What is the main cause of varicose veins ?

 WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS ?

The condition is very common, especially in women. Around 25 percent of all adults have varicose veins. In most cases, varicose veins appear on the lower legs. Varicose veins, also known as varicoses or varicosities, occur when your veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and have a bluish-purple or red color. They are often .

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS ?

In some cases, you can develop swelling and discoloration. In severe cases, the veins can bleed significantly, and ulcers can form. The primary symptoms of varicose veins are highly visible, misshapen veins, usually on your legs. You may also have pain, swelling, heaviness, and achiness over or around the enlarged veins. 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS ?

The veins then enlarge. Varicose veins often affect the legs. The veins there are the farthest from your heart, and gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow upward. Varicose veins occur when veins aren’t functioning properly. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves fail, blood begins to collect in the veins rather than continuing toward your heart. 

Some potential causes for varicose veins include:

HOW IS VARICOSE VEIN  DIAGNOSIS ?

Depending on the location, a venogram may be done to further assess your veins. During this test, your doctor injects a special dye into your legs and takes X-rays of the area. The dye appears on the X-rays, giving your doctor a better view of how your blood is flowing.

Tests such as ultrasounds or venograms help ensure that another disorder like a blood clot or a blockage isn’t causing the pain and swelling in your legs. Doctor will likely examine your legs and visible veins while you’re sitting or standing to diagnose varicose veins. They may ask you about any pain or symptoms you’re having.

Doctor may also want to do an ultrasound to check your blood flow. This is a noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves. It allows your doctor to see how blood is flowing in your veins.

HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENTIING VARICOSE VEINS ?

Doctors are conservative when treating varicose veins. You’ll probably be advised to make changes to your lifestyle, instead of trying more aggressive treatments.

Lifestyle changes

Varicose veins, you should take these steps to prevent new varicose veins. You should also elevate your legs whenever you’re resting or sleeping. The following changes may help prevent varicose veins from forming or becoming worse:

  • Avoid standing for extended periods of time.
  • Lose weight  or maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise to improve your circulation.
  • Use compressions socks or stockings.

Compression

Your doctor may advise you to wear special compression socks or stockings. These place enough pressure on your legs so that blood can flow more easily to your heart. They also decrease swelling.

Surgery

If lifestyle changes aren’t working, or if your varicose veins are causing a lot of pain or damaging your overall health, your doctor might try an invasive procedure.

Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical treatment that requires anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon makes cuts in your skin, cuts the varicose vein, and removes it through the incisions. Although updated variations of vein-stripping surgeries have been developed, they are less commonly performed because newer, less invasive options are available.

SOME OTHER TREATMENTS  ARE :

Currently, a wide variety of minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins are available. These include:

  • sclerotherapy , using a liquid or foam chemical injection to block off a larger vein
  • microsclerotherapy, using a liquid chemical injection to block off smaller veins
  • laser surgery, using light energy to block off a vein
  • endovenous ablation therapy, using heat and radiofrequency waves to block off a vein
  • endoscopic vein surgery, using a small lighted scope inserted through a small incision to block off a vein

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