Varicose Veins - Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Varicose Veins

 

What are Varicose Veins?

Usually blue or dark purple in appearance, varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins. In addition, they could appear twisted, lumpy, or bulging. Legs are where they most commonly occur. A network of microscopic valves that open and close to let blood through prevents the blood from going backwards. Blood can flow backwards and gather in a vein if the valves become weak or broken. This eventually causes the vein to swell and expand (varicose). Their size increases as a result of the blood flowing rearward. Spider veins are smaller red or purple lines that develop close to the surface of your skin and may surround varicose veins.

Since standing puts a lot of pressure on the legs' superficial veins, they are particularly susceptible to varicose veins. Varicose veins not only look bad, but they can also hurt, especially when standing. Venous eczema, skin thickening, ulceration, and severe long-term varicose veins are all possible side effects. Although they are uncommon, life-threatening conditions like deep vein thrombosis might be mistaken for varicose veins, which can be fatal.

 

What Distinguishes Varicose Veins from Spider Veins?

Spider veins and varicose veins are both forms of venous illness, yet they have different appearances. Compared to varicose veins, spider veins are more delicate and tinier. They are located near the skin's surface and resemble red, blue, or tree branches or spider webs.

Typically, spider veins don't hurt. Anywhere on your body can develop them, but the most common places are behind your knee, on your feet, or on your face. It is most common for varicose veins to appear on your feet and legs.

What are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

It's possible that varicose veins don't hurt. These are some symptoms of varicose veins:
 
  • Darker purple or blue veins
  • On the legs, you could notice veins that look twisted and bulging and sometimes resemble cords.
  • Varicose veins can cause a variety of uncomfortable signs and symptoms, such as:
  • A heavy or aching sensation in the legs
  • Symptoms include cramping, burning, and swelling in the lower legs
  • After spending a lot of time standing or sitting, discomfort becomes worse
  • There is itching around one or more veins
  • Skin tone changes near a varicose vein
  • Although smaller, spider veins resemble varicose veins. The closer to the skin's surface they are, the more frequently red or blue spider veins are seen.
  • In addition to the face, spider veins can be found on the legs. Their sizes vary, and they frequently resemble spider webs.
What are the Causes of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins may result from weak or damaged valves. From the heart, arteries distribute blood to the rest of the body. Blood is transported back to the heart by veins from the rest of the body. The veins in the legs must defy gravity in order to return blood to the heart.

Blood returns to the heart with the assistance of elastic vein walls and muscle contractions in the lower legs that serve as pumps. Small valves in the veins open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and then close to prevent it from going the other way. Blood can flow backward and pool in the veins if these valves are weak or broken, which can cause the veins to stretch or twist.

Vein valves and walls can weaken for a number of reasons, including:
 
  • Hormones.
  • ageing process.
  • a lot of weight.
  • attire that is too tight.
  • Standing for extended periods of time puts pressure inside the vein.
What are the Risk Factors and Complications of Varicose Veins?

Varicose vein development is potentially accelerated by the following factors:
 
  • The vein valves that assist regulate blood flow deteriorate with age. When the valves begin to wear, some blood will eventually be able to return to the veins, where it will gather.
  • The disorder is more common in females. Female hormones have a tendency to relax vein walls, which may contribute to vein dilating during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Varicose veins risk may be increased by hormone therapies, such as birth control pills.
  • Blood volume in the body grows throughout pregnancy. Although it may also cause the veins in the legs to expand, this alteration assists the developing foetus.
  • There is a higher likelihood that you may develop varicose veins if other family members did.
  • Veins are under additional stress when a person is overweight.
  • Spending a lot of time sitting or standing. Blood flow is improved by movement.
  • In most cases, varicose veins are not dangerous. However, difficulties could arise. They incorporate:
  • Blood clots
  • Inflammation or swelling of veins
Varicose Veins Diagnosis:

It is easy to spot varicose veins because they are close to the surface of the skin. The condition can be diagnosed during a physical examination by a healthcare provider. While you're sitting and standing, they will feel and examine your veins. An ultrasound may be recommended by your provider to view your veins in detail and check for complications. In this no-pain test, sound waves are used to create pictures of the tissues inside your body. You can see how your valves are functioning and whether there are any blood clots on an ultrasound.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins:

The development of varicose veins may be reduced by increasing blood flow and muscle tone. Varicose veins can be prevented with the same steps that are used to address their discomfort. Take a look at this:
 
  • Avoiding wearing heels and tight clothing
  • Alternate your sitting and standing positions frequently.
  • Eating a salt- and fibre-free diet
  • Exercising
  • Controlling your weight
  • During seated or lying positions, extend your legs
Treatment of Varicose Veins:

There is no known treatment for varicose veins, although the following ones can lessen symptoms and appearance:

Elastic Stockings: Your veins will be compressed with compression socks or stockings, which will lessen pain. Your veins can't expand because of the compression, which also promotes blood flow.

Elevation: You should lift your legs above your waist multiple times during the day to promote blood flow and reduce vein pressure.

Injection Therapy (Sclerotherapy): Your vein is injected with a fluid by a medical professional during sclerotherapy. The remedy makes the vein walls adhere to one another. Your vein eventually degenerates into scar tissue and disappears.

Laser Therapy: Healthcare professionals utilise a catheter (a long, thin tube) and laser to seal off a damaged vein during the minimally invasive treatment known as endovenous thermal ablation.

Vein Surgery: These treatments, also known as ligation and stripping, involve the surgeon tying off the afflicted vein to prevent blood from accumulating. To stop the vein from developing new varicose veins, the surgeon may remove (strip) it.
 


Varicose Veins   Varicose Vein   Distinguishes Varicose Veins from Spider Veins   Symptoms of Varicose Veins   Causes of Varicose Veins   Risk Factors and Complications of Varicose Veins   Varicose Veins Diagnosis   How to Prevent Varicose Veins   Treatment of Varicose Veins  


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