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Varicose veins are veins that are twisted and swollen. Varicose veins can develop in any vein that is close to the skin's surface (superficial). Varicose veins are most typically found in the legs. This is due to the fact that standing and walking raise the pressure in the veins of the lower body.
Varicose veins and spider veins – a common, moderate form of varicose veins — are merely cosmetic concerns for many people. Varicose veins can cause agonizing pain and discomfort in others. Varicose veins can sometimes lead to more serious complications.
Treatment may include self-care activities as well as treatments performed by a health care provider to seal or eliminate veins.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins may not be painful. Varicose vein symptoms include:
- Dark purple or blue veins
- Veins that seem twisted and bulging, frequently resembling cords on the legs
When painful varicose vein symptoms appear, they may include:
- An aching or heavy sensation in the legs
- Lower leg burning, throbbing, muscle cramps, and swelling
- Pain that worsens after a lengthy period of sitting or standing
- Itching in one or more veins
- Skin tone changes around a varicose vein
Spider veins are smaller in size than varicose veins. Spider veins are found near the skin's surface and are frequently red or blue in color.
Spider veins are most commonly found on the legs, although they can also be found on the face. They vary in size and frequently resemble a spider's web.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins can be caused by faulty or damaged valves. Arteries are vessels that transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Veins transport blood from other parts of the body to the heart. The veins in the legs must battle against gravity to return blood to the heart.
Lower leg muscle contractions operate as pumps, and elastic vein walls aid in blood return to the heart. As blood rushes toward the heart, tiny valves in the veins open and reopen to prevent blood from going backward. If these valves are weak or broken, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, stretching or twisting them.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR VARICOSE VEINS?
The following factors can increase the likelihood of getting varicose veins:
- Age: The valves in the veins that assist control blood flow wear down with age. Because of this wear, the valves eventually allow some blood to flow back into the veins, where it gathers.
- Sex: Women are more prone than men to develop the disease. Because female hormones tend to relax vein walls, hormonal changes before a menstrual period, during pregnancy, or during menopause could be a factor. Birth control drugs, for example, may increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Pregnancy: The blood volume in the body increases during pregnancy. This alteration benefits the growing fetus but can also cause vein enlargement in the legs.
- Family history: If other members of your family have varicose veins, you are more likely to have them as well.
- Obesity: Being overweight puts additional strain on the veins.
- Long times spent standing or sitting: Movement promotes blood flow.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF VARICOSE VEINS?
Although uncommon, varicose vein complications might include:
- Ulcers: On the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles, painful ulcers can occur. A darkened area on the skin frequently appears before the formation of an ulcer. If you suspect you have a leg ulcer, consult your doctor right away.
- Blood clots: Veins deep within the legs can occasionally become enlarged, causing leg pain and edema. Seek medical assistance if you have prolonged leg pain or swelling, as this could be a sign of a blood clot.
- Bleeding: Veins close to the skin occasionally burst. Although this normally only results in little bleeding, it necessitates medical attention.
HOW IS VARICOSE VEINS DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will perform a physical assessment on you, including a look at your legs while you're standing to check for edema. Your doctor may also ask you to detail any leg pain or aching.
Tests
A venous Doppler ultrasonography of the leg may be recommended by a doctor to diagnose varicose veins. Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic that employs sound waves to examine blood flow through vein valves. A leg ultrasonography can aid in the detection of a blood clot.
A health care clinician does this test by moving a small hand-held device (transducer) roughly the size of a bar of soap across the skin over the body area being evaluated. The transducer sends images of the legs' veins to a monitor, which displays the results.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR VARICOSE VEINS?
Self-care techniques, compression stockings, and surgeries or procedures may be used to treat varicose veins. Treatment for varicose veins is frequently performed as an outpatient surgery, which means you usually go home the same day.
Inquire with your insurance company to see if varicose vein therapy is covered. If the primary objective for the varicose vein treatment is to improve the appearance of the legs (for cosmetic reasons), the expense may not be reimbursed by insurance.
Self-care
Self-care measures such as exercise, lifting the legs while sitting or lying down, and using compression stockings can help relieve varicose vein pain and possibly prevent them from worsening.
Compression stockings
Wearing compression stockings all day is a common first step. The stockings cinch the legs, allowing veins and leg muscles to flow blood more efficiently. The amount of compression varies depending on the type and brand.
Most pharmacies and medical supply stores carry compression stockings. If varicose veins are causing symptoms, prescription-strength stockings are also available and may be covered by insurance.
Surgeries or other procedures
If self-care and compression stockings are ineffective, or if the varicose veins are severe, a health care practitioner may offer surgery or other procedures:
- Sclerotherapy: A medical professional injects a solution or foam into the varicose veins, scarring and closing them. The repaired varicose veins should diminish in a few weeks.
It is possible that the same vein will need to be injected more than once. Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia and can be performed in the office of a physician.
- Vein stripping and high ligation: This method entails tying off a vein before it connects to a deep vein and then eliminating the vein by minor cuts. For the most part, this is an outpatient operation. Removing the vein will not stop blood flow in the leg since veins deeper in the leg handle bigger amounts of blood.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: Smaller varicose veins are removed by a doctor through a series of tiny skin punctures. In this outpatient surgery, only the pierced areas of the leg are numbed. Scarring is usually minor.
- Laser treatment: Laser treatment delivers powerful bursts of light to the vein, causing it to diminish and disappear over time. There are no cuts or needles utilized.
- Catheter-based procedures utilizing radiofrequency or laser energy: For bigger varicose veins, this is the preferable therapy. A health care provider inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an enlarged vein and uses radiofrequency or laser radiation to heat the catheter's tip. When the catheter is removed, the heat causes the vein to compress and seal shut.
HOME REMEDIES FOR VARICOSE VEINS
The following are some lifestyle and home cures for varicose veins:
- Exercise: Get your feet moving. Walking is an excellent strategy to increase blood flow in the legs. Your doctor can advise you on an acceptable degree of activity.
- Control your weight: Losing weight relieves needless strain on the veins.
- Avoid using salt: To avoid swelling caused by water retention, eat a low-salt diet.
- Select appropriate footwear: High heels should be avoided. Low-heeled shoes put more strain on the calf muscles, which is excellent for your veins.
- Wear loose clothing: Wearing clothing that is too tight around your waist, legs, or groin might restrict blood flow.
- Raise your legs: Take numerous short breaks each day to raise the legs above the level of the heart to enhance blood flow in the legs. For instance, lie down with your legs propped up on three or four cushions.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Alter your position periodically to promote blood flow.