Varicose veins - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery

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Table Of Index

What are Varicose Veins?

How does it form?

Types of disease

What are the Causes for Varicose Veins ?

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Diagnosis

Severity

Risks & Complications

When to consult a doctor ?

Our Varicose Vein Specialists

Questions to ask your doctor .

Treatment options & cost

Insurance coverage

Recovery rate

Long term outlook of the treatment

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted or swollen veins, that usually appear on the legs or feet, just beneath the surface of the skin and are commonly caused due to defect in the valves within the veins that allow blood to flow in the wrong direction, often appearing in blue or dark purple. Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but most commonly affect the legs. Legs are generally affected by varicose veins because of the pressure that is exerted on the legs due to prolonged sitting and standing hours or due to obesity. Every year, more than 23 percent of adults are estimated to be affected by varicose veins.

How does it form?

Varicose veins is a medical condition that takes place when veins in any particular part of the body are under increased pressure and blood is pushed back towards the heart. The increased pressure and force in blood flow results in the damage or weakening of the valves that lie within the veins, causing the blood to pool and even flow backwards which leads the veins to bulge out and become visible through the skin.

Types of disease

Saphenous/Trunk varicose veins

Reticular varicose veins

Spider or Thread veins

What are the Causes for Varicose Veins ?

Family history/hereditary

Sitting or standing for a long period of time

Obesity/overweight

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Itching around the veins

Pain or heaviness in the legs

Skin discoloration around the varicose veins

Swelling in the lower legs

Throbbing

Burning and muscle cramps in the legs

Severe pain after sitting and standing for a long duration

Diagnosis

Doppler test: This test uses ultrasound to determine the blood flow in the veins located in the arms, legs and the large arteries. This is a simple non-invasive test and generally it is well-tolerated by the patients. During the test, a water-soluble gel is placed on a handheld device, which is known as a transducer. Once this device is gently passed over the skin above the blood vessels, it helps in directing sound-waves to the artery or the veins that are being tested.

Ultrasound scan: This scan helps in carrying out a detailed examination of the deep veins, particularly if the patient has a history of deep vein thrombosis. A venous ultrasound helps in identifying the damaged valves and abnormal blood blood in the body.

If you are suffering from a condition of varicose veins, the bulging veins will generally appear to be visible at the calf of the leg, but they can also show up on the thigh, knee, foot, or ankle, when you stand up and place your leg in a particular position for one or two minutes. You will possibly feel pain and heaviness in your legs, followed by burning, itching, throbbing, muscle cramp and swelling in your lower legs. You will also experience severe pain after sitting and standing for a long time.

If you consult a vascular surgeon for a diagnosis of your condition, the doctor will first carry out a physical examination and check for swelling in your legs while standing and ask you to describe the discomfort or pain you are experiencing. Once the doctor is done diagnosing your condition physically, they might ask you to go for an ultrasound test in order to look for the evidence of a possible blood clot.

Severity

Grade I: (Spider veins)- In this stage, small, thin damaged veins appear on the surface of the skin, usually in the legs and face. Usually, they do not cause any harm and are painless.

Risks & Complications

Allergic reaction to the anaesthesia: Before the surgical procedure, a person might be put under the influence of anaesthesia in order to ease the pain and discomfort during the surgery, which might cause problems like difficulty in breathing and other complications during the procedure, depending upon how the body reacts to the anaesthesia.

Nerve injury near the site of treatment: Although rare, there is a slight possibility of a nerve injury during the surgery that can be caused by stretching, exerting pressure or cutting the nerve.

Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that complicates any surgery from time to time. Even though the complication is rare, patients suffering from a severe condition of varicose veins are at a greater risk being exposed to blood clots.

Heavy bleeding: If certain medications like aspirins and blood thinners are not avoided prior to a week before the surgery, it may lead to heavy bleeding during the surgical procedure.

Surgical hand plays an important role: You might consider the expertise of the surgeon as an important factor before going for the surgery as identifying the damaged or problematic vein plays an important role in the success rate of a varicose vein surgery.

