About 40-50% of Indians have varicose veins. Blue or purple veins are twisted and bulging in the legs. Although harmless, varicose veins can hurt.
Many think varicose veins are only in older persons. Heredity, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged standing can cause them at any age. Apollo Hospital Delhi Vascular Surgeon Dr. Jaisom Chopra says there are therapies for symptoms and cosmetic enhancement.
Varicose Vein Syndrome Beyond Appearance
Varicose veins go beyond appearance. Different signs can appear.
- Bulging and twisted veins
- Heavy, aching: Standing for long periods might cause leg pain.
- Edema causes tightness, soreness, and problems wearing clothes and shoes. Medical attention may be needed in severe cases.
- Varicose veins can cause skin discoloration and ulcers, requiring medical care.
Diagnosed Varicose Veins
Patients are examined for varicose veins. They will check for abnormalities and severity. Doppler and ultrasonography can detect venous reflux, a primary varicose vein etiology.
Effective Varicose Vein Treatments
Varicose vein symptoms and cosmetic concerns have several treatments. Examples of common methods:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Minimally invasive RFA closes veins with laser radiation. RFA shuts the vein and redirects blood flow to healthier veins, providing long-term relief with faster recovery and less scarring than surgery.
- Sclerotherapy: This outpatient procedure collapses and shrinks veins with fluid. Low-downtime treatment for spider and mild varicose veins.
Take Charge: Varicose Vein Prevention
Lifestyle adjustments can greatly reduce the risk of varicose veins:
- Weight control: Requires regular exercise and a healthy diet, which may impair vein health.
- Exercise: Swimming and cycling reduce varicose veins by improving circulation.
- Good posture: Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing and maintaining good posture prevents unsightly veins.
- Elevating your legs: Throughout the day, especially after sitting or standing, promotes blood flow and lowers lower body vein pressure.
- Compression stockings: Prevent leg blood pooling and varicose veins.
Who’s Susceptible to Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins affect everyone, although specific conditions increase risk:
- Family history: Varicose veins are inherited, so if a close relative has them, you may too.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal fluctuations damage vein walls, increasing varicose veins.
- Aging: Causes varicose veins due to venous valve deterioration.
- Gender: Women are more susceptible to varicose veins during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes.
- Obesity: Overweight strains veins, especially legs.
- Occupation: Jobs that require prolonged standing or sitting increase varicose veins.
Risks: Why Early Intervention Matters
Avoiding varicose vein treatment may cause:
- Lipodermatosclerosis: Hardening and inflammation of vein skin.
- Stasis dermatitis: Poor blood flow causes chronic skin inflammation, itching, redness, and dryness.
- Venous ulcers: Slow-healing ankle sores.
- Bleeding: Few varicose veins break and bleed.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent and improve leg health with varicose veins.
Lifestyle Changes Beyond Prevention: Varicose Vein Management
Some lifestyle adjustments can reduce varicose vein symptoms and improve circulation:
- Physical activity: Moderate walking improves blood flow and lowers vein pressure.
- Weight management: Keep fit: Losing weight minimizes venous pressure and pain.
- Diet: Salt can aggravate varicose vein swelling by causing fluid retention.
- Clothing: Avoid tight clothing: It cuts blood flow and hurts. Dress casually.
- Fiber: Fiber-rich diets reduce straining and bowel movements, which can put pressure on veins.
- Elevation: Sleeping with your legs above your heart lowers edema and promotes circulation.
Physician Visits: When to Seek Care
Visit a doctor if you have these symptoms:
- Leg pain: After standing or sitting
- Swelling: Large leg/ankle swelling
- Skin changes: Discoloration or textural alterations near varicose veins
- Ulcers: Open leg ulcers
Early treatment enhances life and reduces issues.
Varicose veins are avoidable. You can control leg health by understanding varicose vein symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. For effective varicose vein management, consult a doctor for personalized advice and early intervention.
