Overview
Varicose veins are painful, twisted, and swollen veins that appear under the skin surface of the legs and lower body.
They are purple and blue in colour and mostly appear on the legs, ankles, and feet.
About 55% of the women above the age of 50 suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins can be genetic.
There are several home remedies like massage, exercise, or dietary changes that can help alleviate the pain.
Varicose veins are painful and should not be ignored simply as an indication of aging. Swollen and twisted veins can also suggest a serious health complication.
If you are not experiencing any discomfort, you may not require treatment. However, some women seek medical treatment for cosmetic reasons.
You may seek treatment if:
- There is pain and discomfort
- For other health complications like skin discolouration, swelling, leg ulcers, etc.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are damaged veins that are unable to function properly.
Inside the vein, there is a one-way valve that prevents the blood from flowing back. This is known as venous reflux. In severe cases, venous reflux can lead to chronic swelling and even venous ulcers.
When the valve is not functioning properly, the blood accumulates in the veins, and the veins are enlarged and can be painful.
Varicose veins mostly occur in the legs or the lower body which are farthest from the heart. This makes it difficult for the veins to flow the blood in the upward direction.
Over time, these veins swell up and get twisted.
Can varicose veins be treated permanently?
Technically, there is no permanent cure for varicose veins. The disease is progressive as we age. Treatment for varicose veins is considered palliative which means it mainly focuses on providing relief to the patient and prevention, and not on a complete cure.
There is no way to repair the damaged or faulty vein. Instead, doctors use minimally invasive procedures to collapse or close the faulty veins which are then naturally absorbed into the body. This is done for treatment and relief of symptoms as well as for aesthetic reasons.
How are varicose veins treated?
Treatment for varicose veins depends on:
- The severity of the disease
- Symptoms and the level of discomfort
- Complications like swelling, skin discolouration, leg ulcers, etc.
- Improving the appearance of the legs
Treatment for varicose veins:
Wearing compression stockings
The doctor performs a Doppler test to examine the blood circulation in the legs. After the test, he may recommend compression stockings.
Compression stockings relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve blood circulation.
These stockings are good for long-term use. You can also wear them during pregnancy if you have developed varicose veins.
The stockings are available in different colours and sizes.
Doctors may recommend wearing compression stockings for the rest of your life if you have deep venous incompetence or DVI.
Compression stockings can be worn even after surgery.
Endothermal ablation or laser treatment
Laser treatment for varicose veins is a non-invasive and safe procedure.
The doctor administers lasers or high-frequency radio waves to close the affected veins.
A small cut is made above or below the knee. A catheter along with a probe is inserted and radiofrequency energy is sent out to collapse and seal the affected vein.
Endovenous laser treatment
A catheter is inserted and positioned just above the varicose vein. Short bursts of laser energy are used to heat and close the vein.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy or injection therapy is where the doctor a sclerosant into the vein. The vein then shrinks into scar tissue and gradually fades away.
Surgery
Vein surgery is done in two ways:
Ligation and stripping
The doctors make two incisions – one above the leg just below the groin and the other one behind the knee or can be done at the ankle.
Through the top incision, the affected vein is tied. Then through the other incision, the entire vein is pulled and removed using a flexible wire.
Phlebectomy
Several few millimetres-wide incisions are made near the affected vein. A transilluminator is used to see the veins that need to be removed. A small hook is then used to remove the vein in several small pieces.
This procedure is mainly used for removing smaller veins.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
How to prevent varicose veins?
To prevent varicose veins from getting worse, you need to increase the blood flow in your veins.
Varicose veins prevention tips:
Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods
To improve blood circulation, avoid sitting or standing in a position for a long duration. Move around, elevate the legs, stretch the ankles, or do some leg exercises to increase the blood flow.
Wear compression stockings or socks
Compression socks or stockings alleviate the pain and cramps, reduce swelling, and increase blood flow.
Talk to your doctor before choosing the right stockings for your varicose veins.
A healthy lifestyle
A healthy diet should consist of sufficient amounts of fiber, carbohydrates, and proteins. Avoid salty and fatty foods. They can cause obesity and increase the pressure in the veins.
Stay active and do light exercises.
Quit smoking as it can damage the blood vessels. Drink alcohol moderately.
Wear loose cotton clothes that help blood flow.
Take gentle massages to ease the pain and to improve blood circulation.
Final words
Varicose veins are not life-threatening but may get worse with time. It causes significant discomfort and pain, and some people become conscious about the appearance of their legs.
Dietary modifications and lifestyle changes can help to control the symptoms. Eat vegetables, and fruits, and avoid sugary beverages.
There are various medications and treatments for varicose veins.
Since the varicose veins can recur even after treatment, it is important to emphasize self-care and keep the symptoms under control.
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