A Comprehensive Guide to Varicose Veins: From Risk Factors to Treatment
Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins, often appearing as blue or purple bulging cords under the skin. They are commonly seen in the legs and feet, where the main function of the veins is to carry blood back to the heart. When veins weaken or get damaged, they can have difficulty pushing blood upward against gravity, which results in the formation of varicose veins.
What Are the Various Causes of Varicose Veins?
While the precise cause of varicose veins may not always be clear, certain factors are thought to contribute to their development:
● Ageing: Veins have valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves become weak due to age, blood can pool in the veins and lead to their enlargement.
● Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to relaxed vein walls and increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
● Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the expanding uterus puts pressure on the veins in the pelvic area, which can increase the chances of developing varicose veins. Also, pregnancy increases the blood volume in a woman’s body but decreases blood flow from the legs to the pelvis. This circulatory change is designed to support the growing fetus but can result in enlarged leg veins.
● Inactivity: Lack of movement can impede blood circulation and contribute to vein problems.
What Are the Key Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
It is important to recognize the symptoms of varicose veins to intervene and manage them early.
Here are some common symptoms associated with varicose veins:
● Visible bulging veins
● Achy or heavy legs
● Swelling
● Discomfort and irritation
● Cramping
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Around 30-50% of adults have varicose veins. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge their presence and see an expert. You can arrange a consultation with an interventional radiologist who can provide a complete assessment and a venous Doppler screening test using an ultrasound machine. They also give you treatment options that are best suited to your needs.
Management: Prevention and treatment of Varicose Veins
While it’s not always possible to prevent varicose veins, there are some measures you can take to manage the condition and minimise its impact:
Preventive Measures:
● Stay Active: Exercising regularly or engaging in activities like walking and swimming can promote healthy blood circulation and help prevent or alleviate varicose veins.
● Maintain a Healthy Weight: By managing your weight, you can reduce the strain on your veins.
● Try Elevating Your Legs: Taking breaks to elevate your legs can help improve blood circulation and promote better flow back to the heart.
● Take Breaks and Move Around: It’s important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing,
so just walk and move every 10 to 15 minutes, even at work. Make sure to take regular breaks and move around to prevent stiffness and discomfort.
● Using Compression Stockings: If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your legs, wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow and provide relief.
● Nutritious Eating: A diet abundant in fiber and antioxidants can provide valuable support for maintaining optimal vein health.
Treatment:
Sclerotherapy: This is an office-based procedure done using ultrasound guidance under local anaesthesia. A doctor injects a solution into small and medium-sized veins, which causes scarring and closure of those veins.
Laser Treatment: If larger veins show reflux of blood, laser treatment under local anaesthesia can be done as a daycare procedure.
Surgery: Open surgery is rarely done for varicose veins and can be reserved under extremely rare situations.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are a prevalent condition that can cause discomfort and impact your quality of life. Recognising the risk factors, potential causes, and symptoms is crucial for early detection and management. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and seeking medical guidance when necessary, you can effectively manage varicose veins and reduce their impact on your daily activities. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional if you’re developing varicose veins.
FAQs
1. What foods are bad for varicose veins?
Avoid salty foods, sugar-laced treats, and refined carbohydrates in case of varicose veins.
2. Can varicose veins go away naturally?
Varicose and spider veins do not just go away on their own, but they can sometimes become less visible. You may also find that symptoms temporarily go away at times, particularly if you lose weight or increase physical activity. However, your vein symptoms will likely return over time.
3. What vitamins are good for varicose veins?
● Vitamin C plays a crucial role in that it strengthens the walls of our veins, promotes healing, and protects membranes against damaging free radicals. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and potatoes are great sources of Vitamin C.
● Vitamin E helps promote blood flow. Almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados, and fortified cereals are all great sources of vitamin E.
Doctor Details:
Doctor Name: DR. M C UTHAPPA
Designation: Consultant – Interventional Radiology
Profile link: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/sarjapurroad/doctors/dr-m-c-uthappa-consultant-interventional-radiologist/