Varicose veins are a condition marked by enlarged or gnarled veins. This typically affects the veins in the feet and legs. In most cases, varicose veins are a mere cosmetic concern but in some cases, it can be quite uncomfortable and painful. If left untreated, it can also lead to further complications.

Varicose veins may be caused by a lack of elasticity in the veins causing blood to pool in them and flow back-wards. This blood is deoxygenated and hence the veins appear blue. Women have a higher risk of suffering from varicose veins as compared to men. This risk also increases with age and weight. Pregnancy can also cause varicose veins. The most common symptoms of this condition are:

visible veins just under the surface of the skin
veins that appear blue and gnarled
a dull ache in the legs
throbbing or burning sensation in the calves
pain in the legs that worsens after standing or sitting in the same position for a long time
itching around the veins
bleeding veins
inflammation of the skin or ulcers around the ankles
red or blue spider veins
Varicose veins can be treated with simple home remedies. Keeping the legs raised or wearing compression stockings can relieve the pain associated with varicose veins and prevent the condition from worsening. Exercise can also help improve blood circulation. If these home remedies are not effective, the patient may need to consult a doctor.

Varicose veins cannot be completely prevented. However, an individual can reduce the risk of suffering from this condition. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to do this as being overweight can increase the pressure on the legs and hence aggravate varicose veins. Women with a family history of varicose veins should also avoid wearing high heels and tight stockings.

Complications caused by varicose veins are rare. However, some people may experience bleeding on the surface of the skin. There are chances that the veins deep inside the muscle may get twisted which may lead to the swelling of the calf muscles. Varicose veins may also cause painful ulcers around the ankles and is a result of the buildup of fluid around the ankles.

All the complication must be reported to the doctor at the earliest to prevent the condition from worsening.

Varicose Veins - The Most Common Symptoms Your Should Know!

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 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!

Varicose veins are a condition marked by enlarged or gnarled veins. This typically affects the veins in the feet and legs. In most cases, varicose veins are a mere cosmetic concern but in some cases, it can be quite uncomfortable and painful. If left untreated, it can also lead to further complications.

Varicose veins may be caused by a lack of elasticity in the veins causing blood to pool in them and flow backwards. This blood is deoxygenated and hence the veins appear blue. Women have a higher risk of suffering from varicose veins as compared to men. This risk also increases with age and weight. Pregnancy can also cause varicose veins. 

The most common symptoms of this condition are:

Visible veins just under the surface of the skin
Veins that appear blue and gnarled
A dull ache in the legs
Throbbing or burning sensation in the calves
Pain in the legs that worsens after standing or sitting in the same position for a long time
Itching around the veins
Bleeding veins
Inflammation of the skin or ulcers around the ankles
Red or blue spider veins
What steps to maintain once you have undergone the sugery

Keeping the legs raised or wear compression stockings can relieve the pain associated with varicose veins and prevent the condition from worsening. 
Exercise can also help improve blood circulation. If these home remedies are not effective, the patient may need to consult a doctor.
Women with a family history of varicose veins should also avoid wearing high heels and tight stockings.
Complications caused by varicose veins are rare. However, some people may experience bleeding on the surface of the skin. There are chances that the veins deep inside the muscle may get twisted which may lead to the swelling of the calf muscles. Varicose veins may also cause painful ulcers around the ankles and is a result of the buildup of fluid around the ankles.

All the complication must be reported to the doctor at the earliest to prevent the condition from worsening.

Varicose Veins - Know The Signs Of The Condition!

Varicose Veins is a condition in which an individual s veins become swollen and warped or twisted, which is visible on the skin. This condition most often is prevalent in the legs but can occur in any part of the body. Varicose Veins is a common medical condition with a few symptoms and signs. It affects the skin tone and texture for which some people undergo a treatment.  

These symptoms might not affect the person seriously, but they can get severe depending upon different conditions. Usually, Varicose Veins does not require medical treatment, but if it gets severe, then one needs to see the doctor or undergo surgery, which happens rarely. This condition can be easily diagnosed through physical examinations, but one might need to undergo some medical tests depending upon the severity of the condition.

