Do you often feel heaviness or achiness on your legs or are you conscious about their changing appearance? Well, these changes may occur because of Varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a common condition that can affect people of any age. Certain studies show that this condition affects up to 3 in 10 adults. Therefore, it is essential to look for its symptoms and when to seek treatment.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, dilated, or enlarged veins that often appear on your leg and feet. These veins can occur when the valves in the veins do not work properly, which may also cause the blood to flow in the wrong direction or pool.
These veins typically appear swollen and have a bluish-purple or red color.
Causes and Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Weak vein walls and valves primarily cause varicose vein. The walls of the veins may become stretched and may lose their elasticity. If any of the valves do not function properly, they can cause the blood to leak and flow backward.
However, there can be several reasons that can increase your likelihood of developing varicose vein, including:
- Older age: As you get older, your veins may start to lose their elasticity. The valves inside them may stop working as well.
- Gender: This condition of varicose vein is more common in women than men. It may happen because female hormones tend to relax the walls of veins, making the valves more prone to leaking.
- Overweight: Your weight can also put extra pressure on your veins, making it harder for the blood to get back to your heart.
- Being pregnant: During pregnancy, the amount of blood increases to support the developing baby. This may put extra strain on your veins. Moreover, Varicose vein may develop as the womb begins to grow.
- Family history: The risk may increase if a close family member has the condition. If your family member is suffering from this condition, it is helpful to create preventive measures where possible.
- Standing / Sitting for Long: Since circulatory issues cause varicose veins, sitting or standing for long periods causes undue pressure on your veins and increases the probability of developing this disease.
- Other conditions: In rare cases, Varicose veins can be caused by other causes. These include a previous blood clot, swelling or tumor in the pelvis, or abnormal blood vessels.
- Ulcers: Ulcers may occur on the discolored skin near varicose veins and can be very painful.
These conditions can cause varicose veins and can also affect the normal functioning of your body. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the early symptoms of varicose veins.
Many people may have no symptoms from their varicose veins. However, sometimes they are noticeable, and their appearance can be embarrassing. The primary sign of varicose veins usually occurs on your legs.
In some cases, you can also develop swelling. Moreover, in severe cases, the veins can bleed significantly, and ulcers can form. However, the most common symptoms of varicose veins may include:
- Bulging or twisting of the affected veins.
- Swelling in the legs.
- Pain or aching on the affected area, especially after sitting or standing for long hours.
- Muscle fatigue in the legs.
- Dry, flaky, itchy skin around the affected veins.
- Leg cramps, especially at night.
- Discoloration of the skin around the ankles.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
Based on your specific symptoms, a doctor will suggest the required treatment. Your doctor will likely examine your legs and visible veins to diagnose your condition.
They may ask you about the symptoms. In some cases, the doctor can suggest an ultrasound. It allows your doctor to see the blood flow in your veins.
However, doctors are quite conservative in the treatment of varicose veins. You may get advice to make changes to your lifestyle instead of going for more aggressive treatments. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent varicose veins:
- Avoid standing for an extended period.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise to improve your blood circulation
- Use compression socks to let blood flow easily to your heart.
However, if lifestyle changes won’t work or if your varicose veins are causing a lot of pain, your doctor might try invasive treatments. Vein ligation is a surgical treatment where a doctor cuts varicose veins and removes them through the incision.
Additionally, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins. These include:
- Laser Surgery: A light energy is used to block off a vein.
- Endoscopic Vein Surgery: A small lighted scope is inserted through a small incision to block off the vein.
- Sclerotherapy: Using a liquid chemical injection to block off a larger vein.
- Microsclerotherapy: Using a liquid chemical injection to block off smaller veins.
But before choosing any treatment option, you should talk to your doctor. The method recommended may depend on your symptom, size, or location of a varicose vein.
Amandeep Group of Hospitals: For Most Effective Treatment
At Amandeep Group of Hospitals, you have access to highly qualified doctors from various specialties. We, as a team, work towards the aim to save each precious life. Our best cardiology department has years of experience in treating and managing conditions in your veins.
Book an appointment and get the most effective treatment.