks forward to serving you!