Usually occurring in the leg, varicose veins appear blue or black in colour, lying just under the skin. These are swollen or twisted and might or might not cause pain.In some people, varicose veins do turn very painful. Treatment is important for such cases. Otherwise, varicose veins can be very well ignored.

Varicose veins form due to several different reasons. Some of them are:

• Obesity

• Pregnancy

• Injury to veins

• Leading a sedentary lifestyle

• Ageing

A simple physical examination of the legs is enough to diagnose varicose veins.Imaging tests such as ultrasound might also be needed to check for blood clots.

When varicose veins do not cause any discomfort, Simple lifestyle changes can help in treating them. Maintaining a healthy weight, elevating legs while sitting and avoiding tight clothes might resolve the issue.Types of treatments:There are various treatments available to treat varicose veins. All of them are simple procedures that put patient out of discomfort and pain. Let’s take a look at them one at a time.

Sometimes, the varicose veins cannot be cured by lifestyle changes alone. To treat them, the best way is to remove the affected veins. This does not affect blood flow to the leg.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia for the procedure

• Based on where the varicose veins are present, the incision is made

• The affected veins are completely removed so that the problem does not recur

• The incision is sutured after the procedure is done

This is a short procedure lasting just 60 – 90 minutes. It is often recommended for people who are active and healthy. This procedure is not advisable for pregnant women, people who are overweight or have skin diseases.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia for the procedure

• A few incisions are made- one in the groin, others at the site of the varicose veins

• A flexible, thin plastic wire is threaded through the incision

• The wire is then pulled out of the other end thereby removing the vein

• The incisions are taped or sutured after the procedure

This procedure involves injecting a chemical substance that closes them. This procedure can be used only for small or medium-sized varicose veins.

For larger varicose veins, this radiofrequency ablation is preferred. Higher radio frequencies are used to seal the veins.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given local anaesthesia for this procedure

• A small incision is made with the help of an ultrasound machine

• A narrow tube is threaded into the vein

• High radio frequencies are passed through the tube which heats up the veins and closes them

• The incision is sutured

Endovenous laser ablation, otherwise known as the EVLA treatment is just like the radiofrequency ablation procedure apart from the fact that this procedure uses a laser to seal off the varicose veins. The entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes for each leg.

This is a procedure in which varicose veins are identified, cut and removed rather than sealing them shut. It is a minimally invasive procedure and is supposed to be a quicker process to remove varicose veins.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given local anaesthesia for the procedure

• Using a surgical marker, the site of the varicose veins is marked

• Using an antiseptic solution, the area is cleaned

• A small incision is made to insert an endoscopic transilluminator

• A second incision is made through which a suction device is inserted

• As soon as the transilluminator cuts the vein, the suction device removes the damaged vein

• The incisions are sutured or taped once all the varicose veins are removed

Maintaining a healthy weight and leading an active lifestyle can prevent getting varicose veins. In early stages, varicose veins can be treated by wearing compression bandages.

As long as varicose veins don’t trouble you, they can be ignored. However, if they turn painful and swollen, you should see a doctor immediately. If these symptoms are ignored, varicose veins can lead to deep vein thrombosis which is a life-threatening condition.

This depends entirely on the procedure chosen to treat the varicose veins. However, to recover completely from any procedure, it might take you a couple of weeks.

The same veins cannot develop into varicose veins again. However, surrounding veins might turn into varicose veins at a later point of time which will again require treatment.

You will have some pain at the site of the incisions. The pain medication prescribed by the doctor will help. In case you have pain and swelling despite the medication, you can use an ice pack to ease it.

Yes, it’s important to do simple exercises for your ankles and legs after the procedure. This prevents formation of blood clots. As you feel better, you can extend to more exercises for a quicker recovery.

Constipation puts pressure on the veins. So, avoiding foods that cause constipation is important. High fibre foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains help in avoiding constipation. Food high in salt content also put more pressure on veins by retaining water. So, you should avoid too much salt in your diet.

Yes, for many people, wearing compression stockings provide relief from varicose veins pain. This is because they put pressure on the nerves and reduce swelling. However, this is only for temporary relief. For a long-term solution, you should visit a doctor and follow his advice.

The latest treatment offering quick recovery and least amount of pain is the EVLA procedure which involves sealing the varicose veins using energy from a laser. This is a highly effective technique used to treat large varicose veins.

Yes, it is perfectly fine to have varicose veins removed or sealed based on the procedure. This will not affect the blood circulation in your leg.

Yes, in most of the cases, varicose veins occur only on the legs. The leg veins experience a lot of pressure due to gravity. This is why, the veins become swollen and lead to varicose veins.

Spider veins are tiny, damaged veins that usually appear on the legs and face. They are considered as a mild symptom of varicose veins.

Spider veins fade away in due course of time. Spider veins usually go away in 3 to 6 weeks of time.

Itchiness around the affected vein, discoloration of the veins, burning & swelling in the lower legs are some of the common symptoms of spider veins.

Spider veins are usually not of a major concern unless they result in uncomfortable symptoms that need medical attention.

Stress increases the blood pressure and can cause damage to the valves. Stress is also closely linked to weight, which can develop spider veins.

Walking/exercise improves blood flow in the body. When blood circulation is enhanced, it gradually decreases the appearance of spider veins, which in turn prevents the formation of varicose veins.

Spider veins do not result in a serious health problem. However, if these develop into varicose veins they can cause pain, discomfort and throbbing.

Spider veins are diagnosed by simple physical examination but looking at the skin discolouration

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when there are blood clots in one or more veins located deep below the skin, especially in the lower limbs(Legs).

DVT is caused by a blockage in the vein. Some of the causes are injury or damage to the blood vessels resulting from an injury, limited movement after surgery, and staying inactive for a long time.

Swelling of the legs, warmth in the affected area, pain or tenderness, discoloration of the skin, and swollen legs are the most common signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.

DVT is diagnosed by D-Dimer test, MR Venogram, Doppler, etc.

Most of the time, DVT occurs in the legs. Often DVT might go away unnoticed and the veins get clear from the blockages. However, if pain and swelling persist, seeking medical opinion is better.

It is not advised to take any medication by reaching out to a pharmacy without consulting a doctor. The doctor will prescribe medication and dosage based on your current health and blood parameters level condition.

Basic lifestyle changes like regular walking, maintaining ideal body weight, managing blood pressure, stretching your legs after prolonged sitting can prevent the risk of DVT.

Moving around or walking is good for your health. However, walking alone cannot prevent the formation of blood clots and conditions like DVT.

A history of DVT can put you at risk of recurrence of the condition to some extent. However, the percentage of people at risk of DVT for the second time is very negligible.