Varicose veins is a medical condition where the veins become large and swollen and begin to appear so especially on the legs and feet though any vein can become varicose. This happens when the valves do not function properly and allow the blood to flow in the opposite direction or to pool. Due to this, the veins enlarge, and they begin to appear blue or dark purple on the skin. Legs and feet are the most commonly affected areas because standing or walking increases the pressure on the veins in the lower part of the body.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Apart from the twisted and bulging appearance like cords in blue and dark purple, varicose veins may include other painful symptoms as well such as-

Throbbing feeling and aching, heavy feeling in the legs.
Muscle cramping and swelling in the legs.
Severe pain after sitting or standing for a long period of time.
Bleeding varicose pains.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
In severe cases, varicose veins may rupture and form varicose ulcers on the skin. To avoid complications, it is best to get varicose veins treated before it worsens. Varicose veins can be treated in two ways- either by surgeries or by non-surgical methods, that is, by home remedies, medicines or non-invasive methods.

Surgical methods to treat Varicose Veins
Vein Stripping - Under general anesthesia, two cuts are made one below the groin and one behind the knee joint. The affected vein is then tied or clamped off at the top incision using a technique called vein ligation
Phlebotomy is another method where smaller incisions are made along the vein and using surgical instruments, the vein is pulled out.
Though treating varicose veins by surgeries is the most effective method, it involves several risks. Patients take a longer time to recover from surgeries than non-surgical methods. The sedation may cause complications. Chances of nerve injuries cannot be negated which may lead to fatal conditions such as deep vein thrombosis.

Non-surgical methods to treat Varicose Veins

Radiofrequency ablation is a method in which heat generated electromagnetic waves are used to close off the veins.
Endogenous laser ablation- in this case, lasers are used to close off veins.
Sclerotherapy is another method where a liquid or foam is injected into the affected vein to close it off.
Although big veins cannot be treated by these methods or additional treatments may be required, these methods are not only effective but also free from cuts and stitches or anesthesia. Performance of these treatments need not always take place in hospitals, special clinics can cure varicose veins using these methods. It is always advisable to consult doctors for treating varicose veins who can suggest the best treatment needed to cure varicose veins.


Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Varicose Veins - Which Is Better?

Varicose veins are enlarged and gnarly veins and they commonly appear in the feet and legs. They occur when veins get filled with blood and they are often red or bluish purple in color.

The main cause of varicose veins is the when the vein dysfunctions. Veins have valves in them that are supposed to keep the blood flowing forward, but if they fail to do so, blood in the vein starts to collect rather than continue towards the heart. Since the legs are furthest from the heart, varicose veins mostly affect the legs. Gravity, too, is a contributing factor as it makes it hard for the blood to flow up the vein.
Out of all the treatments available for varicose veins, sclerotherapy is the most effective.

What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a form of injection therapy that is designed to improve the way the varicose veins appear on your legs.

The Procedure
During the procedure, a solution called sclerosant is injected in the veins that scars and destroys the vein's internal lining which causes the blood to clot. After the solution is injected, pressure over the veins is applied to prevent the return of the blood as you stand up. Compression stockings are worn for maintaining the pressure.

After the Procedure
There is no prolonged recovery time for sclerotherapy. You can move around immediately after the procedure, but do not strain yourself too much. However, bed rest is not recommended as it might stress the vein. You probably have to keep wearing the compression stockings for a few days more.

Reasons for Choosing Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is best for treating the following problems-
1. Small veins and spider veins that do not cause severe damages
2. Smaller varicose veins that might return even after vein stripping surgery (the surgical removal of the superficial saphenous vein with minimal incisions to treat varicose veins).
3. Larger varicose veins
4. Follow up to any other surgery to treat varicose veins

Risks involved
Sclerotherapy, like any other treatment, has certain risks. The risks include-
1. Skin discoloration
2. The varicose veins can still return after the treatment
3. Bruising, itching, blistering and pain in the treated area
4. Mild or severe allergic reaction to the solution (sclerosant) used
5. Blood clots in the deep vein system.