Prevention
Although there are no proven ways to prevent the formation of varicose veins, there are a number of measures that one can take up in order to prevent an existing condition of varicose veins from worsening which includes avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by having a proper diet that is rich in fibre, losing weight, not wearing tight-fitted clothes or high heels for a long period of time, wearing compression stockings, and keeping the legs elevated.
Celebrities diagnosed with varicose veins
- Tapsee Pannu: Popular Indian actress Tapsee Pannu took to social media and stated that she got her varicose veins operated and removed six weeks before she started training for her film “Rashmi Rocket.”
- Serena Williams: Tennis superstar Serena Williams has had a medical history of blood clots in the deep veins and had been prescribed to take blood thinners. Shortly after giving birth to her baby in September 2017, she experienced a major complication of pulmonary embolism.
- Britney Spears: American pop-star Britney Spears developed a condition of varicose veins as a result of her pregnancies and had to seek medical help in order to treat her veins, back in 2012.
- Emma Thompson: Popular British actress Emma Thompson had been diagnosed with a condition of varicose veins as soon as she entered her 50s and had to undergo a surgery in order to have it removed.
- Sydney Loreux: Olympic gold medalist and professional football player Sydney Leroux openly admitted to having varicose veins while she was pregnant with her first child. However, considering her sporting career, it is possible that she developed the condition due to spending a long time on her feet.
Myths & facts
Myth 1: Spider and Varicose veins are the same thing.
Fact: No, varicose and spider veins are very different from each other in terms of size, symptoms, and appearance.
Myth 2: You will get varicose veins if you cross your legs.
Fact: Certainly not. Varicose veins are a result of weakened or damaged valves. Crossing your legs does not lead to weakened or damaged valves.
Myth 3: Varicose veins only occur among women.
Fact: Varicose veins do not necessarily occur among women. However, it is more common in women than men.
Myth 4: Exercise will make varicose veins worse.
Fact: The answer is no. Exercises help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Even doctors recommend exercising in order to boost blood circulation in the veins.
Myth 5: Varicose veins always recur after treatment.
Fact: Necessarily not. Varicose veins do not always come back after treatment. With the help of advanced minimally invasive techniques, the chances of recurrence are cut down to a greater extent.
Myth 6: Everyone can go for a laser treatment to treat varicose veins.
Fact: Laser treatment is not applicable for patients who are suffering from tropical ulcer or varicose eczema.
Lesser known facts about varicose veins
- The first ever case of varicose veins dates back to 86 BC.Claus Marius, a Roman general, is said to be diagnosed with this condition according to texts.
- It is roughly estimated that 30% of the male population experience venous issues.
- Wearing compression stockings and support hoes cannot cure vein damage, although they might help in blood circulation and give temporary relief.
- Leonardo Da Vinci was the first person to map the anatomy of varicose veins back in the 15th century.

When to consult a doctor ?

Varicose veins might not be a medical emergency and most of the cases go untreated until it leads to complications like blood clots or thrombophlebitis, bleeding around the skin and non-healing ulcers around the ankle that cause decomposition of the skin. It is important to seek medical assistance if you notice signs like sores or ulcers, bleeding, feeling of pain and heat around the veins, and swelling, as it can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can also lead to potentially life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism.

Our varicose-veins Specialist

Questions to ask your doctor .

Do I need to treat my varicose veins immediately?

Are there any medications that can help me in treating my varicose veins?

What are the treatment options available to me?

What are the measures I should take to ease the pain and discomfort?

When will I be able to return to performing my daily activities after the surgery?

What are the chances of my varicose veins recurring?

Will the anaesthesia have any effect on my body, given my health conditions?

How should I avoid exerting pressure on my legs while sleeping, sitting or standing?

Treatment options & cost

Sclerotherapy: This non-surgical procedure involves the injecting of a solution directly into the veins. This medical procedure helps in eliminating varicose and spider veins by making them collapse and forcing the blood to reroute to flow in healthier veins. Once the veins are destroyed, they disappear over time. This process is typically used in treating spider veins and helps in improving the appearance of the skin that is affected. Whereas, in case of larger veins, a procedure called foam sclerotherapy is used, where the sclerosant solution is turned into a foam before injecting it into the veins as foam can cover a larger surface area, compared to liquid.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as fulguration, is a medical procedure that involves heating a part of the pain-transmitting nerve with a radiofrequency needle to create a heat lesion. This resulting lesion prevents the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. Generally, a patient can go home on the same day after undergoing this procedure.

Endovenous laser therapy ablation: Also known as endovenous laser treatment or EVLA, this is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedure that involves the use of ultrasound images and laser fibre in order to kill the delicate lining of the veins. After a few days following the procedure, the body absorbs the dead tissues, closing off the abnormal veins with minimal or no discomfort. This is one of the most commonly preferred methods as it involves far fewer complications and the recovery time as well as success rate of this method is much faster and higher than that of any surgical process.

