Conservative Therapy
Schedule A Free ScreeningIf you have been diagnosed with a vein condition, you may be surprised to learn that treatment often starts with something simple. Conservative therapy is usually the first step we recommend, and most insurance providers require it before approving other treatments. These methods can help manage your symptoms and prevent vein problems from getting worse.
If you want to learn more about our conservative vein therapy at Physicians Vein Clinics, you can give us a call at 888-782-8346 and schedule a consultation at one of our 14 locations.
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 notice skin discoloration in your legs or see any bulging 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 promise these aren’t your grandma’s stockings. Today’s compression stockings come in modern fabrics, colors, and styles and are designed to apply graduated pressure that helps your body pump blood upward and reduce symptoms like swelling, aching, and heaviness. For patients using insurance, most companies require a trial of prescription-strength, medical-grade compression stockings at a minimum of 20–30 mmHg before approving vein procedures. We’ll help you find an option that fits your lifestyle while ensuring you meet your insurance requirements.
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.
Medications or supplements
The experts at Physicians Vein Clinics can talk to you about specific anti-inflammatory medications or supplements and dosages depending on your symptoms, severity and lifestyle. These products are generally designed to reduce swelling and supplement other forms of conservative therapies.
Conservative Therapy Solutions Near Me
People with 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 convenient locations.
Conservative Therapy FAQs
Can I buy compression stockings over the counter, or do I need a prescription?
While you can find compression stockings over the counter, our conservative therapy requires prescription-grade compression stockings rated at 20-30 mmHg graduated compression, or higher. Graduated means there is more pressure at the ankles than higher up on the leg, so it encourages blood flow upwards.
How long and how often should I elevate my legs each day?
We generally recommend elevating your legs for about 15-20 minutes, three or four times per day. Raising them above heart level reduces swelling and improves blood flow back to your right. However, the right schedule will depend on the patient, and we make customized recommendations for each person.
What happens if conservative therapy doesn’t relieve my symptoms?
If conservative therapy does not provide relief from your symptoms, it is time to take the next step. We will review your progress, provide you with any information needed for your insurance company, and talk about which minimally invasive treatments are suitable. Then we will schedule your appointment for the desired treatment.
How long will I wear my compression stockings each day?
Compression stockings are meant to be worn throughout the day and taken off at bedtime. Wearing them during your waking hours helps support healthy blood flow while you’re upright and active. We’ll walk you through how to put them on properly and answer any questions about making them a comfortable part of your daily routine.