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

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!

Varicose veins are a painful swelling of the veins of the legs. The raised veins just under the top layer of the skin appear to be purplish blue. It is a common affliction and affects nearly 25% of the adult population all across the world and 10 million people in India are diagnosed with it every year.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that typically develop in the legs and the feet. This condition is triggered when there is something wrong with the valves of the veins. When the valves do not function properly, blood flow to all parts of the body is disrupted. Since the legs are the farthest part of the body from the heart, gravity makes it difficult for blood to flow up to the heart.

Varicose veins are common in people who are:

  Above 50 years of age
  Lead a lifestyle that requires them to be on their feet for long stretches of time
  Pregnant
  Menopausal
  Obese

If someone in your family has a history of varicose veins, you are quite likely to get it too.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins are characterized by the following symptoms-

  The most obvious symptom is the large twisty veins
  Pain all down the length of your legs
  Discolouration of the skin of the legs and feet

Diagnosis of varicose veins:

The doctor usually diagnoses varicose veins by a physical examination. She/he may also suggest an ultrasound to determine if your flow of blood is affected. It is a non-invasive procedure and is done with the help of high-frequency sound waves.

You may even have to undergo a venogram. The doctor injects a coloured dye into your veins and X-rays them. The dye gives an indication of how well your blood is flowing through the veins.

Treatment of varicose veins:

There are several treatment options for varicose veins-

  Compression socks: these socks exert pressure on the swollen veins and make it easy for blood to flow upwards. They also bring down the swelling.

Vascular surgery:

When the other methods do not work, doctors prescribe vascular surgery.

  Ligation and stripping: Through this surgery, the surgeon ties up the vein to prevent pooling of blood in the veins and sometimes the vein itself is removed.
  Sclerotherapy: The doctor injects a chemical right into the varicose vein which closes it.
  Radiofrequency ablation: The doctor uses radiofrequency to heat the varicose vein up, which makes the walls collapse

Lifestyle changes:

A few changes to your lifestyle can help you avoid the menace of varicose veins-

  If your job requires you to stand for extended periods, squeeze out a few minutes so that you can sit down, that allows blood to flow normally up to your legs.

  If you are overweight, lose weight immediately.

  Exercise regularly because that keeps your heart healthy and improves blood circulation.

Varicose veins are a painful condition that can be avoided if you implemented a few changes to how you live your life and even if you do get them, there are ways to cure them.

Varicose Veins - How Does Vascular Surgery Help?

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 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

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