Varicose Veins: Using Sclerotherapy to Get Rid of It

Varicose veins are known to be a very common problem, which result in the inflammation of veins in the body. Veins are the blood vessels, which are responsible for the transfer of deoxygenated blood from the different parts of the body to the heart. Because the blood does not contain oxygen, it has a bluish tinge. As a result varicose veins are most likely to appear bluish when swollen. 
This condition is quite common in old people and some are even likely to develop slight ulcers in the vein. 
Homeopathic treatment for varicose veins
Certain homeopathic drugs are said to work wonders for this condition, as they not only offer pain relief, but also make the veins more elastic. This helps with effective circulation and thus, the swelling reduces. The following is a list of some homeopathic medicines that work best to cure varicose veins.
1. Hamamelis
It is known to be the best cure for varicose veins. It effectively stops any sort of bleeding from the veins. It also offers relief from pain and from a sensation of heaviness of the legs. 

2. Pulsatilla
This medicine is greatly recommended for women who develop varicose veins during the course of their pregnancy. It immediately does away with the pain. The medicine especially works well for swollen veins of the legs and the hands. Application of a cold pack also helps relieve the pain and reduce swelling. 

3. Calcarea
It is generally recommended to patients who have varicose veins, but do not suffer from any pain. In case the patient feels chilly and suffers from various other symptoms like some sort of burning sensation in the veins or cold hand and feet, calcarea is a good cure. 

4. Graphites
It is known to be a great cure for varicose veins that is accompanied with some amount of itching and cramping. 

5. Arnica
This homeopathic medicine effectively deals with varicose veins accompanied with symptoms like soreness and bruising.

5 Best Homeopathic Remedies for Varicose Veins Ulcers

Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency both affect the veins of the legs. The veins in the legs are equipped with one-way valves, which direct the flow of blood from the legs to the heart. If these valves malfunction, the blood may flow backwards. This blood may collect in small pools somewhere in the veins or the veins may become enlarged and swollen. This causes immense pain that makes it difficult to go about your everyday activities.

What are the complications linked with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency? 

Usually, both disorders cause a lot of discomfort and pain. But sometimes the varicose vein may rupture and cause varicose ulcers on the skin of your legs. The blood clot may travel to your heart and it may lead to cardiac complications.

Who is susceptible to varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency?

Although anyone can get varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, women are more likely to develop these venous disorders than men. The chances go up if you are-

  Older than 50
  Obese
  If someone in the family has varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency
  Pregnant or if you have been pregnant before
  If you have been diagnosed with blood clots
  If you consume alcohol or smoke

Diagnosis of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency-

As interrupted blood flow leads to both varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, your doctor will conduct a blood flow test through a duplex ultrasound. The sound waves can help determine in which direction the blood is flowing and the speed of the flow.

Treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency-

The doctor will ask you to implement lifestyle changes-

  You need to lose weight because being overweight is the chief contributing factor towards both these disorders. Besides regular exercise can improve blood flow through your veins
  Do not sit for long stretches of time. Go for small walks and stretch those legs.
  Medications that can target the pain and the swelling

Surgery:

If medication and lifestyle changes do not work, you might have to undergo surgery. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. You can leave on the same day. Not much follow-up care is required.

Sclerotherapy: Another popular option is sclerotherapy . A chemical is injected into the vein that closes it. The scar it produces will disappear within 4-5 days.

Laser therapy: Painless small procedure to close diseases vein.

Open surgery: Small cuts over skin to remove diseases vein.

Both varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency are accompanied by pain. Medication can help keep the pain and discomfort under check but in severe cases surgery is necessary.

Varicose Veins & Chronic Venous Insufficiency!

