Varicose veins are an all-too-common vascular condition impacting millions of individuals worldwide. These enlarged, twisted veins can cause discomfort, pain, and cosmetic concerns in legs – particularly HayatMed Clinic, where we recognize how varicose veins can impede well-being and offer comprehensive assessment, treatment, and management options to alleviate symptoms and increase quality of life.
Please explore our website to learn more about our specialized care for varicose veins and gain the confidence to move forward with healthier legs without discomfort or worry.
What are Varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted ones you can see just under the skin.
They usually occur in the legs and feet and can form in other body parts. For example, a hemorrhoid is a type of varicose vein.
What causes varicose veins?
The veins have valves that keep blood flowing in one direction toward the heart. If these valves are damaged or weak, some blood flows inversely and accumulates in the vein.
Extra blood in the vein puts pressure on the vein walls. The walls weaken and swell with constant pressure, resulting in varicose or spider veins.
For some people, varicose veins are just a cosmetic concern. This issue can cause pain and discomfort for other people, sometimes leading to more severe problems.
What are the varicose veins symptoms?
Sometimes, varicose veins cause no pain, but there are some signs that you have varicose veins
include:
- Veins that appear with a dark purple color or blue color
- Veins that appear twisted and swollen are like ropes on the legs
At other times, they may cause some pain and other symptoms
Include:
- Aching and heaviness in the legs
- Swollen feet and legs
- Burning or throbbing
- Muscular spasms, especially at night
- Itchy skin around the affected area
- Skin discoloration
These symptoms of Varicose veins worsen during warm weather, at night, or when a person has been standing up or sitting for extended periods.
Furthermore, you may notice spider veins similar to varicose veins but smaller.
Spider veins usually occur on the legs and feet, are closer to the skin’s surface, and are often red or blue. They differ in size and often resemble a spider’s web.
What are the factors that increase the risk of having varicose veins?
Some factors that may increase the risks of developing the issue include:
- Age: Varicose veins risk increases due to weakening vein valves, impairing blood flow to the heart.
- Sex: Women: More prone due to hormonal influence that relaxes vein walls. Hormonal changes during pre-menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can heighten risk. Hormone medications like birth control pills may also increase susceptibility.
- Family History: If relatives have varicose veins, your risk is elevated.
- Obesity: Excess weight places added pressure on veins, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins.
- Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Blood flow is hindered during extended periods in the same position.
Varicose veins stages
Varicose veins typically develop through multiple stages, each with unique symptoms and characteristics. Understanding these stages is vital in managing and treating varicose veins effectively; here is an overview of these typical stages:
- Spider Veins (Telangiectasia):
- Small, surface-level veins.
- Often red, blue, or purple lines.
- It is mostly a cosmetic concern with minor discomfort.
- Varicose Veins:
- Larger, twisted, bulging veins.
- It may cause leg aches, swelling, and mild skin changes.
- Edema (Swelling):
- Progressing swelling in the legs, particularly during daily activities.
- It can become uncomfortable and worsen over time.
- Skin Changes:
- Prolonged varicose veins result in skin changes.
- Discoloration (brown or red) and thin, itchy skin.
- Increased vulnerability to injury and ulceration.
- Venous Ulcers:
- Severe cases may lead to painful open sores and venous ulcers.
- Commonly form around ankles, posing significant medical concerns.
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis:
- Inflammation and clotting in superficial veins.
- It causes localized pain, redness, and swelling.
- Left untreated, it can progress to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
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What are the expected complications for varicose veins?
Although they are rare, they can include:
Blood clots:
Sometimes, veins in the legs enlarge, and the affected leg may become painful and swell.
Any permanent leg pain or swelling needs medical attention because it may indicate a blood clot.
Bleeding:
Rarely, veins very close to the skin may blow up, which causes minor bleeding. However, any bleeding needs medical attention.
How do you prevent it?
There’s no way to avoid varicose veins entirely. However, improving circulation and muscle tone may decrease the risk of developing the issue.
Some of these tips include:
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid overweight
- Follow a healthy diet like a high-fiber, low-salt diet.
- Avoid high heels and tight socks.
- Elevate your legs
- Change your sitting or standing position regularly.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
To diagnose the problem, you need to meet your doctor, who will do a physical examination,
including looking at your legs while standing to check for swelling.
- Ask you to explain any pain and aching in your legs.
- Asking about your medical history.
- Ask for an ultrasound test.
At the end of the consultation, your doctor can determine your condition and whether you need treatment. If so, you will discuss the appropriate remedy with your doctor. When getting any treatment, you must feel safe with experienced specialists.
Trust in HayatMed clinic Our dermatologists are trained to achieve the best varicose veins treatment field results. Contact us to book your free consultation now.
Varicose vein treatment?
Not all kinds of varicose veins always need treatment. If this problem does not make you discomfort, you may not need treatment.
Treatment is necessary for the following cases:
- to reduce symptoms in case you experience pain or discomfort
- to treat complications like leg ulcers or skin discoloration
- for cosmetic concerns
Treatment options range from self-care to surgery. Your vascular specialist may use one or more of these remedies according to your condition.
1- Self-treatment for varicose veins
Self-care may reduce the pain and prevent the problem from getting worse. However, self-treatment cannot remove existing varicose veins or spider veins.
