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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nVaricose Veins Complication:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most of the people who suffer from varicose veins do not experience any difficulties and do not require any treatment. They can manage their symptoms without the need for medical treatment. But complications can arise and if they do will require treatment as soon as possible. The complications associated with varicose veins are related to blood flow. Some possible complications of varicose veins are explained below-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Bleeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Thrombophlebitis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chronic venous insufficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Varicose eczema<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lipodermatosclerosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Venous ulcer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Restless leg Syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- May – Thurner syndrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Bleeding:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It may happen due to skin trauma overlying varicosity or secondary to spontaneous varicosity rupture. Near the skin surface of varicose veins can sometimes bleed due to cut or bump leg. The bleeding may be difficult to stop. In that case, the patient should lie down, raise the leg, and apply direct pressure to the wound. Seek immediate medical advice if this does not stop the bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thrombophlebitis:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Blood clots form in the vein, causing swelling (inflammation) of the vein called thrombophlebitis. It can occur within varicose veins also. When the blood flow pool in the lower legs, the superficial veins become susceptible to injury & irritation. It can be painful, local warmth, tenderness & reddish color. When it occurs in one of the superficial veins in lower extremity it is known as superficial thrombophlebitis. It can be treated with compression stockings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic venous insufficiency:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If the blood in veins does not flow properly, it can interfere with the way that skin exchanges oxygen, nutrients, and waste products with blood. If the normal exchange of waste products, oxygen & nutrition between the skin & blood is disrupted over a long period of time it is known as chronic venous insufficiency. It usually occurs by a faulty valve in the vein system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Varicose eczema:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Poor skin circulation related to varicose veins leads to developing skin itching. In these conditions, skin becomes red, scaly & flaky. It may also develop blisters in the skin around the varicose veins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lipodermatosclerosis:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It causes the skin around the varicose veins to become hardened, tight. & thicken it turns a red or brown color. It usually affects the calf muscle area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Venous ulcers:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Increasing pressure in the veins of the lower extremity leads to develop venous ulceration. It causes fluid to seep from the vein and collect under the skin. The fluid can cause the skin to thicken, become fragile, and eventually break down to form an ulcer. It usually forms in the ankle area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Restless leg syndrome:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It is one of the annoying complications of varicose veins disorder. Varicose veins can cause an ache in the legs because of a build of fluid and toxins. It worsens at night or during rest. It can disrupt sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deep Vein Thrombosis:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In 20% of varicose veins, some individuals may develop deep vein thrombosis due to clotting blood in superficial veins (varicose veins).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the most severe cases, the clot may be break loose from the vein and spread to other parts of the body., which leads to creating a potentially life-threatening condition. It can be very painful and is often initially noticed as a pulling sensation in the calf of the lower leg. Other symptoms are warmth and redness of the skin and swelling that may extend above the knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May – Thurner syndrome:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a very rare condition of the leg where veins of legs are affected. In this medical condition where one leg will swell as a result while the other one will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Varicose Veins Causes:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The main cause of varicose veins is leaking or damaged valves in the venous system. Leaking or damaged valves may cause poor venous circulation which leads to the varicose vein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the valves of veins fail to work properly, it starts leaking. Then blood will follow the wrong direction. As a result, the affected area will bulge out & looking bluish & lymphy on the leg. The legs & feet are most prone to varicose vein because in these areas where veins have to work hardest against gravitational force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Superficial veins also have less muscle compare to deep veins in our bodies. As a result, superficial veins are most likely to become varicose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The common causes of varicose veins are –<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Pregnancy –<\/strong> During the first trimester, pregnant women prone to develop varicose veins. The amount of blood and hormonal levels increases in this period which puts extra pressure on the venous system. In turn, it causes veins to enlarge. During pregnancy, the uterus expands usually which also puts extra pressure on veins in the pelvic area. Increased hormonal level during pregnancy also aggravates the muscular bulging of the blood vessels to relax which also increases the risk of varicose vein.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Occupation –<\/strong> These veins are most commonly found in people who sit or stand in one position for prolonged periods of time (waitress & waiter, nurse, mothers with a young child). Uninterrupted standing may force leg veins & valves to work against gravitational force. For prolonged periods which increase the risk of pressure-related venous damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Obesity –<\/strong> overweight part always gives extra stress\/pressure on the vascular system. As a result, veins need to work harder to pump blood to pool in the extremities which lead to the development of varicose veins. Overweight can put increased pressure on the valves of the venous system making them more prone to leaking. For that reason, vascular surgeons always give advice to lose weight after surgery to decrease the risk of further attack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inactivity –<\/strong> Calf muscle is known as a heart of leg. It works like a pump that always pushing blood vessels. So if a patient has to stay standing or sitting position for prolonged periods, calf muscle can\u2019t work properly to push blood upwards. It causes a lack of blood flow in veins which developed varicose veins in the future.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Constipation –<\/strong> During constipation, the presence of straining to have a bowel movement which gives extra pressure in the vascular system. Constipation only aggravates the varicose veins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tumor<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inherited vein wall weakness<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Faulty valves<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Less commonly varicose veins are caused by such diseases –<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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- Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Congenital abnormality present in the vein<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blood clots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Varicose Vein Risk Factors:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are several risk factors which can increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins including –<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Aging-<\/strong> The walls of veins tend to weaken on the aging process. During older age veins lose their elasticity which causes them to stretch. As a result, the valves of veins weaken. Getting older may put on higher risk for varicose veins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gender –<\/strong> Women are more likely to develop a higher incidence of varicose veins & venous insufficiency than men. Hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, pregnancy & menopause or with the use of birth control pills tend to relax the walls of veins, making the valves more prone to leaking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Family history –<\/strong> About 50% of people with varicose veins have a family history of them. A close family member history of varicose veins may raise the risk of developing varicose veins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Obesity –<\/strong> Being overweight can give extra stress or pressure on the venous system in the lower extremity. As result veins need to work harder to pump blood to pool in the extremities. It can put increased pressure on the valves which lead to the development of varicose veins. If body mass index (BMI) is high, consequently the risk of varicose veins also high.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pregnancy –<\/strong> The amount of blood increase to help support the developing baby during pregnancy. This puts extra stress or pressure on the venous system. The growing fetus in the uterus puts pressure on the veins in the lower abdomen which causes increases the blood pooling in the lower extremity. It usually gets better within 3 months of delivery. Increasing hormonal levels during pregnancy also increase the risk of varicose veins due to causing muscular bulging of blood vessels to relax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lack of movement –<\/strong> Prolonged periods standing or sitting with the legs crossed or bend can develop the risk of varicose veins due to lack of blood flow in vessel walls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- History of blood clots – <\/strong>If a patient has a blood clot history in the past, or deep vein thrombosis, he or she has a high risk for developing varicose veins. The clot may cause damage to the valves and\/or the walls of veins.