Problems Related to Varicose Veins:

Some of the most common problems related to Varicose Veins are:

Telangiectasias: In this condition, blood vessels form a cluster, mostly on the upper body and face. They appear red and can be caused by many reasons such as genetic disarray, liver problems, pregnancy, or viral diseases. Although this is not something to worry about, one should consult the doctor if other symptoms accompany it too.

Spider Veins: This condition of Spider Veins is concerned with the smallest blood vessels called Capillaries. They are called spider veins because they develop mostly on legs and face and appear like a spider web. They are a moderate form of telangiectasias and hence does not really need medical treatment.

Varicoceles: Varicoceles appears in the scrotum region of the male body or over the testicle skin. This condition might result in infertility in males. A doctor should be immediately consulted if such a condition is seen.

Symptoms:

The Varicose Veins is not a serious medical problem unless the patient is going through severe pain and significantly manifested symptoms. There are many symptoms to identify the condition.

A visible cluster of blue or purple looking veins.

Frequent leg cramps.

Shrinking of skin of the ankle as a result of Lipodermatosclerosis (hardening of fat under the ankle skin).

Veins become tumefy or swollen and warped or twisted.

Ankles become swollen.

Throbbing legs.

Blood clots.

An unusual amount of bleeding in the affected part with a small injury.

Restless leg syndrome.

Scars like white, irregular patches on the ankle (Atrophie Blanche).

Redness, itchiness, and dryness on the affected area (stasis dermatitis or venous eczema).

Skin Discoloration.

Skin ulcers.

Precautions:

There are some precautions that one can take to relieve the pain caused by Varicose Veins.

Avoid standing for a longer period of time.

Maintain a healthy and balanced weight.

Sitting with legs straight and uncrossed.

Exercising.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes.

Elevating legs while relaxing.

Take away:

Varicose Veins is a condition in which blood vessels get clustered in a part of the body under the skin. The veins appear blue or purple and become swollen and twisted. This condition is often not a serious medical problem, but in some cases, it might need surgery to avoid any serious issue. This can be treated by precautions and medications, but one can undergo surgery to get rid of the texture and view of the clustered veins. The recovery of Varicose Veins is quicker.

Varicose Veins - What You Must Be Aware About?

A VNUS closure procedure is a medical minimal invasive treatment that offers an efficient and non- surgical alternative for treating varicose veins. Varicose vein is a medical condition where the veins become large and swollen and begin to appear on the skin especially on the legs. The condition arises when the valves do not function properly and the blood begins to flow in the opposite direction. This often results in pooling of the blood in a certain area which makes the vein enlarge. As a result, they begin to appear on the skin as blue or dark purple and the most commonly affected areas are the legs. Apart from treating them with medicines, there are two distinct methods to treat them- invasive and non- surgical methods. VNUS closure is one non-surgical procedure that can treat and cure varicose veins.

The twisted and bulging chords in case of varicose veins can burst and give rise to ulcers. Before conditions get worse, one must get it treated and as proven, non-surgical methods are best to treat them. The VNUS procedure uses radioactive frequency to heat and close the vein from within. These heat waves contract the collagen found inside the vein walls and causes them to collapse and shut down.

There are several reasons why this is the best process to treat varicose veins. Some of which are:

This is not an open surgery and is minimally invasive.
The treatment does not require a very big setting such as other surgeries. It can be performed on the patient under local anesthesia and patients are often allowed to walk out of the clinic after a few hours of the procedure.
The patients can resume normal activities within two days of the procedure being performed.
The treatment is effective and provides long-lasting relief for the problem.
There is nothing scary about this treatment and it is a very simple procedure.
Before the procedure begins, the doctor using an ultrasound marks the position at the end of the groin. After the patient has been sedated using a local anesthesia, a special catheter is then inserted into the vein through a small 2-3mm cut just below the knee. Once that has been done, radiofrequency energy is used to seal the faulty veins. At the end of the procedure, a small dressing is applied, along with a special compression stocking which the patient needs to wear for the next 7 to 10 days. The process provides instant relief from the symptoms.

However, one must consult a doctor who can advise the patient on the best procedure for varicose veins after an examination to determine the intensity of the problem. 

VNUS Closure - Why Is It Performed?

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