Varicose Veins
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding varicose veins.
What are Varicose Veins?
- Veins are the blood vessels that return blood from the body’s organs to the heart. They may suffer from a benign medical condition called varicose veins, which occur when the vein walls are weak, and their valves do not function properly, leading to blood pooling and forming swellings and bulges along the veins. They appear as swollen, enlarged, or twisted veins visible in blue or purple under the skin’s surface. Varicose veins can affect any body area but are more common in the legs. There are several types:
- Trunk varicose veins: These are close to the skin’s surface, thick, and often long and twisted.
- Reticular varicose veins: These are red and sometimes cluster near each other, forming a network.
Telangiectasias, also known as thread veins: These are small clusters of blue or red veins that occasionally appear on the face or legs. Unlike varicose veins, they do not swell under the skin and are harmless.
What are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
- Leg varicose veins occur due to increased blood pressure in the veins, often near the skin’s surface, where their most common symptom is visible (a distorted blue or purple vein). They may be accompanied by some symptoms, including:
- Pain and discomfort.
- Swelling of the feet and ankles.
- A sensation of throbbing in the legs.
- Muscle cramps.
- Itching.
- Changes in skin color.
Leg ulcers due to dry and thin skin over the affected vein, especially when scratched.
Symptoms are typically worse during warm weather or after standing for long periods and may improve when walking or resting the legs in an elevated position.
What are the Causes of Varicose Veins?
- Several factors can lead to them, including:
- Varicose veins occur more frequently in females than in males.
- Genetics.
- Aging.
- Overweight.
- Occupations that require standing for long periods.
Pregnancy.
What are the Diagnostic Methods?
A doctor will take the patient’s medical history and conduct a clinical examination. They may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:
A duplex ultrasound is performed, a type of vascular ultrasound imaging taken to check blood flow and the structure of the veins.
What are the Treatment Methods for Varicose Veins?
- Varicose veins rarely constitute a severe condition that requires treatment. If treatment is necessary to alleviate symptoms or avoid complications such as leg ulcers, swelling, or skin discoloration, it is recommended to:
- Use compression stockings.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid standing for long periods.
Elevate the affected area when resting.
- If varicose veins still cause pain or discomfort or result in other complications, several treatment methods are available, including:
- Heat treatment, where heat is used to close the affected veins.
- Sclerotherapy, where a special substance is used to close the veins.
- Ligation and stripping, where affected veins are surgically removed.
Ambulatory phlebectomy, where special tools are used through small incisions to remove varicose veins.
Treatment depends on the symptoms present, the patient’s overall health, and their tolerance to any medications or procedures as determined by the doctor.
What are the Preventive Methods for Varicose Veins?
- While it may be impossible to completely prevent varicose veins, the chance of developing them can be reduced by living a healthy lifestyle that includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Exercising regularly.
- Elevating the feet when sitting.
- Avoiding tight clothing.
Quitting smoking.
What are the Complications of Varicose Veins?
- Since varicose veins result from weak vein valves causing improper blood flow, they can lead to complications such as:
- Bleeding: Varicose veins near the skin surface can bleed, making it difficult to stop if the leg is injured.
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- Blood clots: If a blood clot forms in the veins beneath the skin’s surface, it may lead to other health conditions, such as:
- Phlebitis in the leg.
Deep vein thrombosis, which can cause leg swelling and pain, or serious complications, including a pulmonary embolism.
When Should you Consult a Doctor?
- Although varicose veins are not a serious condition, patients should see a doctor in several cases, including:
- Discomfort from the appearance of varicose veins.
- Changes in color of the varicose veins.
- Pain, redness, or warmth in the area of the varicose veins.
An injury or wound that caused bleeding.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Varicose Veins Go Away on Their Own?
- Most often, varicose veins that occur during pregnancy disappear on their own within two or three weeks after childbirth, whereas others may disappear after treatment and recur.
Do Varicose Veins Return After Treatment?
- Although varicose vein treatments are effective, they can recur, especially in pregnant individuals, those overweight, or those with an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle.
Are There Dangerous Types of Varicose Veins?