Damaged veins<\/strong> –<\/strong> traumatic damaged vein history also increases the incidence of varicose veins in the future.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Use of oral birth control pills<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wearing a girdle or clothing that’s too tight<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sun exposure<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pregnancy & Varicose Veins:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During, pregnancy newborn baby & placenta needs extra blood. The amount of blood in a pregnant mother’s body increase to help support the developing baby. It puts extra pressure on the venous wall which leading to develop varicose veins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During pregnancy, increased hormonal levels also aggravate the muscular bulging of blood vessels wall to relax which also increases the risk of incidence of varicose veins. During pregnancy, the progesterone hormone causes blood to pool down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the baby grows, the uterus compresses some blood flow returning to the heart contributing to an enhanced risk of varicose veins. Each pregnancy puts at higher risk & older moms are more prone to develop varicose veins. Varicose veins during pregnancy can be discomfort but they are not dangerous for the baby. Usually, varicose veins due to pregnancy get better within 3 to 12 months after delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In most cases, doctors diagnose varicose veins based on a physical examination which is sufficient to diagnose. This will including asking about any family history of varicose veins, the duration & presence of any symptom. After observing the affected area a doctor may ask the patient about his or her sign & symptom. In addition, general inspection & palpation & evaluation for the presence of any bleeding & ulceration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Sometimes a doctor also recommended a Doppler ultrasound test to measure blood flow of the vessel wall in the lower extremity or the presence of blood clots. Sound waves are used in Doppler ultrasound to create realistic pictures of the vessel wall circulatory process in extremity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Duplex ultrasound visualization is very helpful to evaluate varicose veins. It can help to identify any defective presence in veins & pinpoint that requires intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- If the scan is not clear, an X-ray of the vein may be required which called a venogram. It\u2019s a very rare procedure that recommends getting a more detailed picture of the blood flow through blood vessels. The dye is injected into a vein in the foot in this procedure. The contrast can be seen outlining the veins in the calf & thigh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Treatments For Varicose Veins:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are different approaches available for varicose veins. These approaches based upon the size & location of the varicose vein, presence of symptoms & in cases of accompanying skin change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Lifestyle change<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Compressions therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ligation & stripping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sclerotherapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Radiofrequency ablation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Endovenous laser treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Transilluminated powered phlebectomy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Lifestyle Change:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lifestyle modification can reduce the prevalence of varicose veins. It is one of the first treatment choices for varicose veins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Avoid prolonged standing or sitting with legs crossed or bent without taking rest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try to raise legs above the heart level, 30 minutes at least 4 times a day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regularly doing physical activity such as walking and foot flexion exercises in order to encourage blood circulation of legs & improve muscle tone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight reduces to take unneeded pressure off the veins if you are overweight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid wearing clothes that are tight around the waist, groin & legs. Tight clothing can influence varicose veins worse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid wearing high heels for a long period to improve the tone of the calf muscle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Taking a low sodium diet to prevent swelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear compression stockings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Smoking cessation should be emphasized in patients with varicose veins.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Compression Therapy:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- If the scan is not clear, an X-ray of the vein may be required which called a venogram. It\u2019s a very rare procedure that recommends getting a more detailed picture of the blood flow through blood vessels. The dye is injected into a vein in the foot in this procedure. The contrast can be seen outlining the veins in the calf & thigh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Gender –<\/strong> Women are more likely to develop a higher incidence of varicose veins & venous insufficiency than men. Hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, pregnancy & menopause or with the use of birth control pills tend to relax the walls of veins, making the valves more prone to leaking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aging-<\/strong> The walls of veins tend to weaken on the aging process. During older age veins lose their elasticity which causes them to stretch. As a result, the valves of veins weaken. Getting older may put on higher risk for varicose veins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Occupation –<\/strong> These veins are most commonly found in people who sit or stand in one position for prolonged periods of time (waitress & waiter, nurse, mothers with a young child). Uninterrupted standing may force leg veins & valves to work against gravitational force. For prolonged periods which increase the risk of pressure-related venous damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pregnancy –<\/strong> During the first trimester, pregnant women prone to develop varicose veins. The amount of blood and hormonal levels increases in this period which puts extra pressure on the venous system. In turn, it causes veins to enlarge. During pregnancy, the uterus expands usually which also puts extra pressure on veins in the pelvic area. Increased hormonal level during pregnancy also aggravates the muscular bulging of the blood vessels to relax which also increases the risk of varicose vein.<\/li>\n\n\n\n