Purplish, knotted, prominent veins in the legs
Varicose veins
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that are prominent in the leg due to blood pooling.Typically, deoxygenated blood flows from the foot towards the heart, aided by valves in the veins that prevent backflow towards the foot. However, if these valves become damaged or weakened, blood accumulates in the veins, resulting in varicose veins.
Symptoms:
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Pain (aching or cramping feeling)
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Heaviness or tiredness on standing for long time
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Swelling, throbbing sensation in legs
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Itching in the legs
Causes / Risk Factors:
The causes of varicose veins are not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to weakened or damaged valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing properly. Some risk factors that may contribute to the development of varicose veins include:
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Age: As people age, the valves in their veins may become weakened and less effective.
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Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins.
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Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing varicose veins due to the increased pressure on their veins and hormonal changes.
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Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts additional pressure on the veins in the legs, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
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Family history: Varicose veins tend to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the condition.
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Standing or sitting for long periods of time: Jobs or activities that require prolonged periods of standing or sitting can increase the risk of varicose veins.
Diagnosis:
Varicose veins are typically diagnosed based on a physical examination and a medical history. The doctor may ask questions about the patient's symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, and may examine the legs for visible signs of varicose veins.
In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests to help confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. These tests may include:
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Duplex ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the veins in the legs, allowing the doctor to assess blood flow and detect any abnormalities.
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Venogram: In this test, a dye is injected into the veins, and X-ray images are taken to visualize the blood flow and identify any blockages or other issues.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scan may be ordered if the doctor suspects that the patient has a blood clot or other underlying condition that may be contributing to the varicose veins.
Treatments:
Treatment for varicose veins may depend on the severity of the condition, the patient's symptoms, and any underlying health issues. Some treatment options include:
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Endo Venous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
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Radiofrequency Ablation
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Sclerotherapy
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Non thermal treatments like VenaSeal, ClariVein In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient.
FAQ
When to seek medical advice?
Implementing self-help measures or conservative therapy can alleviate the discomfort of varicose veins and potentially prevent further progression. However, if the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins persist as a concern, or if self-help measures are unsuccessful, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with the doctors for further evaluation and treatment options.
What is vascular and interventional radialogist ?
Vascular and Interventional Radiologists are specialized physicians who have completed both radiology residency and an interventional radiology fellowship. They focus on using imaging technologies like ultrasound to diagnose and treat vascular conditions inside the body, without the need for invasive surgery. These highly skilled vascular specialists are experts in performing minimally-invasive procedures without incisions. Varicose veins and spider veins may present with superficial cosmetic symptoms, but their underlying medical cause is typically deeper inside the body. Dr. Aswin Padmanabhan, as a vascular specialist, can provide comprehensive treatment to address both the surface and internal aspects of your vein condition. While dermatologists and plastic surgeons may address the external symptoms of vein issues, they lack the specialized expertise to treat the underlying source of the problem.
Will i need to wear compression stockings? For how long?
For optimal treatment outcomes, all leg vein procedures will necessitate wearing an elastic bandage or compression stocking post-treatment. Compression is vital to maintain medication concentration in the veins for maximum effectiveness. The length of time compression is required ranges from 2 to 5 days, depending on the specific procedure. You may remove the compression and take a shower 24 hours after the procedure.
How many vein treatmentsn will i need?
The number of treatments required for venous condition can range from a single treatment to multiple, depending on the extent and severity of the condition, as well as the number of veins being treated.
