According to policy studies, it is estimated that up to 70% of the population is affected by diseased veins which include a common anatomical diversity of the varicose veins. According to Webster’s Dictionary 1989 definition, varicose veins are an enlargement more than five millimeters, more often in the lower extremities but also in the pelvic cavity or rarely in the esophagus. There is good news: variety and treatments that reduce the signs and symptoms and appearance of varicose veins have been available for ages. An effective step-by-step meticulous approach for diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment of varicose veins is illustrated in this guide.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are caused by the bulging of veins that occurs in the legs, where the veins become diseased and the venous valves are compromised. Under normal conditions, these valvular structures serve to prevent the flow of the blood retrogressively as the blood rises towards the heart from the legs. However, when these valves are malfunctioning or not working, the blood does not quite get to the heart and rather still remains in the injected veins resulting in turgidity and twisting of these veins.

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Most people usually attribute varicose veins to their most common characteristic which is their physical appearance. Apart from that, however, they may also be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Ache or Throbbing Pains within the Legs;
• Swelling of the feet and parts of the ankle;
• Feeling of heaviness/ tiredness in the legs more so after that you have stayed for long in one position be it standing or sitting;
• A scratchy sensation in the areas where the veins have been affected;
• Changes in the skin where the varicose vein is such as discoloration or rubbing sores;

Ultimately, people should seek medical treatment for symptoms of varicose veins as if left untreated, further complications such as chronic venous insufficiency or venous ulcerations may occur.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are many factors that make thigh varices non-surgical treatment less effective. These include:

• Genetics: There is an elevated risk of a person developing veins if they have relatives with a history of experiencing varicose veins.
• Age: The risk of developing the varicose vein increases with age as there is wear and tear of the skin and veins, and childhood becomes old age.
• Gender: In this situation, the level of estrogen of women is often the key factor and hormonal contraception, pregnancy, menopause, and others become risk factors due to the changes in veins during the period.
• Pregnancy: In normal physiological conditions, the surge of blood flow increases during pregnancy and the increased volume of blood exerts more strain on the veins which lead to the formation of varicose veins.
• Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Some jobs that require people to stay still in one position for a long time either standing or sitting can predispose one to poor circulation hence increasing the risk of varicose veins.
• Obesity: The most common cause of varicose veins is obesity. Subsequent extra body mass places a strain on the veins. This makes it a challenge for blood to be pumped in the opposite direction.

Diagnosis of Varicose Veins

If you suffer from the signs of varicose veins, it is very important to see a doctor and get a definitive diagnosis. As a rule, you will undergo the following diagnostic measures:

• Physical examination: The physician examines the legs for varicose veins, and pelvis and abdomen for other related symptoms, and takes further information from you regarding your symptoms and any past illnesses.
• Duplex ultrasound: It is a painless procedure, which uses ultrasound waves externally to visualize the veins’ blood flow and identify any defects or occlusions like valvular incompetency or thrombus.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

There is a range of treatment options available for patients, individuals with varicose veins, from making lifestyle changes and pharmacological intervention to surgical techniques. The treated condition’s severity and the overall health of the patient determine the option of treatment.

1. Lifestyle Changes

For low-grade varicose veins, a few lifestyle modifications can manage the symptoms and eliminate the possibility of progression of the condition:

• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity such as walking will aid in enhancing the circulation and strengthen the skeletal muscle that assists blood flow through the veins.
• Elevate your legs: Lifting your legs for a couple of minutes on and off after every few hours will help curb swelling and enhance blood circulation from the lower extremities.
• Minimize the Effects of Prolonged Sitting or Standing: If your occupational field requires excessive sitting or standing for a long time, ensure to get up and move or move around to stretch so as to aid circulation.
• Keep Your Body in Good Form: Losing a few pounds can ease some of the strain placed then on your veins. Overall vascular health can be improved beyond proportion.

2. Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are nowadays the most popular top tier non surgical treatment for varicose veins. These unique stockings are designed in such a way that they exert pressure to the legs which in turn promotes venous return and decreases edema. Compression stockings come in various pressure classes and the physician can prescribe the appropriate class number depending on the clinical state of the patient.

3. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a medical term, which is associated with the treatment of varicose veins by injecting sclerosing injectables into affected vessels in order to close off the diseased vessels. This procedure is most beneficial when treating small varicose veins and spider veins. No anesthesia is needed for this procedure and the patients resume their daily activities right after the procedure.

4. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a form of the laser therapy in which the vein is closed with the use of heat energy. For this treatment, the catheter is used to place a small laser fiber in the vein where heat will make the vein collapse. Eventually the treated vein is taken out by the body as well and blood circulation goes on using other healthier veins. The surgery is done through local anesthesia and is associated with minimal discomfort with minimal downtime.

5. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Just like in the case of EVLA treatment, radiofrequency ablation is the use of heat to seal varicose veins. Instead of laser, radiofrequency energy is used on the vein walls for heating, making them collapse. This treatment is also called minimally invasive because it is done with only local anesthesia and is a procedure that is not invasive. RFA works on big varicose veins and has a short recovery timeframe.

6. Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method of vein removal involving smaller incision making in comparison to vein stripping technique and is applied to larger varicosities. Individual veins are removed in pieces and this is done with local anesthesia. Most patients are able to proceed with their activities within several days.

7. Vein Stripping and ligation

In more advanced cases, stripping and ligation may be the only options available to treat the patients. This type of surgery consists of surgically closing the vein responsible for the circulation of blood and taking it out of the body completely. Although this method is the most aggressive among the other treatments, it is among the best for larger veins. However, the healing period is longer, the benefits last longer.

Methods of prevention of further development of the disease

Though there may be no specific method to prevent the occurrence of varicose veins, you can lower the chances of developing them through the following methods:

• Make a point of engaging in physical activity to facilitate proper flow of blood in the body.
• If you have a family’s history of varicose veins, make sure you wear compression stockings before performing any physically demanding activities.
• Try to eliminate the harmful effects of gravity by resting your legs as much as you can.
• If you are overweight, you need to lose excess body weight in order not to place unnecessary pressure on your veins.

Conclusion

Like many other medical problems that hamper your physical well-being and self-esteem, the problem of varicose veins also has many treatment options that can effectively control and ease the symptoms. From lifestyle to simple surgeries, people are able to get better and live a better life. Whenever one feels any signs of varicose veins, he or she should not wait any longer but see a doctor immediately in order for the best treatment to be administered without any delay and in this case, the right treatment for you will be given.