Our body has valves in the veins that are responsible for allowing the blood flow to the heart from the legs. If the valves become weak, they start leaking and the blood will flow in the reverse direction, that is to the feet. This leads to swollen and enlarged veins and appears as blue veins. These blue veins are called varicose veins. Varicose veins are seen in ankles, feet, and legs. In some cases, this can be seen on arms and face.
There are several treatment options available that can work and you need an experienced doctor to get proper care and treatment for your condition.
How Do I Know if I Have Varicose Veins?
The most common sign of varicose veins is a blue or purple vein under the surface of your skin. People who have severe pain may also experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Heavy feeling in legs, or leg muscles feel tired and it is most prominent after a physical activity
- Itching around the varicose veins
- Burning, cramping in the lower legs such as knees
- You may also experience muscle cramps
- Swelling and throbbing in legs, feet, and ankles
- Skin discoloration around the varicose veins
- If varicose veins are severe, it can cause ulcers on the skin
If you have any signs of varicose veins, it is important to visit a doctor as early as possible to prevent serious consequences.
Why Do Varicose Veins Occur?
The veins have small valves that get opened when the blood flow from your legs to your heart. The valves then get closed to prevent the blood flow in the reverse direction. When the blood pressure in the veins is high, veins become bigger and they become weak. This makes the blood flow in the opposite direction towards the feet. Due to this, sluggish blood builds up in the veins and causes veins to enlarge, swell, and twist.
There are several reasons that can make walls and valves of veins weak such as:
- The ageing process
- Sitting or standing for a longer duration
- Obesity can cause stress on veins and can lead to varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Deep vein thrombosis
What are the Risk Factors of Varicose Veins?
Though anyone can develop varicose veins, there are certain factors that can increase the chances of varicose veins such as the following:
- As you age, the walls and valves of veins become weak and veins lose elasticity
- Females are more likely to have varicose veins than males. Hormonal changes that occur in females during pregnancy, periods, and menopause can cause varicose veins as veins get relaxed.
- Family history
- Health conditions such as constipation, tumours, or high pressure in veins
How are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
The doctor will conduct a physical examination to diagnose varicose veins. The doctor will examine your veins when you sit or stand. He may also suggest an ultrasound to know if your veins are functioning well and to look for any complications. Ultrasounds are painless and they generate pictures of tissues and shows if there are any blood clots.
How are Varicose Veins Treated?
The treatment for varicose veins focuses on reducing your pain, discomfort, and appearance of varicose veins. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding sitting and standing for a long period, losing weight can control the condition. The different treatment options include:
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- Keeping legs elevated to increase blood flow in the veins and to reduce pressure on veins
- Use of compression stockings that can compress your veins and reduces your pain and discomfort
- If stockings and other treatments do not work, surgery might be required.
Laser treatment for Varicose Veins
A less invasive surgical procedure called endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) can be helpful to treat varicose veins. This procedure can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes and it does not require several cuts or stitches. During the procedure, a catheter along with a laser fiber will be inserted into the vein through a small incision. The heat generated from the laser fiber destroys the lining of veins and permanently closes the damaged veins. You can return to your work immediately after the procedure and you do not need any recovery time.
Looking for Varicose Veins Treatment? Meet Dr Mahesh Thumu at Klavo Clinic
If you are looking for an effective varicose veins treatment in Hyderabad, Dr Mahesh Thumu will be your right stop. He has helped hundreds of patients suffering from varicose veins to reduce their pain and discomfort. He uses the latest and less invasive techniques such as laser to help patients recover faster. Call us and schedule your appointment to discuss your condition.