Varicose Vein Treatment

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from different organs to the heart. When the oxygen content from the blood is used by the organs to perform their functions, the blood is transported to the heart and then to the lungs for the essential release of carbon dioxide and 're-loading' of oxygen. Our veins also temporarily store unused blood when the body is at rest. They are elastic and flexible in nature and of different sizes, depending on location and function. While the largest veins are located in the center of the body, the branches get smaller as they move away.

Varicose Veins
The development of varicose veins could be the result of inherited genetic characteristics, the aging process, pregnancy, obesity or vocation-related stress on leg veins, like having to stand for long periods of time. These swollen veins can also manifest on the forearms, but are most commonly observed on the ankles, calves and upper thigh. Dedicated vein care prescribed by a phlebologist is the only way to address the abnormal retention of blood within the weakened vein walls.

Our veins have an inbuilt system to prevent blood retrograde or the backward flowing of blood. Ideally, the muscles in both our legs pump blood to the heart through the veins, defying gravity. In the case of varicose veins, the vein valves do not function properly, resulting in the swelling of the superficial veins. This is mainly due to the retention of blood within the veins in the legs and subsequently, increased pressure. Varicose veins can become painful if neglected, and make standing or walking impossible after a certain stage. They are also known to itch and cause the formation of ulcers.

Symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins manifest in the form of:

• Feeling of heaviness in the legs.
• Telangiectasia or spider veins.
• Swelling of the ankle.
• Stasis dermatitis or venous eczema.
• Lipodermatosclerosis.
• Restless legs syndrome.
• Atrophie blanche.

Complications
Though varicose veins are known to be benign, if neglected, they could result in severe varicosities. The pain leads to a gradual inability to walk or stand to meet vocational demands. Resultant dermatitis predisposes skin loss; and skin ulcers near the ankle could convert into venous ulcers. Severe bleeding, blood clotting or thrombophlebitis and fat necrosis occur, making daily chores an ordeal.

Treatment
Varicose veins could be treated with any of the following procedures:

1. Non-surgical treatments like sclerotherapy (directly injecting medicine into the affected veins), wearing of special elastic stockings and regular exercise.
2. Surgical treatments like vein stripping (removing the saphenous vein mass), radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser treatment.

The condition is more common in women than in men. It is further aggravated during pregnancy, menopause, aging and abdominal straining. The veins could swell up to more than 2.5 mm in diameter. The symptoms can be controlled with the help of anti-inflammatory medication, like aspirin and ibuprofen. Topical applications for thrombophlebitis and compression hosiery helps to contain the condition. Medical intervention helps both, the surgical and non-surgical lines of varicose treatments. Self-care helps a lot in the treatment procedure and involves the adoption of a lifestyle change that accommodates:

• Regular exercise.
• Conscious weight loss.
• Preference for loose clothing.
• Elevation of the legs while resting or sleeping.
• Adopting regular use of compression stockings.

The goal of any treatment option adopted is to reduce the symptoms and effectively reduce the risk of developing complications. The size of the varicose veins largely determines the treatment option. Larger varicose veins are treated via dedicated surgery and in some cases, doctors even prescribe a combination of treatments. Medical intervention helps to understand the treatment choices available and the possible aftermath of suggested methods. A little research and the assimilation of information on the condition goes a long way in the treatment of varicose veins.