Dr Jathin shares The Causes And Treatment Options For Varicose Veins
Varicose veins, also called varicosities are bulging, enlarged veins that usually appear in veins immediately below the skin. They are convoluted, expanded, and stretched subcutaneous veins of the lower leg. Varicose veins affect 22 million women and 11 million men between the ages of 40 and 80 years. Roughly 30% of the Indian population, especially women, suffer from Varicose veins. Early-stage detection and small lifestyle changes can help in reducing varicose vein progression and worsening.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Individuals lack awareness about the causes, and treatment options, leading to a more extreme form of varicose veins. Dr. Jathin’s Vascular & Varicose Vein Center has immensely contributed to the field of vascular care and helped alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with it. Dr Jathin shares, “Varicose veins mostly affect the veins in the legs due to increased blood pressure inside the veins and weakness in the vein wall. Various factors contribute to the occurrence of varicose veins like age, being pregnant, being overweight, and obesity. Professions that require prolonged sitting or standing and a sedentary inactive lifestyle contribute to the increase in pressure in the veins of the lower body. Significantly reduced vein wall elasticity and changes in the elastic properties of the vein wall is a primary cause of varicose veins.”
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are known for causing throbbing pain and discomfort. Dr Jathin adds, “With varicose veins, you might experience a heavy feeling in the legs, throbbing, pain, muscle cramps, and swelling in the lower legs. The pain may worsen with long periods of standing. Itching and changes in skin color around a varicose vein are quite common.
Development of Varicose Veins
Sharing his insight further on the progression and development of Varicose veins, Dr Jathin explains, “Legs have veins similar to pipelines for blood to flow back to the heart. These veins have valves that act as gates, allowing blood to flow in one direction only—towards the heart. When we walk, our leg muscles squeeze these veins, helping push the blood upwards against gravity. However, sometimes these valves don’t work properly, especially in veins close to the skin’s surface. This can happen due to genetic reasons, causing the veins to become swollen and twisted, known as varicose veins. When this occurs, the valves can’t close properly, leading to blood flowing back down towards the feet, making the veins even larger and causing further issues.”
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Dr. Jathin recommends, “As a general form of well-being it is recommended to include food rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. This aids in maintaining a healthy weight, improves blood flow, and reduces inflammation. Good nutrition is an often overlooked factor and specific dietary and lifestyle changes can play a significant role towards better health.” For people who have to stay on their feet for long hours, Dr Jathin recommends a change in position frequently. He adds, “
Move around after every hour to keep the blood circulation going and stretch or walk around to keep the blood from settling in your veins. Watching your weight, elevating your legs, and exercising are must-do’s for a healthier way of living”
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
If these lifestyle diseases don’t have a significant positive impact, it may be a sign of heavy congestion and a medical treatment option might be the only way forward. There are multiple lines of treatments available to tackle varicose veins.
Venaseal treatment is a line of treatment involving minimum invasion. This treatment offers reduced recovery time and lesser after-procedure pain. A medical glue is used to hold, stop, and then redirect the blood flow to healthy veins.
Dr Jathin adds, “RFA or Radiofrequency ablation is also a preferred choice due to shorter recovery time. It uses radiofrequency to cure the inside of a vein, resulting in the closure of the varicose vein. It works on the principle of applying uniform heat so that the collagen in the vein walls contract, resulting in better collapse and seal of the affected vein.”
“A laser treatment known as Endovenous laser ablation can be used where the swollen and twisted veins are treated with a high beam laser. There are two types of laser treatment: Non-invasive laser treatment and Invasive Endovenous laser treatment, which is chosen depending on the size of the veins. Noninvasive is performed outside the skin whereas invasive is performed by inserting a catheter and laser through the skin. “
Dr Jathin adds that Sclerotherapy is another line of treatment, “Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider and varicose veins wherein a solution called a sclerosant is directly injected into veins. The solution cuts blood flow in the veins and the damaged veins are reabsorbed in the local tissue and fade away gradually. We also address and treat the underlying issues related to face varicose veins ”
With advancements in science and technology, the treatment for varicose veins has also evolved. It has become easier for individuals to get the best treatments and get rid of the painful onslaught resulting from varicose veins. Dr Jathin has helped numerous people live pain-free lives through patient-centric treatments and care.
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