Vein ligation and stripping: This is a surgical procedure that is done in order to remove a damaged vein and prevent future complications like ulcers, clotting, etc. in the affected vein. During the surgery, two to three incisions, each ranging around 5 cm in diameter are made over the damaged veins and the veins are tied off or ligated. Normally, the recovery time in this procedure is longer than that of the minimally invasive techniques. This method is usually preferred in treating people who are suffering from trophic ulcers or varicose eczema as it is in this stage that skin starts decomposing and develops into a non-healing ulcer.

Transilluminated powered phlebectomy: This is a vein removal procedure that makes use of a bright light, which is known as an endoscopic transilluminator to illuminate the vein. During the process, a number of incisions will be made on your leg and the surgeon will place the transilluminator underneath your skin so they are able to see the veins that need to be removed. As soon as the veins are identified, they will be cut and will be removed through the incisions using a suction device.

Before the surgery, the doctor will carry out a physical examination in order to determine the location of the nonworking valves.

You might be required to go through certain tests like an ultrasound test and a duplex/doppler test so that the surgeon can determine the amount of blood flow, and have a detailed assessment of the varicose veins.

Before the procedure, it is important to discuss any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are taking as it would eliminate the risks and possibilities of any complications.

If there is a possibility of having any allergic reaction to the anaesthesia, you should inform your doctor before going for the surgery.

Like any other surgical procedure, you will be required to refrain from consuming any food or liquids as your body might react to the anaesthesia, which can lead to choking out stomach contents during the surgery.

It is advisable to avoid taking certain medications like aspirin, blood thinners and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in order to rule out the possibility of any complications.

You should take a shower before the surgery as the doctor would ask you to keep the surgical area dry in order to eliminate the risk of any infections after the surgery.

Based on your doctor’s recommendation and depending upon your condition, you will be put under the influence of either general anesthesia or spinal/local anaesthesia.

If you receive general anesthesia, you will be asleep during the surgical procedure, while, in case of spinal anesthesia, the lower part of your body will be numb and you will stay awake during the procedure.

If you are put under the influence of a spinal anesthetic, the doctor might give you anti-anxiety medicines in order to make sure that you don’t feel anxious or nervous during the surgical process.

During the surgery, the doctor will make several cuts, or incisions around the top and bottom of the damaged vein. One of the incisions will be near your groin and the other will be in your lower leg, either in your calf or ankle.

The surgeon will then insert a flexible, thin plastic wire into the vein through the incision made around the groin and then, the wire will be tied to the damaged vein and pulled out through the incision in the lower leg.

Once the damaged vein is removed, the doctor will close the cuts or incisions with stitches and place bandages and compression stocking around the surgical area.

After the surgical procedure is completed, you will be put under observation until the reaction of the anaesthesia wears off.

Once you are fully awake, you will be shifted to the ward, where the surgeons will monitor your health conditions.

You might experience some sort of stinging or burning in your leg as soon as you are awake. However, there will be no pain or discomfort and you will be able to consume food and other liquids within a few hours.

During the first few days after the surgery, there might be some bleeding and it is best to keep the surgical area covered with bandages or compression stocking for the first few days.

Depending upon your overall health conditions, you will be prepared for a discharge from the hospital.

You will be advised to keep the surgical area dry and clean for a few days post the surgery in order to prevent the possibility of any infections around the wound.

There is a possibility that you might experience some bleeding and it is best to keep the surgical area covered with bandages or compression stocking for the first few days.

The cost of a Varicose Veins surgery in India with Pristyn Care may range anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000. However, this cost varies from person to person depending on multiple factors such as:

Severity of the condition
Cost of medications
Amount to be paid for diagnostic tests and lab tests
Type and location of the hospital chosen to undergo the the treatment
Consultation fee of the doctor

Insurance coverage

The treatment of varicose veins and certain other vascular problems can be covered under a health insurance policy at Pristyn Care in India. You can get in touch with our medical coordinators to gather more information and related queries for getting your varicose veins treated in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Recovery rate

The process of recovery depends upon the severity of the condition and method of treatment. It usually takes two to four weeks to recover from a varicose vein surgery. During the initial days of the surgery, the doctor will advise you to stay off of your feet and it is important for you to keep your legs elevated while you are in a sitting or sleeping position as much as possible. You should avoid heavy lifting and refrain from performing any strenuous activities during the initial few weeks after the surgery.
The doctor will ask you to walk and pump your ankles as much as possible as it will help in keeping the blood flow intact in your legs during the process of recovery. The surgeon will prescribe certain medications, in order to help you manage any sort of pain or discomfort. With the introduction of advanced minimally-invasive procedures, the recovery as well as success rate of certain vascular diseases like varicose veins has been reduced to a greater extent over the due course of time.

