Varicose Veins

This is a disease condition featured with the veins that are bulged or swelled out. A remarkable blue or dark purple color is presented by the veins. The veins may also feature twisted or enlarged look.

Varicose veins are the result of the malfunctioning of the tiny valves that are present within these vessels. We know that the function of a vein is to carry blood back to heart. In this process it’s these valves that prevent the retro flow of the blood. But at times, owing to damage or weakening, the blood may flow in a reverse manner and gets pooled, gradually giving rise to varicose vein.

Over the globe, this condition is frequently seen with a more tendency to occur in females. Though it’s possible for the veins anywhere on the body to get affected, the ones in the leg and feet are more likely to develop this condition. The reason for this is, more pressure is being exerted over lower body veins by activities like standing and walking.

In most of the cases this condition is not something serious unless and until it affects the circulation or present with long term problems.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of this condition is the presence of bulged or twisted veins that are blue or purple in colour. Pain and discomfort tat are associated with this condition may not be the same in intensity and duration in all people. This condition also manifests pain, discomfort in legs, swelling particularly in feet and ankles, a sense of burning or throbbing over the veins, muscle twitching especially at night, the skin superficial to the vein gets dehydrated and even may be itchy. The symptoms are found to aggravate or worsen as the temperature rises or the person continues in the standing position for a long time.

Causes

Weakened valves:

As mentioned before the tiny valves present within the veins play a vital role in regulating the blood flow towards heart. But at times they may stretch and lose their elasticity leading to its weakening. Once the valves are not capable of regulating the flow, the blood accumulates or pools in the vein giving it a bulgy appearance.

Gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition.

Age: As with the normal ageing process the valves may degenerate.

Being overweight: Being obese makes it difficult for the veins to push the blood and exerts more pressure on the veins making it vulnerable for damage.

Pregnancy: The growing uterus, special hormones and increased circulatory load during pregnancy adds on to the pressure over the veins.

Treatment

Everyone may not need treatment for this condition. However it may be needed in the following cases:

To minimise the symptoms – if the condition is so severe.

Complications – in case one develops leg ulcers.

Cosmetic reasons

Compression stockings can be used which will exert pressure and enhance the circulation.

Sclerotherapy is the process of injecting a chemical to scar the vein and is used in case of small veins.

Surgical management involves ligation and stripping

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to collapse the affected vein

Endovenous laser treatment involves laser rays to shut the affected vein