Painless laser treatment for varicose veins

Overview of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, also known as varicose or varicosities are enlarged, dilated veins that are filled with blood. Varicose veins generally affect legs and feet. There is another variation of varicose veins, known as spider veins. The varicose veins appear swollen or bulged out with a bluish-purple or red color.

The prevalence of varicose veins globally is...

In addition to a network of veins on the surface of the skin, there is a venous network deep inside the leg muscles. You might develop varicose veins in these also. These deep varicose veins are not visible to the eyes but can cause swelling or aching throughout the legs. In severe cases, blood clots may also develop.  

Facts on Varicose Veins 

• Age can make the condition of varicose veins worse. But young people who have to sit or stand for long hours without any break can also get varicose veins. 

• Varicose veins can develop due to genetic factors.

• Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic issue. On the contrary, most people feel heaviness, cramping, swelling, dryness, itchiness which are symptoms of skin discoloration, ulcers, bleeding, etc.  

Conditions that require immediate doctor consultation-

• Dermatitis-

  The symptoms of this condition are flakiness of the skin, skin discoloration, and ulcers..

• Phlebitis-

  The symptoms include redness, warmth, and tenderness of varicose veins. This can be due to blood clots in the veins. 

• Atrophie Blanche-

  The symptom include whitish patches that look like scars 

Types of Varicose Veins

The types of varicose veins are listed below-

• Trunk varicose veins- These veins are near the surface of the skin which appears thick and knobbly. These are unpleasant to the eye. 

• Reticular varicose veins- These are red in colour and often are grouped together in a network. 

• Telangiectasia varicose veins- These are known as spider veins that can form on the face or legs. These are small clusters of blue or red veins that are usually harmless and do not bulge like other varicose veins.

Treatment of Varicose Veins

Surgery for Varicose Veins

• Vein ligation and stripping- This procedure involves cuts and incisions hence, it is performed under the influence of anesthesia. The doctor makes cuts into the skin and then the varicose veins. Through this incision, the varicose veins are removed. With the emergence of minimally invasive surgical options, vein ligation and stripping have become less common.

• Radiofrequency ablation- The treatment option uses heat to destroy the vein. The whole procedure takes only 30 minutes to complete and performed under the influence of local anesthesia. Although, the results are short-termed.

• Laser surgery- This has emerged as the most-effective treatment option for curing varicose veins. Performed under the influence of anesthesia, this is a 30 min procedure. In this procedure, the doctor passes a small laser with the help of an ultrasound machine. The laser fires beam which blocks the varicose vein. This day-care treatment option offers faster recovery and incurs minimal pain. This surgical option ensures a minimum risk of complications also.

• Sclerotherapy- In this procedure, the doctors inject a solution into the affected veins that causes it to scar. This redirects the blood to flow through healthier veins. The blocked veins are reabsorbed. When this is done to block smaller veins, the process is called a microsclerotherapy. 

Complications of Varicose Veins 

Although on rare occasions, the complications of varicose veins may be any one of the following-

• Ulcers- It starts as a discolored spot on the skin which can further complicate into an ulcer. These ulcers can develop near the ankles which can be painful.

• Blood clots- There can be formation of blood clots in the affected veins when it is left untreated. The blood clots are more likely to develop in deep veins within the legs. This results in a persistent leg pain or swelling. 

• Bleeding- Any injury to the affected varicose veins can cause bleeding. In severe cases, the skin may burst. This requires immediate medical attention.

Prevention of Varicose Veins

A healthy diet and lifestyle are important to prevent the occurrence of varicose veins. Some of the healthy tips you can follow are mentioned below-

• Eat a balanced diet which includes low fat and carbohydrates. This should also include fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Make sure you take a daily dose of vitamin C as this strengthens the blood vessel walls.

• Consume a high-fiber diet to lower the risk of constipation.

• Avoid sugary, fried, junk foods as much as possible. Make sure you also limit the consumption of tobacco, salt, alcohol, processed and refined food.

• Exercises such as walking, swimming and bicycling on a daily basis in order to maintain a healthy weight.

• When you are diagnosed with varicose veins, do not wear tight clothes.

• Avoid standing/sitting for long periods of time to ensure smoother blood flow.

• Do not lift heavyweight or put any unnecessary pressure on the legs.