Varicose Veins - Types, Causes, Symptoms

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen or twisted veins in leg, 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 leg varicose veins are most common. 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?

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Types of Varicose Veins

• Saphenous/Trunk varicose veins: These are the enlarged rope-like veins that protrude under the skin. Mostly found on the legs, trunk varicose veins are painful, easily spotted and are a sign of deeper vein issues.
  
• Reticular varicose veins: These affected veins appear bluish, spider web-like just under the skin surface, often on the back of the knees or thighs. They may not bulge out much, but do cause dull ache or heaviness.
• Thread/spider veins (also known as telangiectasias): These tiny bluish purple veins can be seen right beneath the skin. Spider veins often appear in clusters just like spider webs. Mostly, they are harmless initially, but may get itchy or annoying to deal with.

Causes for Varicose Veins

• If your family has a history of varicose veins, you are likely to have varicose veins that may start showing signs earlier than you can expect. 
• Sedentary lifestyle that involves long hours of sitting or standing. This inactive routine can often cause bulging twisted veins in the leg.  
• Obesity increases pressure on leg veins, resulting in bulging and discomfort. 
• Pregnancy increases blood volume and causes hormonal changes that stretch and weaken vein walls. 
• Aging is a major factor that makes veins lose elasticity with improper valves causing pooling of blood in the legs. 
• Hormones change due to menopause, birth control pills menopause, or puberty dilate the vein walls and affect circulation.

What are varicose veins symptoms?

• Persistent itching in the skin around the veins and doesn’t easily subside. 
• Legs feel heavy or achy, even after minimal physical activity. 
• Patchy, discolored or dark skin around bulging veins. 
• Having swollen legs, especially by the end of the day. 
• Throbbing pain sensation that can trigger after standing too long. 
• Burning or frequent leg cramps, mostly during evening or night. 
• Severe aches after long hours of sitting or standing
  

Grades of Varicose Veins?

Grade I: (Spider veins)- This stage shows thin damaged veins appear on the surface of the skin, mostly in the legs and face. Usually, they are harmless and cause minimal pain.

Grade II: (Reticular veins)- This stage of varicose veins is marked with blue or purple-colored veins appearing below the skin on the inner thighs, back of the knees, or around the ankle. Usually, these veins do not protrude, but often cause pain and discomfort.

Grade III: (Venous nodes or varicose veins)- This is the stage, the veins turn dark blue or purple as they are enlarged or twisted causing the veins to protrude above the surface of the skin. This results in pain, burning, itching, swelling, and spasms.

Grade IV: (Chronic venous insufficiency)- At this stage, black spots start appearing near the ankle due to ineffective functioning of the blood vessels or valves located in the leg veins, making it difficult for blood to flow up to the heart, causing the blood to pool or be collected in the veins.

Grade V: (Trophic ulcers or varicose eczema)- This is the stage where the skin starts decomposing and can lead to a non-healing ulcer. If proper treatment is not received on time, the entire skin is damaged, resulting in longer duration of treatment as well as recovery.

Risks & Complications of Varicose Veins

If a condition of varicose veins is left untreated, it can lead to several complications such as:

• Increased pain and swelling
• Skin ulcers
• Spontaneous bleeding
• Superficial thrombophlebitis (ST)
• Lipodermatosclerosis
• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis

Although there are no sure shot varicose veins prevention methods, there are several measures that one can follow to be safe. Give your legs a little extra support, maintain an active lifestyle rather than sitting or standing too long, do some simple workouts, and eat light and fiber rich foods that keep your digestion smooth. Avoid wearing too tight jeans, high heels too often and use comfortable compression stockings. And, while resting, keep your legs elevated with some support. 

When to Consult a Doctor for Varicose Veins Symptoms?

This vascular condition is not serious initially, but it gradually grows severe if you don’t do anything about the early varicose veins symptoms. Not doing anything to cure varicose veins symptoms can progress into complications like blood clots, skin ulcers, or bleeding. Keep an eye on warning signs like open sores, swelling, pain, warm sensations, or bleeding around the veins. If you have these severe varicose veins symptoms, immediately visit a doctor. Acting early helps prevent serious complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.

Cost for Varicose Vein Treatment at Pristyn Care.

Cost for varicose veins treatment at Pristyn Care can be within the range of ₹55,000 and ₹95,000. The cost of treatment depends upon how advanced your condition is, necessary tests and scans, hospital chosen and your doctor’s fee.

We understand medical expenses can be a bit difficult to manage. So, we offer assistance with insurance claims, and let you explore cashless or EMI options, so that you can be at ease.

Insurance Coverage of Varicose Veins

You can get  insurance coverage for varicose veins and some other vascular conditions. Get in touch with our medical coordinators and clear all your doubts and concerns regarding varicose veins treatment in the most cost-effective way.