What are varicose veins?
Irreversible dilatation of lower limbs is called as varicose vein!
We should talk about the anatomy of the lower limbs to better describe and understand the causes of this problem. As you know blood is circulated by veins and arteries, in other words, the blood is pumped from heart to various parts of the body by main artery “Aorta”, and after supplying oxygen and other nutrients it goes back to the heart by veins.
According to their functions, arteries are stronger with muscular walls. Veins, in contrast, are smoother. Instead, some veins have door-shape structures (valves) more in lower limb veins and which facilitates blood circulation to the heart.
In the case of disturbance in the function of these valves, blood will remain in the veins. As a result, these veins will become more dilated. This is what is called as Varicose Vein disease.
What do think would be the reason of this condition?
Multiple factors can contribute with this condition. Let’s talk about some of most common reasons:
- Genetics and positive family history: It is very common and crucial indeed. Patients often mention this in their family and relative history. The reason lies in the fact that vein walls are weak and loose genetically.
- Pregnancy: It is more because of hormonal changes and fetus pressure on the abdomen which makes the vessels looser, therefore, blood goes back to the heart hardly. (Blood needs to be pushed harder to reach to heart).
- Gender: Females are more exposed to varicose veins due to the hormonal nature of the condition.
- Obesity
- Standing for a long time – gravity will keep more blood in the legs.
- Not enough daily physical activity – which can increase the strength of the veins.
So far, we discussed about the condition (Varicose Vein) and possible contributing factors of that.
Let’s see what can be the sign and symptoms of varicose veins.
Patients can experience variety of symptoms depending to the severity and duration of disease. It varies from asymptomatic at the first stages which gradually progresses to ulcerative veins in severe form.
Varicose veins can present in the form of spider-like black vessels or even red vessels. In severe cases the patient feels fatigue, heaviness of limb, tingling, numbness and muscular cramps, because there is too much blood left in the feet. In severe cases, patients present with severe leg swelling as well as ulcers.
Is it important to treat varicose veins?
Of course YES!
WHY?
Because if we don’t treat, complications will occur.
What are the complications?
AS it is mentioned above, ulcers, infections and sometimes severe bleeding. Gathering of blood in veins makes the blood more stagnant which itself, makes clots (thrombus). This clot in the vein is called DVT (deep vein thrombosis) which is dangerous itself. Dislodgement of this clot or its fragments (emboli) is also more dangerous. This might travel to the lung and cause serious illness!
Prevention is always better than cure. Let’s see how we can avoid it.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle along with regular daily activity.
- Avoid tight clothes.
- Avoid sitting or standing for a long time.
- Try to contract your leg muscles even if you have to stand or sit for a long time due to any reason – this will help your blood circulation.
Another basic treatment is compression socks which have different types in the market. It is good idea to consult your doctor before purchasing.
In advanced cases, interventional cardiologist can localize the primary site of the diseased vein by angiography and build an individual management plan for patient.
It worth mentioning, if all of these treatment options failed, next step is surgery. It is the last step in the treatment of severe varicose veins.
It has to be done by a surgeon.
