Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins, known in English as Varicose Veins, are a prevalent medical condition characterized by swollen and twisted blood vessels that become visible beneath the skin’s surface. While these veins can occur in any area of the body, they are most frequently found in the legs. One of the least severe forms of varicose veins is referred to as spider veins (English: Spider Veins), which affect the capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body. Spider veins often appear on the face and legs and typically do not pose any significant health risks.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Within the veins are valves that enable blood to flow in one direction, preventing backflow and ensuring that blood continues toward the heart. Over time, these valves may weaken due to the loss of elasticity in the vein walls, in conjunction with their dilation. This deterioration can lead to blood pooling in the veins, resulting in their characteristic swelling. The legs are particularly prone to varicose veins because gravity makes it more challenging for blood to flow upward to the heart. Additionally, any condition that increases abdominal pressure may contribute to the development of varicose veins. Below are some of the primary causes of this condition:
- Age: As people age, their veins lose elasticity, leading to weakened valves that allow blood to flow backward instead of toward the heart.
- Pregnancy: Women often experience varicose veins during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and decreased blood flow from the legs to the heart, coupled with the pressure exerted by the growing fetus in the pelvis. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can further relax vein walls, enhancing the risk of varicose veins. It is worth noting that pregnancy-related varicose veins typically resolve on their own within 3 to 12 months postpartum without medical intervention.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, particularly due to hormonal fluctuations occurring before menstruation or after menopause. Such hormonal changes can cause veins to relax. Hormonal therapies or birth control pills may also increase this risk.
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional pressure on the veins, contributing to their dysfunction.
- Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Sitting or standing for extended periods can hinder normal blood flow, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.
- Family History: A family history of varicose veins can elevate the likelihood of developing this condition.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Typical symptoms of varicose veins include the appearance of dark purple or blue veins just under the skin, swelling in the ankles and feet—especially after prolonged sitting or standing—feelings of heaviness and discomfort in the legs, as well as cramps or throbbing sensations. Occasionally, individuals may experience itching in the lower legs and ankles, which might be misdiagnosed as dry skin. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if any of the following symptoms develop:
- Worsening symptoms that interfere with daily life, changing skin color over the varicose veins, or signs of bleeding, peeling, or ulceration, which could indicate stasis dermatitis, potentially leading to skin infections or chronic leg ulcers if left untreated.
- Redness of the varicose veins, along with warmth or tenderness upon touch, suggesting possible phlebitis, which may occur due to a blood clot in the vein.
- Trauma to the varicose veins causing bleeding.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
In mild cases, varicose veins may not require medical treatment and can often be managed with lifestyle changes. Below are some options for treating varicose veins:
- Self-Care: Engaging in specific behaviors can alleviate discomfort and prevent worsening of varicose veins. Effective strategies include regular exercise, weight loss, avoiding tight clothing, refraining from prolonged sitting or standing, and elevating the legs.
- Compression Stockings: Considered the primary treatment option before more invasive measures are taken, these stockings can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies. They assist the leg muscles in pushing blood upward through gradual pressure. It is advisable to wear them throughout the day and elevate the legs for 10-15 minutes several times daily. Various brands offer different levels of compression.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be employed to reduce pain and swelling.
- Medical Treatment: If conservative treatments do not provide relief, doctors may recommend one of the following procedures:
- Sclerotherapy: This method involves injecting a solution into small to medium-sized varicose veins, causing them to close and cease blood transport. Foam sclerotherapy, which utilizes a foamed solution, can effectively treat larger veins.
- Laser Treatment: This technique targets small varicose veins and spider veins by delivering light pulses to the vein, which gradually causes its disappearance.
- Catheter-Based Treatments using Radiofrequency or Laser: This preferred method for larger veins entails inserting a catheter into the vein and applying heat via laser or radiofrequency energy to destroy and close the vein.
- Vein Ligation and Stripping: This surgical procedure involves tying off the vein before it connects to deeper veins and removing it through small incisions.
- Vein Excisions: This method entails removing small veins through a series of tiny incisions in the skin.
- Endoscopic Vein Surgery: Used in advanced cases causing leg ulcers, this procedure utilizes a video camera to visualize and close off damaged veins, followed by their removal through small incisions.
Watch Our Video on Varicose Veins
For more information on the causes and complications of varicose veins, please watch our informative video.