Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins also known as Varicosities is a condition were the veins become enlarged and overfilled with blood. Varicose Veins develop when excess pressure builds up in the blood vessels that delays proper blood flow.
Anyone can develop varicose veins when the vein walls become weak due to various reasons such as aging, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, hormonal changes, obesity etc. Varicose Veins occur predominantly in older adults and affects a majority of the population in India. Varicose Veins may cause severe symptoms such as pain, swelling or even discolorations on the skin’s surface.
Apart from being just, a cosmetic concern other risk factors include Varicose Veins being passed on genetically as well. This article enlightens readers on various causes of Varicose Veins along with tips to manage symptoms and sheds light on advanced minimally invasive treatments to get rid of Varicose Veins with ease and for good.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is when the affected veins in the legs are damaged and can’t control blood flow leading to increased blood pressure in the affected regions and causing blood clot to form. As pressure builds up in these veins or blood vessels it restricts proper blood flow and can cause stagnant blood to accumulate.
This venous disease can cause cramping in the legs at night. Skin changes are noticeable where the skin becomes flaky and causes irresistible itching and a feeling of heaviness in your legs. Chronic Venous Insufficiency being a venous disorder may also lead to open sores or Ulcers that may be very painful or infected.
Different Stages of Varicose Veins
Stage 1 (Initial Stage of Varicose Veins): Achy or Tired Legs
This is usually the beginning of Varicose Veins which usually does not produce any major symptoms apart from tired or weary legs. These symptoms can often be confused with general weakness or mild discomfort however, as blood keeps pooling and stretching the vein, it will grow into a varicose vein that may protrude above the skin’s surface. It is also to be noted that approximately 30% of adults experience some form of Venous disorders
Stage 2: Spider Veins
Spider Veins, the name might sound fancy, but the condition isn’t. Spider Veins is when varicose veins mark their first visual appearance as a health issue. Spider veins might not seek prominent visual attention as caused by Varicose Veins. Nevertheless, this indicates the beginning of Varicose veins and might indicate underlying venous insufficiency. Spider Veins may be accompanied with noticeable mild discomfort.
Stage 3: Enlarged Varicose Veins
Bulging Veins that appear blue or purple are generally found during this stage. These twisted veins can cause discomfort and eventually escalates with severe symptoms such as aching, throbbing or a feeling of heavy sensation in the affected regions.
Decreases Blood Flow
Blood flow around the area decreases slowing oxygen and nutrient delivery and expands the vein walls. These symptoms can adversely affect the life of a patient from decreasing the quality of life to affecting their personal and professional lives as well. These unsightly veins might even cause cosmetic concerns.
Stage 4: Adema
Adema is the accumulation of fluid in the legs and causes significant leg swelling. Adema also causes the skin color to change and might be easily visible to the naked eye. These swollen veins can also lead to significant health issues such as severe venous disorders.
Formation of Blood Clots
These venous disorders can also become blood clots within deep veins and causes a condition called deep vein thrombosis. Chances of developing Chronic venous disease such as Venous ulcer is also a possibility, where a wound takes longer than usual to heal. It is important to note that Venous Ulcers are difficult to treat and may even return after treatment.
Stage 5: Healed Ulcer
Healed Ulcer is almost the final stages of varicose veins. This represents past open sores and requires meticulous care and effort to prevent reoccurrence, Also, this can lead to permanent scarring and may cause the patient to become insecure and embarrassed in certain situations.
Stage 6: Acute Ulcer
Acute Ulcer or Active Ulcers are the final stages of varicose veins that require immediate medical attention. These open sores develop to become severe venous disease and call for comprehensive medical intervention to treat this disorder for improvement in overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Accompanying Symptoms of Varicose Veins can be difficult to deal with. In some cases, early intervention is preferred as these symptoms may lead to severe complications. Moreover, indulging in activities such as prolonged standing, lack of physical activity and a family history venous system disorder may increase the chance of you developing varicose veins. Here are a few symptoms of Varicose Veins to keep yourself informed,
Visible Varicose Veins
Visible, enlarged, twisted veins is an obvious symptom of Varicose Veins. Varicose Vein sometimes can be hard to distinguish from normal veins for a few people but if these veins cause any discomfort or pain consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
Pain and Discomfort
Varicose Veins may cause pain and discomfort that might intervene with day-to-day activities and affect the overall quality of life. This discomfort can be often confused with other sensations such as muscle soreness or even tiredness but persistent pain in the lower legs especially after standing or sitting for long periods of time can be an alarming symptom.
Swelling
Swelling of veins in the legs or ankles can be another symptom of Varicose Veins. This could indicate a noticeable issue with the blood circulation in the body and can even stop blood from flowing. Consulting a healthcare provider can provide relief and minimize your chances of increasing the complexity of the condition.
Skin Changes and Ulcers
Noticeable skin changes especially in the legs which include change in color, flaky skin, persistent itching etc. can all be symptoms to watch out for. Along with this formation of Ulcers especially near the ankles can indicate an advanced stage of Varicose Veins that might require instant medical attention.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
Treatment options for Varicose Veins include simple solutions such as wearing compression stockings, managing lifestyle choices, maintaining a healthy weight, or even considering advanced treatment options such as minimally invasive procedure, laser therapy etc.
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins usually involves ultrasound imaging or a physical examination of the patient by the healthcare provider. Depending of the stage of the varicose vein Treatment options can be concluded on.
The Interventional Radiology Solution
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous Laser Ablation is an advanced IR (Interventional Radiology Technique) that is a non-surgical technique and is minimally invasive in nature. This procedure involves making a small incision to insert a thin laser fiber that heats the affected veins causing to heal and collapse. Once this close varicose veins, blood flow is directed to healthier veins improving overall circulation. Other advantages include,
Minimally Invasive
Non-Surgical techniques do not involve large incisions, cuts to be made during the procedures which is a huge advantage over traditional surgeries.
Since they are highly advanced treatments, latest methods like using laser therapy to treat ailments along with imaging techniques provide the patient with minimal scarring and a faster recovery phase. These procedures are usually performed by an Interventional Radiologist.
Day Care Procedures
Non-surgical solutions do not require the patients to get admitted for days to the hospital. In most cases, the patient can return home the very same day. They can also continue with their regular activities within a few days.
Minimal Side Effects
When compared to traditional surgical methods which usually involve open surgeries, non-surgical solutions have minimal side effects on the body. Open surgeries also increase the chance of severe complications such as blood loss and infection. These surgical methods can also injure surrounding organs. With minimally invasive treatment options the chance of such complications occurring during the procedure minimizes drastically.
Faster Recovery
Since IR (Interventional Radiology) techniques are non-surgical and minimally invasive it provides faster recovery phase to patients allowing them to indulge in day-to-day activities much faster. Patients can also get back to work and resume indulging in physical activities such as working out, cycling etc.
Conclusion
Varicose veins can put forward mild to severe symptoms and it is important for a patient to recognize varicose vein stages for timely intervention. Symptoms of Varicose Veins visible bulging, skin discoloration, purple lines etc.
Preventative measures to stop varicose veins from transforming to critical health conditions may involve simple yet effective measures such as wearing compression stockings etc. Nevertheless, advanced Interventional Radiology techniques are a safe, effective and minimally invasive solution for managing all stages of Varicose veins. Lifestyle changes including decreasing long periods of standing, including exercise as a part of your routine can all alleviate symptoms of Varicose Veins.
To ensure immediate relief from Varicose Veins consult your healthcare provider today and consider discussing the role of Interventional Radiology for effective and permanent relief.