Latest research about Varicose veins

Study on ELVeS Radial varicose vein laser therapy shows excellent long-term results
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Cities Where We Treat Varicose veins

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FAQ

How common are varicose veins?

About 23% of all adults have varicose veins and the condition is more common in women than men.

Does drinking water help varicose veins?

Drinking water and staying hydrated can help in improving the strength of the muscles that support the veins.

What exercise is best for varicose veins?

Exercises like walking, cycling, biking, swimming and running help in building the calf muscles, which help in proper blood circulation in the legs.

Does massage help varicose veins?

Massage can provide temporary relief from the pain and discomfort. However, intense pressure from a massage can end up worsening the condition because the exerted pressure can cause the already weakened veins to burst and increases the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Is laser treatment for varicose veins safe for all age groups?

Yes, laser treatment for varicose veins is 100% safe, efficient, and effective. People belonging to any age group can undergo the procedure. However, in severe cases of varicose veins, where the person has developed ulcers, caused by skin decomposition, laser treatment is not applicable and surgery is the only option.

What foods are good for varicose veins?

Foods such as oats, apples, flaxseed, carrots, berries, and barley, that are rich in fibre, are good for fighting against varicose veins and help in keeping veins healthy.

What foods are bad for varicose veins?

Foods that contain high amounts of salt, sugar and carbohydrates must be avoided if a person is suffering from a condition of varicose veins.

Can spider veins cause varicose veins?

No, spider veins do not cause varicose veins and there is no connection between both the conditions. Spider veins do not protrude as significantly as varicose veins and are barely painful.

Are compression stockings helpful in treating varicose veins?

Compression stockings can help in relieving the symptoms of varicose veins as these garments stimulate blood flow in them, reducing inflammation and preventing blood from accumulating. However, it is best to consult a doctor to find out the type of stocking that is right for you.

Will applying cream help in treating varicose veins?

Creams, lotions and other products can help in the healing process after the surgery. Although creams cannot help in treating varicose veins, they can give temporary relief by minimizing the inflammation, and swelling.

Facts and statistics around varicose veins:

Although rare, varicose veins can lead to serious circulatory malfunctions that may end up in loss of a limb or even death.
Animals are immune to varicose veins.
A single vein consists of three layers, namely the tunica intima, the tunica media and the tunica adventitia.
Varicose veins are very common in India, with over 10 million cases of the disease every year.

In India, over 30% of the adults are estimated to suffer from varicose veins.

Why choose Pristyn Care for treating varicose veins?

Pristyn Care houses some of the best vascular surgeons of the country who have more than 8 years of experience in delivering laser surgery for treating varicose veins with a proven success rate.
Pristyn Care is associated with the top hospitals in the country that are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities required to perform advanced varicose veins laser treatment.
Vascular Surgeons/General Surgeons working with Pristyn Care do a thorough consultation in the case of every patient to understand the health condition and then determine the minimally-invasive approach to treat varicose veins.
To ease out the commuting process for our patients, we also provide free cab facilities to bring you from home to the hospital and help you return back home after the surgery.
Pristyn Care strives to make the whole surgical experience for every patient a seamless one. A dedicated ‘care buddy’ is assigned to every patient on the day of the surgery to provide the patient with a hassle-free experience to take care of all the formalities and paperworks on your behalf.
Pristyn Care also provides a free cab facility to ensure proper treatment of the patient. You will be picked up from your home to the hospital and on the completion of your surgery, you will also be dropped off at home.
A free-of-cost follow up is provided to every patient within the first seven days of the surgery.

How to book an appointment with vascular surgeons at Pristyn Care?

Every surgery at Pristyn Care is done using the most advanced and USFDA-approved medical technology and equipment. Being one of the leading health tech startups in India, dedicated to simplifying the surgical experience of every patient, we provide end-to-end facilities to our patients and give complete assistance in their treatment journey. Pristyn Care ensures that a patient has a care-filled and hassle-free experience. You can book an appointment and get in touch with our doctors virtually from the comfort of your home or anywhere by dialing on the given numbers or by filling up the ‘Book Appointment’ form below.

During the initial consultation, the doctor will have a detailed discussion with you and will carry out a diagnosis of your condition. After a thorough assessment, the doctor will come up with the best treatment plan for you and take you through all the necessary steps to get your varicose veins treated in the most effective and efficient way.