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Varicose veins and Spider Veins

What are varicose veins ?

Varicose veins are veins under the skin of the legs which become widened , bulged and sometimes twisted.
They are very common and do not cause medical problems in most people

There are two main systems of the veins in the legs :
  • Deep veins : The leg muscles squeeze the deep veins during walking, carrying most of the blood back up the legs to the heart.
  • Superficial veins  : These occur under the skin which are less important and can form varicose veins.
All of these veins contain one way valves to ensure that the blood flows towards the heart. Failure of these valves allows blood to flow backwards down the veins and results in an overload of pressure when standing.
This excess pressure leads to widening of the veins so that they do not close properly. Blood then flows back into the leg along these veins and causes varicose veins to develop.
Raised pressure in these veins also encourages the development of spider veins and discolored areas which look like bruises.

What causes varicose veins ?

Varicose veins ans Spider veins often run in families and there may be a hereditary component. Women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins.  Hormonal factor including puberty, pregnancy , menopause , birth control pills. and hormone replacement affect the disease.

It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. pregnancy causes increase in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn cause veins to enlarge. The enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. 
Other predisposing factors include ageing , standing for long period of time , obesity and leg injury.

Symptoms :

Symptoms may include :
  • Color changes in skin
  • Sores on the legs
  • Rash
  • Sensation in the legs , such as heavy feeling , burning, and aching.
Severe varicose veins may eventually produce long term mild swelling that can result in more serious skin and tissue problems. These includes ulcers and non healing sores.

Diagnosis : 

Duplex ultrasound : A type of vascular ultrasound done to check blood flow and the structure of the leg veins. Duplex means two types of ultrasound are used.

Treatment : 

The treatment will depend on : 
  • Your age , overall health and medical history
  • Extent of the condition
  • sign and symptoms
  • Tolerance of specific medicines, and therapies
  • your preference
Medical treatment may include : 
  • Elevation of the legs : elevate your feet above the level of your heart for 10 to 15 min. It can reduce leg swelling and some more symptoms.
  • Compression stockings : It squeezes the veins and prevent blood from pooling.
  • Sclerotherapy : A salt or chemical solution is injected into the varicose veins . 
  • Thermal ablation : Lasers and Radiofrequency energy may be used to treat varicose veins.
  • Vein Stripping ; Surgery to remove varicose veins.
  • Microphlebectomy : special tools inserted through incision and used to remove varicose veins.
A video of exercise is attached here which will help you to get prevented from Varicose and Spider veins .


Complications : 

Varicose veins are usually not serious . But complications may happen : 

  • Inflammation or swelling of veins  
  • Blood clots

Can varicose veins be prevented ?

Steps to prevent varicose veins include : 
  • keeping a healthy weight
  • Exercising regularly
  • putting your feet up while sitting
  • Not crossing your legs while sitting
  • Not wearing tight clothing


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