More than 40 million people have varicose veins in the US alone- about 25% of women and 15% of men. Symptoms may include:
Patients suffering from:
Varicose veins are the blue or purplish enlarged veins you typically see bulging out of one's leg. The word "varicose" is derived from the Latin root word "varix," which is translated in English as "twisted." Any vein in your body may become varicose, however, its important to note that this condition or varicose veins exists most often in the legs and feet. Varicose veins occur in the legs and lower extremities because standing and walking increases the pressure in the veins in the lower half of your body.
Is it only a cosmetic concern? For many men and women, varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) makes them feel less attractive. However, it's important to note that for others, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated. Moreover, varicose veins may also serve as an indication that the individual is at a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.
As with many other health related issues, self-help measures work well for prevention; compression stockings and changing certain aspects in one's lifestyle.
Pregnant women sometimes complain of developing varicose veins. This is true. Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in a woman’s body, however, it decreases the flow of blood from the legs to the pelvis. This change in circulation is designed to support the growing baby, but it can produce an unfortunate side effects such as enlarged veins in the legs. Varicose veins may appear for the first time during pregnancy. It has been observed that the varicose veins may worsen during late pregnancy because the uterus exerts greater pressure on the veins in your legs.
Some are very surprised to learn that hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins located in and around the anus. Moreover, this condition is very common in the United States. By age 50, about half of adults have had to deal with the itching, bleeding and pain that often signal the presence of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids, also known as “piles”, are swollen veins in your anus and rectum. The causes include straining during a bowel movement or the increased pressure during pregnancy.
Effective medications and procedures are readily available to treat hemorrhoids. Fortunately, in many cases hemorrhoids may require only lifestyle changes.
A number of people do not experience any discomfort with varicose veins, however, certain people do. For those that do experience discomfort, below are some of the symptoms
If you have varicose veins, typically prolonged sitting or standing tends to make your legs feel worse. The varicose veins are easy to spot because they are dark purple or blue in color and sometimes appear twisted and bulging. The most common spot they appear is on the inside of the leg or on the backs of calves. But don’t let that fool you, they can form anywhere on your legs, from your groin to your ankle.
Prior to making a diagnosis, your doctor will most likely examine your legs while you're standing and will look for swelling. Also, he or she may ask you if you have any of the varicose vein symptoms listed above. As an ancillary test, your doctor may do an ultrasound test to see if the valves in your veins are working normally or if there's any evidence of a blood clot. Ultimately, it is smart to see a specialist for varicose veins and spider vein treatment.
Painful ulcers may form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles. Increased pressure of blood within the affected veins can cause "water logging" which is a cause of the ulcers. Sometimes there is a brownish pigmentation prior to developing the ulcer. It is important to see a physician immediately if you suspect you've developed an ulcer
If you have considerable swelling in the leg (caused by the enlarging of veins deep within the legs) you must see a doctor immediately. Any sudden leg swelling requires urgent medical attention because it may indicate a blood clot — a condition known medically as thrombophlebitis.
Most physicians will say that hospital stay was thing in the past. Treatment today usually doesn't mean a hospital stay or a time consuming, uncomfortable recovery. Less invasive techniques are available that can be done fairly quickly.
The use of compression stockings may prove effective for your condition.
Prior to getting treatment for your varicose veins, you should ask a physician about the affects of: compression stockings, exercising, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, elevating your legs, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting. These are helpful in prevention and slowing the progression of the condition.
If you are pregnant and have varicose veins, please note that varicose veins that develop during pregnancy generally improve without treatment within a few months after delivery. However, it is never a bad idea to ask a specialist.
If you are pregnant and have varicose veins, please note that varicose veins that develop during pregnancy generally improve without treatment within a few months after delivery. However, it is never a bad idea to ask a specialist.
Below are some procedures that your physician may recommend:
•Sclerotherapy
This form of treatment is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem varicose veins or spider veins in order to cause its disappearance.
•Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
EVLT works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear. This treatment requires that a very thin laser fiber be inserted into the damaged underlying vein.
•Radiofrequency Occlusion also known as VNUS
This method treats the vein by heating them, causing the vein to contract and then close.
•Laser and Pulsed Light Treatments
This form of vein therapy involves a light beam that is pulsed onto the veins in order to seal them off, causing them to dissolve. Successful light-based treatment requires adequate heating of the veins. Several treatments are usually needed for optimal results.
•Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This procedure involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required.
•Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy (TIPP)
The TIPP treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for removing varicose veins that is performed using the TriVex® System. Transillumination is a unique feature - much like a flashlight placed under the skin - that allows a surgeon to see, accurately target and remove varicose veins, then visually confirm the extraction.
•Vein Ligation
During this type of vein surgery, incisions are made over the problem vein and the vein is tied off. This is done in order to cut off the flow of blood to the varicose vein, which in turn causes it to become less visible.
•Vein Stripping
Vein stripping involves tying off of the upper end of a problem vein and then removing the vein.
There are many other varicose vein treatments out there which include laser surgeries, catheter-assisted procedures and endoscopic vein surgeries. Please consult your physician or other medical care provider regarding what type of treatment is best for you.
Please also remember that current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins are highly successful. However, it's possible that varicose veins can recur.
There's no way to completely prevent varicose veins. But improving your circulation and muscle tone can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones. Traditional, common-sense approaches include:
Some alternative medicine experts have noted that horse chestnut seed extract may be an effective treatment for chronic venous insufficiency; this is a condition associated with varicose veins in which the leg veins have problems returning blood to the heart. The herb may help improve swelling and discomfort caused by varicose veins. Make sure you talk with your doctor before trying horse chestnut seed extract or any other herb or dietary supplement.
Always Be a Cautious Consumer
Before undergoing any procedure, ask your doctor about any health risks and possible side effects. Unless you fit into the coverage criteria (if you have signs or symptoms such as swelling and bleeding), most insurance companies will not reimburse for a cosmetic procedure. However, for more information, click here to read up on the health insurance coverage information. Even though the treatments are not too costly, they can still add up. It may be wise to inquire about treatment costs, as well.
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