Varicose veins are a medical condition that affects more than thirty percent of the general population in India. Varicose problem is high in India as compared to other western countries, and they are more endemic, common in adult and old age people.
Varicose veins are large twisted veins which bulge and are found in the legs. They form when the valves inside the veins weaken or get damaged, causing blood to pool in the veins rather than flowing back to the heart. This results in a bulging appearance usually bluish or purplish in colour. Varicose vein symptoms may include leg pain and heaviness. There are different types of varicose veins treatment options available today and it ranges from conservative management to minimal invasive procedures.
Another vein-related issue that human encounter with is spider veins, which is to some extent similar to varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, larger, and painful. Spider veins are, however, tiny hairline-like indications resembling spider webs or tree branches. Commonly, spider veins are red, blue, or purple in colour and are formed closer to the skin surface. Varicose veins are an indication of poor blood flow, while spider veins are mostly a cosmetic problem.
Dr. Bhavesh Popat, a vascular & interventional radiologist says “Sometimes varicose veins may not be harmful, but if they are left untreated, they may result in complications like skin ulcers and blood clots that seriously affect an individual’s lifestyle and cause painful experience. Thus, understanding how they are formed becomes important for their management and prevention.”
Varicose veins are caused by factors which damage the valves in the veins leading to improper blood flow. Here are how some of the most common-causes and risk-factors which causes varicose veins:
Family History:
Family history is one of the most common factors. If either of your parents or relatives have varicose veins, then you are mostly likely to develop them because of the weak vein walls or valves that you inherited in your genes.
Lifestyle Factors:
Prolonged standing or sitting could possibly strained veins in the leg. Lack of physical activity and exercises would affect blood circulation and make it more difficult for veins to return blood to the heart.
Age and Gender:
Due to aging veins may lose their flexibility and its valves may get damaged, thus increasing the chance of developing varicose veins. Also hormonal alterations during pregnancy and menopause make varicose veins more common among women.
Other causes of varicose veins include:
Obesity: Over weight put pressure on the veins making them work harder.
Smoking: It damages blood arteries and leads to less blood flow into the veins.
Prior injury to a leg or vein increases the chances of developing varicose veins.
Addressing these issues can indeed help in reduction of varicose formation, as well as treat already existing varicose veins.
Signs and symptoms of Varicose Veins
Visibly swollen purple or blue colour veins in the legs are the most common indications of Varicose. These veins may bulge or twist beneath the skin and leave an unattractive and uneven pattern. Apart from these, there are other unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins such as the following:
- Pain and Discomfort:Varicose veins can be painful, throbbing, or feel heavy, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
- Swelling:Prolonged standing can lead to the swelling of the legs and feet and this causes discomfort and tightness.
- Itch or burning:Varicose veins irritate skin, causing it to itch, dry up, or burning sensation.
- Tired legs:Fatigued, restless, or weak legs due to varicose veins feel worse toward the end of the day.
- Cramps or Muscle Spasms:Varicose veins may give rise to cramps in the legs, usually when in bed at night.
- Skin discolouration or Ulcers:Severe varicose veins can lead to skin discolouration, and ulcers.
If the varicose veins are left untreated for a longer period of time, then the condition worsens, so it becomes necessary to get early medical intervention for veins symptom management. Thus recognising these symptoms of varicose veins at early stage can help manage the condition effectively.
Through the means of physical exam, doctors look for apparent swelling and skin changes to ascertain varicose veins. They may go for ultrasonography to evaluate blood flow and search for valve defects or blood clots. Seriousness is determined according to severity of symptoms, size of vein, and other consequences, these helps the doctor in deciding the most appropriate medical treatment option.
Tips for the prevention of Varicose Vein:
- Be physically Active:Regular activities such as walking and swimming tends to strengthen the muscles around the legs thus reducing veins pressure.
- Check and maintained Weight:Excess weight gain tends to strains the veins and thus increases the chances of varicose veins.
- Elevate your limbs– By raising the limb at regular interval the blood flow to the heart will increase.
- Changing of positions– Prolonged sitting or standing can make blood pool in the legs. By changing position frequently this can be prevented.
- Use of compression stockings – Wearing them will stimulate the movement of blood in the legs while lowering pressure in the veins.
Types of Varicose Veins treatment available today;
The doctor determines the appropriate treatment based on the severity of the disease and the patient’s general health.
- Develop a healthy lifestyle:Mild symptoms of varicose can be treated through regular exercise, weight control, leg elevation, and compression stocking. These will alleviate the symptoms and will prevent it from worsening.
- Sclerotherapy; It is a method of treatment that uses a solution injected into a diseased vein to cause it to collapse and fade eventually. This is mainly for treating small varicose and spider veins.
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT).This is the most recent and most effective treatment today, and adopted worldwide. EVLT is a minimally invasive treatment, which uses laser radiation to seal off defective veins. The heat through the laser causes the vein to compress and close.
- Vein Stripping and Ligation:This is an invasive surgery procedure, which involves tying off and removing the problematic veins. It is usually reserved for serious instances.
Each of these varicose veins treatments has its own advantages and disadvantages, and only a medical expert can help you choose the best option depending on your specific needs and seriousness of the veins.
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