Varicose veins are swollen veins that bulge out just under the skin, usually in the legs, caused by increased pressure in the veins of the lower body. It’s not a dangerous problem, but it should not be left untreated, especially when these veins are itchy or painful. These veins are very common. But sometimes they can also lead to serious health problems.
Symptoms include
- Dark purple or bluish colored veins
- Itching or discomfort around the veins
- Appearance of twisted and bulging veins
- Heaviness in the legs
- Sometimes, swelling can be seen
- Pain after sitting or standing for long hours
- Changes in skin colour around veins
Factors causing varicose veins
When the walls of the veins weaken or get damaged, they increase the pressure of the blood in the veins, which can sometimes flow backwards, causing reflux. The valves in the veins stop working as they should due to the flow of the blood being moved only in one direction. It causes the veins to twist and bulge, resulting in varicose veins.
Responsible factors
Certain factors are responsible for the development of varicose veins, such as:
- Age: Varicose veins can be developed in anyone, but as the age increases, the valves in the veins tend to wear and tear due to the loss of elasticity of the veins, resulting in the development of varicose veins.
- Family history: Varicose veins can be an inherited problem.
- Lifestyle: Long periods of standing or sitting can cause less blood flow or even no blood flow, causing the development of varicose veins. Using tobacco can cause this condition, too.
- Excessive weight: Due to excessive weight or obesity, pressure is built on blood vessels, which results in these veins swelling.
- Hormones during pregnancy: Pregnant women have a high chance of developing these veins due to changes in their hormonal levels. Even during menopause, periods, or while taking birth control pills, can result in these veins because of a change in hormones.
Complications
Usually, people don’t get any complications due to this, but in certain cases, rare complications may arise due to untreated varicose veins, such as:
- Ulcers
- Swollen legs
- Minor bleeding
- Blood clots
In severe cases, this could be a sign of CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency), which can affect the ability of veins to pump blood to the heart. Blood clots may be monitored to check for any clotting disorders, such as:
- Pulmonary embolism: A life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis
How varicose veins can be prevented
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes can reduce the chances of developing varicose veins by ensuring proper blood flow in the veins, by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting
- Wearing properly fitted clothes that are not too tight
- Eating a high fiber diet
- Quitting smoking
- Staying physically active and exercising
- Elevation
- Avoiding high heels
- Avoid exposing veins to the sun for a long time
How these veins are diagnosed
Varicose veins can be diagnosed through a physical exam and by checking the symptoms and other factors like family history and lifestyle activities. An imaging test like Duplex Ultrasound can help in diagnosing this. It is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to assess blood flow through the vessels in the legs.
How varicose veins can be treated
Getting treated early can stop these veins from getting worse and can even help in avoiding complications. Even though varicose veins can return after treatment as well, they need to be treated if the symptoms are severe.
Treatments at VJ Clinics can include surgeries or therapy:
- Sclerotherapy: To seal off the vein
- Endovenous ablation or laser therapy: To close off the vein
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: To remove small veins
- Surgery to remove the severe varicose veins
- Compression therapy: Usually suggested for pregnant women
Complications
The risks and complications of the treatments may include:
- Infections
- Damage to the nerve
- Bruising
- Pain
- Hardness or lumps
Conclusion
The best fruits for varicose veins are those that contain rutin. Rutin helps in reducing the risk of developing any more varicose veins as it has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and vasoprotective properties. Rutin can be found in fruits like apples, grapes, blackberries and apricots, etc. Though it’s not something to get scared off, it’s always better to consult than assume that it can’t be treated. The medical practitioners here, at VJ Clinics provide you with their expertise. This is one of the finest clinics to get the correct treatment. The doctors will guide you through testing and suggest treatment for the problems that need immediate attention. The awareness about this needs to be raised, which will prove useful in the success of the patient’s recovery.
