Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, also known as varicoses or varicosities, occur when your veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and have a bluish-purple or red colour. They are often painful.

 

The condition is very common, especially in women. Around 25 percent of all adults have varicose veins. In most cases, varicose veins appear on the lower legs.

Varicose veins occur when veins aren’t functioning properly. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves fail, blood begins to collect in the veins rather than continuing toward your heart. The veins then enlarge. Varicose veins often affect the legs. The veins there are the farthest from your heart, and gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow upward.

  • pregnancy
  • menopause
  • age over 50
  • standing for long periods of time
  • obesity
  • family history of varicose veins

The primary symptoms of varicose veins are highly visible, misshapen veins, usually on your legs. You may also have pain, swelling, heaviness, and achiness over or around the enlarged veins.

In some cases, you can develop swelling and discoloration. In severe cases, the veins can bleed significantly, and ulcers can form.

Your doctor will likely examine your legs and visible veins while you’re sitting or standing to diagnose varicose veins. They may ask you about any pain or symptoms you’re having.

Your doctor may also want to do an ultrasound to check your blood flow. This is a noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves. It allows your doctor to see how blood is flowing in your veins.

Depending on the location, a venogram may be done to further assess your veins. During this test, your doctor injects a special dye into your legs and takes X-rays of the area. The dye appears on the X-rays, giving your doctor a better view of how your blood is flowing.

Tests such as ultrasounds or venograms help ensure that another disorder like a blood clot or a blockage isn’t causing the pain and swelling in your legs.

  • Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Standing or sitting in one position for a long time makes it harder for your blood to travel in the leg veins against gravity. …
  • Wear compression hosiery. …
  • Live a healthy lifestyle. …
  • Exercise should be part of your routine. …
  • Sleep positions for pregnant women.

There are several different options. Traditional operations such as vein stripping have largely been replaced by procedures which involve heat, lasers or the injection of chemicals into the vein.

Diet

  • Following a low salt diet can help prevent swelling caused from water retention.

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods

  • Make sure to move frequently or take breaks which will help improve circulation.

Weight Management

  • Excess weight can put additional pressure on the legs.

Supplements

  • Certain supplements and foods can also help to alleviate symptoms such aching and painful legs.

Exercise

  • Exercise regularly to promote healthy blood circulation.

Support tights and compression stockings. These counter the extra pressure in the veins. They may help to ease symptoms such as ache.This will help to reduce swelling and improve circulation.Although there is little proof as to how well they work.

Laser Ablation

Like radiofrequency ablation, a laser fiber is gently inserted through the skin into the affected vein. The laser is activated and heats the vein wall, causing it to close. The closed vein is reabsorbed into the body. The blood supply in that area is naturally rerouted through other, healthier veins. Laser ablation can treat small segments of refluxing veins with a high degree of success.

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

A foam medicine called a sclerosant is injected into the diseased vein, which irritates the vein wall, resulting in closure. Blood is then naturally rerouted through healthier veins while the body reabsorbs the closed vein. An ultrasound machine to guide the procedure for maximum accuracy and safety.

Spider veins, or thread veins, are smaller than varicose veins. They are usually red. They may look like tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can usually be seen under the skin, but they do not make the skin bulge out like varicose veins do.Spider veins are usually found on the legs or the face.

Causes

  • Heredity, or being born with weak vein valves,
  • Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause (Pregnancy, which causes enlarged veins due to a significant increase in blood volume)
  • An enlarged uterus during pregnancy, which puts more pressure on the veins (with improvement seen after delivery)
  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Leg injury 
  • Prolonged standing—commonly work-related for nurses, teachers, and food service workers.

Treatment: Foam Sclerotherapy