Sclerotherapy is a treatment used to treatment varicose veins or “spider veins” and common symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and night cramps in the legs. Sclerotherapy is considered a generally safe procedure and is usually undertaken by a vascular surgeon in an elective or “outpatient setting”. Recent data suggests that sclerotherapy has a success rate of up to 80%.
 
What causes Varicose veins?

Varicose veins usually occur when valves inside the vein do not function correctly and cause the vein to bulge. Most people will experience varicose veins in the legs, most of us probably recall being told as children to uncross our legs to avoid varicose veins. Risk factors for varicose veins include extended periods of standing, pregnancy, obesity, and family history. Varicose veins also more commonly occur in women later in life. Varicose veins don’t always cause pain and treatment may be considered for cosmetic reasons.
 
What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a commonly used treatment for varicose veins and has a low incidence of complications when undertaken by an experience doctor. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of sclerosant into the veins which causes the vein to initially bulge and then shrink.
 
Side effects of Sclerotherapy

Commonly occurring side effects of Sclerotherapy include bruising, itching, redness, and pain at the injection site. Anaphylaxis is a rare side effect that can occur due to a reaction to the Sclerosant. Other rare side effects include blood clots, stroke, and nerve damage. Risks from Sclerotherapy will be discussed by your Doctor who will also advise of medications to stop before Sclerotherapy, often to reduce the risk of side effects from Sclerotherapy like bruising.
 
Sclerotherapy aftercare

Aftercare for Sclerotherapy generally involves wearing compression stockings as advised by your Doctor. Arnica is often recommended after Sclerotherapy to reduce bruising that can occur from the insertion of a needle into the vein. Arnicare stocks an Arnica cream that is suitable for use after Sclerotherapy. Arnica cream can be used up to four times a day both before and after Sclerotherapy to reduce bruising. Finally, exercise is key to speeding up your recovery from Sclerotherapy, even a 30-minute walk per day can assist.
 
Arnicare is stocked by Vascular surgeons across Australia who perform Sclerotherapy. Check out our stockist list to find your nearest stockist of arnica healing cream.