What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the skin. They usually occur in the legs.
Risk Factors of Varicose Veins
During the aging process, vein walls and valves don’t work as well as they used to. Veins lose elasticity and stiffen.
Old Age
The condition is inherited.
Family history of varicose veins
They occur when the uterus applies pressure to the large vein (the inferior vena cava) that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs.
Pregnancy
Obesity and excess weight put pressure on blood vessels.
Obesity
Smokers are more likely to develop varicose veins.
Tobacco use
Following a Sedentary Lifestyle, restricted movement leads to varicose veins.
Lifestyle
Certain health conditions, abdominal tumors, increase pressure in the veins.
Overall health
DVT is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh.
Previous Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Bulging veins: Twisted, swollen, rope-like veins are often blue or purple. They appear just below the surface of the skin on the legs, ankles and feet. They can develop in clusters. Tiny red or blue lines (spider veins) may appear nearby.
- Heavy legs: Muscles in the legs may feel tired, heavy or sluggish, especially after physical activity.
- Itching: The area around the varicose veins may itch.
- Pain: Legs may be painful, achy or sore, especially behind the knees. You might have muscle cramps.
- Swelling: The legs, ankles and feet can swell and throb.
- Skin discolorations and ulcers: If left untreated, varicose veins can cause brown discolorations on the skin. Venous ulcers (sores) on the skin can result from severe varicose veins.
Why you shouldn’t neglect varicose veins?
If neglected Varicose veins can cause
- Leg ulcer
- Leg pigmentation: Skin changes- darkening of the skin, dry skin, itching,contraction of
the skin. - Leg swelling
- Leg Vein Thrombosis: Sudden pain may indicate clotting of blood in the vein.
- Sudden bleeding from a long-standing vein.
TREATMENT
-
ElevationTo increase blood flow and decrease pressure in the veins, you should elevate your legs above your waist several times throughout the day. -
Elastic stockingsSupportive stockings or socks compress the veins and reduce discomfort. The compression stops the veins from stretching and helps blood flow. -
Injection therapy (Sclerotherapy)During Sclerotherapy , a healthcare provider injects a solution into your vein. The solution causes the vein walls to stick together. Eventually, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades away. -
MicrosclerotherapyMicrosclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins and other very small varicose veins. A small amount of liquid chemical is injected into a vein using a very fine needle. The chemical scars the inner lining of the vein, causing it to close off. -
Laser SurgeryIn a minimally invasive procedure called endovenous thermal ablation, healthcare providers use a catheter (a long, thin tube) and laser to close off a damaged vein. -
Ambulatory PhlebectomyYour doctor will make small cuts in your skin to remove small varicose veins. This procedure is usually done to remove the varicose veins closest to the surface of your skin. -
Vein Stripping and LigationDuring these procedures, the surgeon ties off the affected vein (ligation) to stop blood from pooling. The surgeon may remove (strip) the vein to prevent varicose veins from reappearing.
DIAGNOSIS
Painless, scarless surgery
Minimal case of recurrence
Day care procedure
Resume work in 3 days
FAQs
Varicose veins are very common. Around one-third of all adults have varicose veins. They are more common in women than in men.
Most often, varicose veins develop on the lower half of the body, usually on the calves, ankles and feet.
They can also develop in the pelvic area (pelvic congestion syndrome), especially in women who have had children.
Varicose veins in the testicles (varicocele) can lead to infertility in men.
They can also develop in the pelvic area (pelvic congestion syndrome), especially in women who have had children.
Varicose veins in the testicles (varicocele) can lead to infertility in men.
Although varicose veins aren’t usually dangerous, you should visit your healthcare provider for an exam. If you’re concerned about how varicose veins look, or if they’re uncomfortable, treatments can help. You should see your provider as soon as possible if the skin or veins are:
- Bleeding
- Discolored
- Painful, red or warm to the touch
- Swollen
You may not be able to prevent varicose veins. You can reduce your chances of developing them by living an active, healthy lifestyle. Healthcare providers recommend many of the same measures to prevent and treat varicose veins:
- Avoid long periods of standing
- Elevate your legs
- Quit tobacco use
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay active
- Try compression stockings
- Wear clothes that fit properly
Although treatments are effective, varicose veins can return. They are more likely to come back in women who become pregnant after treatment. You have a higher chance of varicose veins reappearing if you are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle.
Contact
JAYANAGAR
BANASHANKARI
