Veins are the vessels responsible for returning blood to the heart after it has circulated throughout the body. They contain one-way valves that ensure blood flows in the correct direction. When these valves fail to function properly, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein, leading to its stretching.

Varicose veins are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that are visible and palpable beneath the skin. They often resemble twisted cords and typically appear on the calves, inner legs, and ankles.

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Varicose veins develop when the valves within a vein weaken, allowing blood to flow backward. This causes the vein to weaken further and balloon outward, raising the skin’s surface.

While patients with varicose veins typically do not experience severe pain, many will notice symptoms such as swelling, aching, throbbing, cramping, and other signs that may warrant medical attention.

Causes and Risks Factors of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can affect nearly anyone, but they are more common in individuals with certain risk factors, including:

  • Older age
  • Family history of varicose veins
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Excessive sun exposure

They occur more frequently in men than in women, and the risk increases with age. Although varicose veins are typically not a serious medical issue, many patients are concerned about their appearance and associated physical symptoms, prompting them to seek treatment.

FAQ’s about Varicose Veins

Diagnosing varicose veins

Your doctor can typically diagnose varicose veins through a physical examination of the affected area. Additional tests, such as an ultrasound, may be conducted to assess the anatomy, structure, and blood flow within the veins. The physician will map out the problematic refluxing veins and distinguish them from the healthy functioning ones.

Treatment of varicose veins

Many individuals with venous disease seek cosmetic treatment to diminish the appearance of varicose or spider veins on their legs. Treatment often alleviates discomfort associated with the condition, such as swelling, fatigue, aching, itching, and cramps. However, if left untreated, more serious issues can arise, including blood clots that can block blood flow or travel to the heart or lungs, posing significant health risks.

Various treatment options are available to eliminate or reduce the appearance of these veins and relieve symptoms. These may include self-care methods such as weight loss, elevating the legs, and wearing compression stockings.

For veins that do not respond to these remedies, more advanced treatments may be required:

  • Sclerotherapy treats varicose veins by injecting a chemical solution into the targeted veins that causes them to gradually disappear. The sclerosing solution used during this procedure irritates the vein lining and turns it into scar tissue that eventually fades away. In most cases, desired results are achieved after two to four treatment sessions.
  • Catheter-based Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats truncal varicose veins faster, safer, and effectively. Other effective modalities include endovenous foam sclerotherapy and mechanical endovenous technique. These procedures precisely target the affected veins with each modality under ultrasound guidance. The laser energy delivered to the vein damages the vein walls and shrinks the vessel so that blood can no longer flow through and is diverted to healthy veins. The endovenous foam sclerotherapy does the same using chemicals.
  • An ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure designed and performed to remove non-truncal (tributary or branching) varicose veins through small, slit-like incisions in the skin.
  • High ligation and vein stripping: This procedure involves tying off a varicose vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through small cuts or stripping. This requires general anesthesia and is infrequently done in the present time due to newer techniques. This is an outpatient procedure for most people. Removing the vein won’t keep blood from flowing in the leg because veins deeper in the leg take care of the larger volumes of blood.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy: Your vein surgeon removes smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. Only the parts of the leg that are being pricked are numbed in this outpatient procedure. Scarring is generally minimal.

Preventing varicose veins

While there is no surefire way to prevent varicose veins from developing, there are certain life changes that can be made in order to reduce your risk of developing this condition. This may include:

  • Exercising regularly.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Eating a diet high in fiber and low in salt.
  • Elevating the legs.
  • Avoiding sitting or standing in one position for too long.

Your doctor will provide you with more information as to how you can reduce your risk of varicose veins and maintain strong vascular health.

Why do I have varicose veins?

All varicose veins occur because the venous valve does not function as it should. In the standing position, blood flows the wrong way. Gradually, these areas around the valve dilate and the veins become visible. Why valves do not work right is really unknown. Hereditary plays a big factor, as well as pregnancy.

Will I be able to exercise normally after I have my varicose veins removed?

You will be able to walk but, will be sore for a few days. It is recommended that patients rest the day of surgery and take it easy on day 2. It is also advised that patients wait at least one week for vigorous exercise such as leg presses, running 2 miles, etc…

How long does it take for my leg to heal after treatment?

You may have some discomfort and bruising. Taking NSAIDs, using a post-treatment cream and wearing compression stockings will help minimize redness, discomfort & bruising.

Do I need to elevate my leg after treatment?

It is often recommended to elevate your leg on the day of the procedure. Lying in a recliner chair or elevating your legs on a couch is fine.

Should I wear compression stockings after treatment?

Often patients will wear compression stockings for a few days after the procedure. You wear the stockings during the day only. You do not have to sleep in your stockings. Some patients wear stockings for a few days and others wear their stockings for a week.

How long will my results last?

It all varies but, the results should be good. You may develop new veins but, usually, they are less severe than what you originally had.