We have heard of the famous saying, ‘A stitch in time saves nine!’ This is true when it comes to taking care of your health as well! If you are experiencing heaviness and swelling in the veins of your legs and feet, you are probably having varicose veins. And it is necessary that you get your legs checked by a vascular surgeon.
First let us understand, what are varicose veins?…
Our entire body has a network of blood vessels called veins and arteries. Arteries function to supply blood to all body parts; while veins carry blood from various body parts back to the heart. A ‘varicose vein’ can occur in any vein of the body but more commonly affect the veins of the legs and feet. A dysfunction occurs in the valves of veins causing overfilling of blood in them. These veins appear as dark purple waves and are clearly visible through the skin. They may become swollen and painful. They may also cause heaviness and discomfort.
Triggers and its symptoms
Various reasons can act as risk factors for varicose veins. These include heredity, increasing age, weak or damaged veins developing blood clots. Other factors are insufficient physical activity, changing lifestyle, excessive body weight, high fat diet, fast foods and lack of adequate fiber in the diet are some of the underlying causes of varicose veins. Varicose veins are common in pregnancy as well.
Your legs may feel heavy, painful and you will find relief after lying down. You may experience burning, throbbing or itchy sensation around these veins. These symptoms may be aggravated on sitting or standing for long hours.
What if you keep them untreated…
If your varicose veins are unattended, it can give rise to several complications. Here are some of the common complications of varicose veins.
Blood clots may occur in the superficial veins just under the surface of the skin, further leading to thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis. Both these conditions cause severe swelling and pain in veins of legs and a sign that the disease is in its advanced stage.
Ulcers is yet another complication common to varicose veins. The ulcers occur on the skin over the veins and may be very painful. The increased pressure of blood in the varicose veins causes fluid accumulation in surrounding tissues and ulceration.
Frequent bleeding from the varicose veins near the surface of your skin can also occur in severe cases. The bleeding can start in you hurt your leg with a sharp object or simply bump on to something. The bleeding can often be difficult to stop.
Varicose eczema can result in red, scaly and flaky skin over the varicose veins.
Most effective treatment for varicose veins
Varicose veins can definitely be brought back to normal. Various treatment options are available to cure varicose veins. Your doctor may choose one of the treatments depending on the condition of your veins. Endovenous Laser Treatment is one of the newest techniques of treating varicose veins.
Firstly, the doctor will have a look at the visible veins and the painful areas of the legs. Once this has been assessed, the doctor may get an ultrasound done to measure the blood flow in the affected veins.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is an excellent technique having a good success rate. The doctor will confirm all your weak veins, using a Duplex Ultrasound Scan and will determine the best place to insert the catheter. Then the area will be numbed using a local anesthetic. Once the area has become numb, a small cut is made on the skin for the catheter and a guide-wire to pass. An optical laser fiber is then passed through the catheter. The affected veins are sealed with the help of laser energy. The entire procedure is painless and approximately takes an hour.
After the procedure, the patients go home with a bandage and stockings placed by your surgeon. These have to be kept on for a day or two as you surgeon advice you. Bandages can be removed after two days of having the treatment after having a bath. Later on, stockings should be worn during the day and taken off at night
While sleeping, you should keep in mind to place two pillows under your feet. You will be given some medications to avoid pain and the risk of infection. It is essential that you complete the course of these medicines. You can start with routine activities within two or three days and resume work within a week. You should avoid long hour flights for at least 6 weeks.
In order to avoid the complications of varicose veins and seeking care at the earliest, consult a vascular surgeon in your town. Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala is one of the best vascular surgeons in Hyderabad. He has successfully treated varicose veins for numerous patients.
You can visit Flow Vascular clinic at
H.No: 2-22-298/2/A, Sree Krishna Diagnostic Center Building, 2nd Floor,
Beside Kalamandir, KPHB Main Road,
Kukatpally, Hyderabad.
You can also book an appointment on https://drabhilash.com/book-an-appointment/ or call on (+91) 99896 49498, 99590 33037.
Visit https://drabhilash.com/ to know more about the treatment options for varicose veins.
Tags: vascular veins treatment in Hyderabad, a vascular surgeon in Hyderabad, flow vascular clinic