Varicose Veins: What are they and how to treat them
Varicose veins, also known by the name of varicosities or varicoses is commonly called spider veins. It occurs when your veins become swollen, enlarged and dilated with blood. The veins start appearing blue/dark purple in colour. Varicose Veins are a result when the blood flows in the wrong direction through faulty valves. Pregnant women and overweight individuals are more susceptible to the Varicose Vein. As estimated by the healthline, around 25% of the adults are having varicose veins. In most cases, the lower legs are affected.
Varicose Vein causes
Varicose veins are caused when there is an abnormality in the functioning of veins. With the veins having a one-way valve for the blood to travel in one direction, varicose causes the walls of veins to stretch and weaken them. They make the blood flow in the reverse direction, thus causing it to accumulate into the vein(s). Causing it to become swollen and enlarged in size. These veins are far from the heart and therefore, the gravity pull makes it tough for the blood to flow upward.
Some of the general causes for Varicose Veins include:
Menopause
Pregnancy
50+ age
Obesity
Longer standing positions
Prevailing in family history
Varicose Veins Symptoms
The primary symptom of Varicose can be felt and are highly visible. The general symptoms include – leg ache, swollen ankles and visible spider veins. Often not harmful, in severe cases, the varicose veins rupture and cause ulcers on the skin. With some people, it can even cause swelling and discoloration.
The common symptoms of Varicose Vein are:
Pain in legs
Heaviness in leg
Swollen ankles
Leg cramps
Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more likely to develop varicose veins legs during pregnancy. Since they have more blood in their body, it tends to put extra pressure on the circulatory system. Also, changes in hormone levels can lead to a relaxation of the blood vessel walls.
Varicose Veins Diagnosis
Varicose Veins are visible and are often diagnosed by the Doctor in your standing or sitting position. They may ask you about the pain or underlying symptoms. In some case your Doctor may recommend you for ultrasound to know the blood flow in veins. Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that confirms the blood flow using high frequency sound waves.
A venogram can also be done to further assess the situation. In this, the Doctor injects a dye in your legs and takes an X-ray of the area. The dye makes sure to provide a clear view of the blood flow inside.
Tests such as venograms and ultrasounds ensure that there isn’t a blockage or blood cot that is causing swelling and pain in the legs. .
Varicose Veins Treatment & Procedures
If the visibility of Varicose Vein is temporary, it does not require any treatment. However, to reduce pain and discomfort there are treatments available.
Surgery: For large visible varicose veins, the alternate available is surgery. Performed under general anaesthesia, this is a one-day surgery. Could also be performed under laser treatment.
Ligitation and Stripping: An incision is made and the vein is taken out. This procedure is a bit risky and painful for the reasons that cause bruising, pain and bleeding. In a rare occasion, it could lead to deep vein thrombosis.
Radiofrequency ablation: A small incision is made above or below the knee and a narrow tube is inserted into the vein with the help of an ultrasound.
Varicose Veins Home Remedies
Exercise
Losing weight
Raising the legs
Voiding prolonged sitting or standing
Varicose veins usually get worse if they exist for a prolonged period of time. It is true even when you make the mandatory lifestyle changes and try to manage your pain. Though they don’t cause any long term medical problems, in some cases it can lead to ulcers or leg soreness, blood clots and chronic inflammation. In severe cases, the veins rupture.
We at Redheal recommend you to see your Doctor as soon you develop any of the above mentioned symptoms. A more aggressive approach guided by an expert could help better in the treatment.
Why Redheal?
Experts at Redheal are easily available for Online consultations.
Our hospital premises are CoVID safe and all the necessary precautions are taken for the treatment.
Our Doctors will take a good amount of time before they recommend the final step of surgery.
You are assisted and guided personally by our staff at all the stages. Don’t worry about the finances! We have the best deals and insurance lying on table for you.