A downside to Closure is that it doesn't work well in patients with very tortuous veins because the catheter is inflexible and has trouble weaving through winding curves, Weiss said. Though it's more invasive than Closure, it's much less traumatic than stripping. In ambulatory phlebectomy, a hook is used to pull out the affected vein through sequential small punctures made along its length. The procedure can be done in a doctor's office under local anesthesia and leaves very tiny scars. Many brands are available without a prescription, such as Jobst, Juzo, Sigvaris, Venosan and Medi.
Men can wear support socks by the same manufacturers.
Support socks or hose should also be worn when flying, visiting a high altitude and during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Exercises such as walking and bicycling help to develop pumping action of the calf muscles and boost circulation in the legs. Avoid exercises that cause sudden, prolonged muscle contraction such as heavy weight-lifting with the legs. More repetition with less weight is better. Maintain a healthy weight.