It is said that if all the veins of the human body were laid out in a single line, it would stretch over 60000 miles. We don t usually think of our veins or notice them unless an intravenous injection is to be administered or the person suffers from varicose veins. These veins are usually benign and can be described as enlarged veins that rise to the surface, and become prominently visible. The varicose veins can usually be seen on the feet and calves. For most people, it is simply a cosmetic problem but for others it can be the cause of pain and discomfort. The good news is that in either case, varicose veins can be treated.

EVLT refers to Endovenous Laser Therapy, which is also known as EVLA or Endovenous Laser Ablation. This is a type of laser therapy that can be used to destroy veins from within. The procedure is performed while the patient is under local anesthesia and hospitalization is not required. Know the steps in which it is carried out:

The first stage involves mapping the veins and identifying the problem veins. A Duplex Ultrasound is usually used to create this map. It is important to note that this procedure cannot treat bulging veins on the surface of the skin. The veins that can be treated include the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV), Small Saphenous Vein (SSV) and their major tributaries.
Once the veins have been identified a needle is inserted into the vein near the ankle or knee with the help of ultrasound controls. A wire is then passed into the vein and a long sheath is then passed to the top, and positioned with the help of the ultrasound.
Ultrasound is again used to then inject local anesthetic into the area around the vein. This numbs the vein and surrounding tissue. The adrenaline in it also makes the vein contract, so as to fit the sheath perfectly. This technique is called  Tumescent anesthesia .
This is followed by passing a laser fiber inside the sheath and switching the laser on. The laser and sheath are then pulled back simultaneously so as to destroy the vein without damaging any of the surrounding tissues.
Once done, you should be able to get back to work and your normal lifestyle, the day after the surgery. But it is advisable to take good rest for few days, before you get back to your regular routine. Your doctor may advise you to wear compression stockings for up to 2 weeks. You should also avoid letting your legs come in contact with water. To avoid getting varicose veins in future, exercise regularly and have a balanced diet to control your weight.

EVLT Endovenous Laser Treatment For Varicose Veins!

Varicose veins are large veins that appear on the legs of some patients. Usually, blood travels to the legs from the heart through the arteries, and the veins take it back to the heart. The valves in the veins allow the blood to travel from the legs to the heart against gravity. During this process, the valves may leak and blood may collect in the veins, making them appear enlarged.
EVLT (Endovenous laser therapy) is the latest method for curing varicose veins without surgery. It heats the affected veins them through a laser instead of removing them.
Process
In this process, at first, an ultrasound scan is carried out to locate the veins that have to be treated. After marking them, the doctor applies local anaesthetic on the skin and a needle is inserted into it. A wire is then passed through the needle up to the target vein. Over this wire, a catheter is passed after removing the needle. After that, the wire is removed.
Through the catheter, a laser fibre is placed whose tip usually reaches up to the groin crease. Using tiny needles, a large amount of local anaesthetic solution is applied in the region surrounding the vein. The laser is then applied for 5 minutes on the veins. You might hear a buzz or feel a burning sensation but won t feel any pain. The catheter and the laser are then removed and the incision is covered.
The process takes about 30 minutes to complete. After the treatment, you will be advised to wear compressions stockings and can go back to your normal routine immediately.
Benefits
The different benefits of the surgery are:
The skin does not have to be stitched 
There is no pain in the process and patients can go back to work right after the treatment
The process is free from complications 
No scars are left after the treatment

Common uses of the process
EVLT is also used for treating the following:
Swelling of the veins 
Discolouration of the skin
The heaviness of the leg
Skin ulcers and irritation
Precautions
These are the precautions that you must take:
A week before the process, avoid taking arthritis medications, aspirin, and Ibuprofen as they can increase the chances of bruising 
Avoid alcohol and tobacco 2 days before the procedure
After the treatment, ask someone to drive you back home and do not use public transport
Avoid activities like swimming, running, jogging and weightlifting for at least 2 weeks after the procedure

The varicosities fade away after the process but rarely disappear completely. You might require further treatment for improving the appearance of the veins. 


EVLT Varicose Veins Treatment!

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