Varicose veins are a widespread concern affecting millions globally, with approximately 20-25% of adults experiencing these enlarged, twisted veins. This condition, often appearing in the legs, can lead to discomfort and aesthetic worries. Fortunately, modern medicine offers a range of effective treatments to address varicose veins.
Good To Know Facts:
- Varicose veins aren’t just for women.
- They can appear in surprising places like the pelvis.
- Genetics play a significant role in their development.
- Standing for extended periods can worsen symptoms.
- Complications include ulcers and blood clots.
- Exercise and weight management help prevent them.
- Bangalore offers advanced treatments like laser therapy.
Understanding Varicose Veins in detail:
Varicose veins develop due to weakened valves, causing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. Contributing factors include genetics, pregnancy, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Symptoms may consist of visible, bulging veins, swelling, and discomfort. Without treatment, varicose veins can lead to complications like ulcers and blood clots.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear in the legs. They occur when the valves within the veins weaken or fail to function correctly, causing blood to pool and the veins to become swollen and distorted. While varicose veins can be bothersome, they are usually not a severe health threat. However, they can lead to complications if left untreated.
Causes of Varicose Veins:
Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins, including:
- Genetics: A family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing them.
- Age: As we age, the valves in our veins may weaken, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, especially during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the veins.
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Jobs or activities involving prolonged standing or sitting periods can increase pressure on the veins, leading to varicose veins.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the veins, making them more prone to becoming varicose.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins may cause the following symptoms:
- Visible, bulging veins that are dark purple or blue.
- Swelling in the legs, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
- Aching or heaviness in the legs.
- Itching or burning around the affected veins.
- Prolonged sitting or standing causes discomfort.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can be prevented with proactive steps.
- Maintain Healthy Weight: Avoid excess weight to reduce pressure on veins.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise promotes good circulation.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting/Standing: Take breaks to move around.
- Elevate Legs: Raise legs above heart level to reduce swelling.
- Wear Compression Stockings: Support veins and improve circulation.
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Fiber-rich foods and hydration aid circulation.
Modern Treatment Options for varicose veins in Bangalore:
In Bangalore, Zymus Hospital provides comprehensive treatment options for varicose veins, including:
1. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT):
- Effectiveness: EVLT effectively closes off diseased veins, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. It provides long-term relief from varicose vein symptoms.
- Advantages: Minimally invasive, performed under local anaesthesia, no incisions or scars, minimal discomfort, quick recovery time.
- Procedure: EVLT involves using laser energy to heat and seal off the affected vein. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and laser energy is delivered, causing the vein to collapse, and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):
- Effectiveness: RFA is highly effective in closing off varicose veins, improving symptoms, and preventing complications.
- Advantages: Minimally invasive, performed under local anaesthesia, outpatient procedure, minimal discomfort, fast recovery.
- Procedure: RFA utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat and seal the affected vein. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein, delivering controlled heat to collapse the wall.
3. Sclerotherapy:
- Effectiveness: Sclerotherapy effectively treats smaller varicose and spider veins, improving their appearance and reducing associated symptoms.
- Advantages: Minimally invasive, suitable for smaller varicose veins and spider veins, performed in-office, no downtime.
- Procedure: Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing agent directly into the varicose vein. This solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
4. Ambulatory Phlebectomy:
- Effectiveness: Ambulatory phlebectomy relieves symptoms by surgically removing more prominent varicose veins.
- Advantages: Outpatient procedure, performed under local anaesthesia, minimal scarring, effective for more prominent varicose veins.
- Procedure: Ambulatory phlebectomy is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Small incisions are made over the varicose veins, and the veins are removed using special hooks or forceps.
5. Venaseal Closure System:
- Procedure: The Venaseal Closure System uses a medical adhesive to shut the affected vein. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and the adhesive is delivered, closing off the vein.
- Advantages: Minimally invasive, no thermal energy is used, there is no need for compression stockings post-procedure, and there is a quick recovery.
- Effectiveness: The Venaseal Closure System effectively closes off varicose veins, improving symptoms and preventing recurrence.
Varicose veins can significantly impact one’s quality of life, but with modern treatment options, relief is within reach. In Bangalore, Zymus Hospital stands at the forefront, offering advanced procedures like EVLT, RFA, sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and the Venaseal Closure System. If you are experiencing varicose vein symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional to explore these treatment options and regain comfort and confidence.
“Take the first step towards healthier legs. Consult with a healthcare professional at Zymus Hospital in Bangalore today to explore your options for effective varicose vein treatment.”