Self-care tips include:
- Exercise regularly
- Get rid of excess weight
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
- Elevate your legs
- Avoid long sitting or standing; move around every 30 minutes if necessary.
2- Compression stockings for varicose veins
These stockings put fixed pressure to help move the blood back to your heart more efficiently. The static pressure also reduces swelling in the lower legs and decreases the risk of getting a blood clot. Compression stockings can prevent the problem from worsening but will not remove the current leg veins. If you need compression stockings, your dermatologist can check your leg and recommend the proper size and pressure.
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3- Other treatments
If you don’t respond to natural remedy, or if your condition is more severe, your doctor may recommend one of the invasive treatments, including:
A- Sclerotherapy:
It is the most commonly used treatment for leg veins. During this procedure, your vascular specialist injects small and medium-sized varicose veins with foam or solution that scars and closes the veins. In a month, treated varicose veins should fade.
The same vein may need to be injected more than one time. This method is safe and effective if done correctly; it doesn’t require anesthesia and can be done in your doctor’s clinic.
B- Foam sclerotherapy for large veins:
A foam solution injection of a large vein is also a treatment to close and seal a vein.
C- varicose veins laser treatment:
Recently, new technology in laser treatments has been used to close off small varicose and spider veins. This treatment works by sending intense bursts of light onto the vein, making the vein slowly fade and disappear.
D- Catheter-assisted procedure using radiofrequency ablation:
This treatment involves heating the varicose vein wall using radiofrequency energy. During the procedure, your doctor will access the vein through a small incision just above or below the knee. Then, they will guide a narrow tube into the vein using an ultrasound scan.
Next, the doctor will insert a probe into the catheter that sends radiofrequency energy. Heating the vein will continue until its walls collapse; the doctor will close it and seal it shut. Once the vein has been closed, your blood will naturally be redirected to one of the healthy veins.
Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings for up to a week after this procedure.
E- Catheter-assisted procedure using endovenous laser treatment
This procedure involves having a catheter inserted into the vein and using an ultrasound scan to guide it into the correct place. During the procedure, your doctor will pass a tiny laser through the catheter and position it at the top of the varicose vein.
The laser sends short bursts of energy that heat the vein and seal it closed. Then, the doctor will pull the laser slowly along the vein using the ultrasound scan to guide it, which allows the entire length of the vein to be closed. This procedure is carried out under either local or general anesthetic.
4- Varicose veins surgery
The surgical procedure is usually the last option if all the available treatments cannot improve your problem. The surgical solution is ligation and stripping to remove the affected veins.
This surgery is usually carried out under general anesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the procedure and not feel any pain. It is performed by tying off the vein in the affected leg and removing it.
The surgeon will make two small incisions. The first one will be near the groin at the top of the varicose vein. At the same time, the other one will be down the leg, around the knee. Your surgeon will tie up the top of the vein and seal it.
Then, they will pass a thin, flexible wire through the bottom of the vein, pull it out, and remove it through the lower cut in the leg. This procedure may cause some complications, like any other surgery. Your doctor will recommend wearing compression stockings for up to a week after surgery.
Varicose vein removal cost
The minimum cost for a leg varicose vein procedure starts at $400. However, the cost may vary depending on several factors, including the case’s complexity, the number of varicose veins, their size, and the method used for removal. Additionally, the cost may vary from one country to another and from one doctor to another.
You may find price variations as follows:
- According to estimates from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of treatment with sclerotherapy is around $413.
- The varicose vein removal surgery ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
- Meanwhile, laser treatment ranges from $600 to $3000.
Why should you choose HayatMed?
Selecting your dermatologist based on quality, skills, and experience is essential.
At HayatMed, we have the best vascular specialists in Turkey who can diagnose your condition accurately and determine the appropriate treatment for you.
Contact us for more information about the best treatments for varicose veins and their costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Varicose Veins Cause?
Varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, swelling, aching, and a heavy feeling in the legs. They may also lead to skin changes, such as discoloration, dryness, and thinning.
How Varicose Veins Are Removed?
Treatment options include minimally invasive procedures like endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and sclerotherapy, which close or remove affected veins.
Can Varicose Veins Go Away?
Varicose veins do not typically go away on their own. Treatment is often needed to alleviate symptoms and improve appearance.
Can Varicose Veins Disappear with Exercise?
Exercise can improve circulation but may not make varicose veins disappear. Consult a healthcare professional for tailored advice.
Can Varicose Veins Hurt?
Varicose veins can cause pain, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
Can Varicose Veins Burst?
Varicose veins may rupture if left untreated, leading to bleeding. Seek medical attention if this occurs.
Can Varicose Veins Cause Blood Clots?
While varicose veins increase the risk of superficial blood clots (thrombophlebitis), they are not a major cause of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Are Varicose Veins Genetic?
Yes, genetics play a role in varicose vein development. A family history of the condition increases the likelihood of developing them.
About the author
Binsy brings over 13 years of expertise to the HayatMed Clinic Blog. With a passion for healthcare communication, she has crafted insightful articles that demystify complex medical topics, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Her wealth of experience ensures that each blog post is a reliable source of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of health and medical advancements.
This article was Medically reviewed by Dr. Duran Çekiç
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