Most people ignore varicose veins when they see them, thinking that it is something that will go away on their own. However, varicose veins are much more than that and should be taken seriously. If you’ve ever noticed purple coloured, knotted, and enlarged veins on your legs, then those were varicose veins. They can make you feel sore and puffy and can even cause health issues if not treated promptly. In this blog, we'll discuss what causes varicose veins, varicose veins symptoms, varicose veins treatment options, and how you can prevent or effectively treat this prevalent disease.
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that are typically blue or purple in colour beneath the skin. They develop as a result of damaged or weak valves in veins that guide blood towards the heart. This causes blood to accumulate in the veins rather than circulating normally back towards the heart.
While they may appear in any location, varicose veins most frequently occur in the legs and feet due to the pressure in your lower extremities while standing and walking.
Knowing what causes varicose veins is important to treat and prevent them. The condition arises when the tiny one-way valves inside veins fail to function properly. Instead of closing after blood passes through, these valves allow blood to leak backwards and collect in the vein.
There are many reasons that can lead to this condition:
Early identification of the symptoms can allow you to undergo early treatment for varicose veins and prevent complications. Some varicose veins are painless, but most are accompanied by pain. The following are the most common varicose veins symptoms experienced:
These worsen in the evening, particularly if you have been standing, walking, or running on your feet a lot.
Although you have no control over things such as age or genetics, you can decrease your risk and slow varicose vein growth by making some small but meaningful changes to your lifestyle:
Walking, biking, swimming, and yoga all encourage improved circulation in your legs. Regular exercise makes your leg muscles stronger, which makes the veins more efficient at circulating blood.
Losing excess weight takes pressure off your veins and makes your overall vascular system healthier.
If your occupation requires a lot of standing or sitting, get up every 30 minutes. Move or change positions to stimulate blood flow.
Elevating your legs higher than your heart for 15-20 minutes several times a day decreases swelling and pressure on the veins.
Special compression socks put pressure on your legs continuously, aiding vein functioning and stopping blood pooling.
Avoid high heels and tight shoes, which limit normal foot and leg motion. Low heels or flats are better for circulation.
A piperaceous (to prevent constipation, which constricts abdominal veins), an antioxidant-rich, low-sodium diet, is beneficial to the health of the veins.
For most people with varicose veins, lifestyle changes have been able to remove the symptoms completely. However, there are always exceptions, and when symptoms are severe and when veins are painful or ulcerated, treatment is necessary. Here are some of the most commonly used varicose veins treatments:
A non-surgical process where a solution is injected into the vein, which results in scarring and closure of the vein. The vein disappears gradually within a few weeks.
Laser treatment involves intense light energy to seal off small spider veins or varicose veins. It's a fast, incision-free process.
Both these treatment methods use heat to close off major veins under ultrasound guidance. It's a good outpatient procedure with little downtime.
The vein is ligated and removed in this surgical procedure through small incisions. It's typically reserved for worst-case situations.
Small varicose veins near the surface of the skin are excised through small punctures. But this procedure is painless as it's done under local anaesthesia.
Always consult a vascular specialist to learn what treatment for varicose veins is best for your case.
Most people in India think that varicose veins are normal and cannot cause any harm. However, it is advised to visit a doctor if:
Early diagnosis prevents disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.
Varicose veins are a common problem, especially among people above 40. However, it can be controlled and treated before any major damage is done. Understanding what causes varicose veins, how to identify early varicose vein symptoms, and how to treat varicose veins can put you in control of your vascular well-being.
Don't ignore constant leg pain or visible changes in veins. Early treatment can make a large difference in your life. If you have concerns about vein health, see a certified vascular specialist. Moreover, book a full-body checkup online with Pathkind Labs to get complete peace of mind and get screened for any other hidden problems early.