Varicose veins are the veins in the body that start functioning abnormally due to structural
dilation or enlargement. Although they are usually present in the lower extremities, varicose
veins may be found anywhere in the body. Their occurrence is more frequently observed in
the legs due to an increased pressure carried by the veins as the person stands or walks
upright.
Leg muscles have the capability of pumping blood back to the heart against the rule of
gravity. A pair of valves is present inside the veins to prevent the backflow of the blood.
These valves are unidirectional in nature and open towards the upper side only.
In the case of varicose veins, these valves get damaged and lose their ability to open in a
unidirectional manner. They become a two-way street for blood flow. The blood low in
oxygen and rich in toxins starts rushing back. The toxic blood does not get circulated
properly and starts accumulating in the veins resulting in their dilation.
dilation or enlargement. Although they are usually present in the lower extremities, varicose
veins may be found anywhere in the body. Their occurrence is more frequently observed in
the legs due to an increased pressure carried by the veins as the person stands or walks
upright.
Leg muscles have the capability of pumping blood back to the heart against the rule of
gravity. A pair of valves is present inside the veins to prevent the backflow of the blood.
These valves are unidirectional in nature and open towards the upper side only.
In the case of varicose veins, these valves get damaged and lose their ability to open in a
unidirectional manner. They become a two-way street for blood flow. The blood low in
oxygen and rich in toxins starts rushing back. The toxic blood does not get circulated
properly and starts accumulating in the veins resulting in their dilation.
Varicose Veins: Signs and Symptoms
Usually, varicose veins do not show any symptoms in its initial stage. But the patient
may experience the symptoms after a few years. The following symptoms should not be
ignored and must be informed to the physician if they occur occasionally:
- Heaviness in the lower extremity (which may get worse at night hours)
- Pain in the legs
- Telangiectasia (spider veins) in the affected leg
- Inflammation in the ankle (which may increase in the evening)
- Skin discoloration near the affected area
- Stasis dermatitis or venous eczema
- Cramping of the legs while standing or walking suddenly
- Shrinkage of the skin above the legs
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Age: Ageing causes the valves inside the veins to wear and tear, which causes the blood to flow back into the veins.
- Sex: Females are more likely to develop varicose veins. Hormonal changes, menstruation, and pregnancy are some of the factors that increase the risk of developing varicose veins in females.
- Family history: Individuals with a family history of varicose veins are at an increased risk of developing it.
- Obesity: Obese people exert more pressure on their legs, which may result in varicose veins.
Varicose Veins: Some Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time
- Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise to improve your leg strength
- Refrain from crossing your legs for extended periods of time
- Elevate your legs whenever you are resting or sleeping
- Wear compression stockings as it increases the blood flow to your heart Treatment
Treatment of Varicose Veins
Endovenous Laser Treatment is a simple treatment that closes the varicose veins. A laser is threaded through a tiny incision made in a full-length varicose vein. This laser energy generates heat which destroys the vein by causing it to collapse and seal shut. As the laser is slowly withdrawn, heat applied to the vein walls causes the veins to permanently close and disappear.
Thus, all the abnormal dilated damaged veins are burnt off. These burnt veins heal with fibrous (permanent sticking) and thus abnormal superficial veins are not used in blood circulation. The body reroutes the blood through healthier veins. No other tissues in the legs are affected in the process. Surgeons discuss the procedure in details after they determine that it is appropriate to treat your varicose veins by laser intervention.
What are the advantages of Laser Treatment?
- Higher success rate and low recurrence rate
- Minimal invasive procedure and minimal pain
- Less No Scar
- Faster recovery
- Minimal postoperative pain
- Day care surgery procedure
RESULTS
