Varicose Veins Treatment
Varicose Veins Treatment
Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged and twisted veins in the legs and feet. If left untreated, they can lead to discomfort, pain, ulcers, and blood clots.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when veins near the surface of the skin become enlarged, twisted, and swollen. This condition causes the veins to become visible and take on a dark purple or bluish color. It typically affects the legs and feet and is present in 20% of the adult population, becoming more common with age. After age 50, one in two people may develop varicose veins. Women, overweight individuals, and those who must stand or sit for long periods are more likely to develop varicose veins.
Spider veins are a milder form of varicose veins. They are typically red, less than 1 mm in diameter, and appear like a spider web on the surface of the skin.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside them stop functioning properly. Blood cannot be effectively pumped back to the heart, pools inside the vein, and further deforms the valves. The increased pressure weakens the vein wall, causing the vein to enlarge and become visible.
The hormone estrogen's relaxing effect on vein walls triggers varicose vein formation in women. Pregnancy and birth control pills can also contribute to this condition. People with a family history of varicose veins are at higher risk. A sedentary lifestyle, excessive weight, warm climates, constipation, and the use of accessories such as knee braces, knee pads, or high heels are also risk factors.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The most common complaint about varicose veins is the appearance of the legs. Other common symptoms include:
- A feeling of heaviness or leg pain that increases throughout the day
- Swelling in the legs, initially only in the evenings, later throughout the day
- Night cramps
- Itching, warmth, burning sensation, or throbbing in the legs
- Small bruises
- Brown or purplish spots around the ankle
- Skin discoloration
- Wounds on the legs or ankles that take a long time to heal
- Restless leg syndrome
Varicose vein symptoms can vary from person to person and typically become more intense in hot weather or after prolonged inactivity.
Stages of Varicose Veins
Doctors use the CEAP scale to assess the condition and determine treatment. The stages are classified as follows:
- C0: No visible or palpable signs
- C1: Spider veins or reticular veins begin to appear
- C2: Large venous varicose veins appear
- C3: Swelling (edema) in the feet and ankles
- C4a: Discoloration of the feet
- C4b: Skin changes
- C5: Healed ulcers
- C6: Unhealed active varicose ulcers
When Should You Be Concerned About Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a common condition and, for many people, cause no problems beyond aesthetic concerns. However, if symptoms such as pain, swelling, or skin discoloration occur, a doctor should be consulted. The longer the problem is left untreated, the higher the risk of complications.
Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
Varicose veins can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Leaky valves can cause clots and inflammation in the vein (thrombophlebitis). This condition can result in vein blockage and respiratory failure, leading to pulmonary embolism and potentially death.
Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins
Nowadays, minimally invasive methods are preferred over open surgery in the treatment of varicose veins. At Well Dems Travel Agency, we offer treatment options that provide maximum comfort and good cosmetic results for our patients.
To determine the correct treatment, a vascular surgery specialist will examine the patient and identify the source of the varicose veins. Color Doppler ultrasound is the best tool for diagnosing varicose veins and visualizing blood flow from the valves. Vein mapping helps assess which veins require intervention. Based on these findings, the specialist may recommend surgery or another procedure.
Treatment Methods
- Endovenous Laser Ablation: This technique closes the vein causing varicose veins from the inside using a thin catheter that emits laser energy. The procedure takes only 30 minutes, and the patient can walk immediately. The success rate is 94-99%.
- Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation: Similar to the laser procedure, but the vein is closed using different energy. The radiofrequency catheter seals the vein with 120°C energy. All procedures are performed subcutaneously under ultrasound guidance.
- Embolization with Adhesive Agents (BioGlue): An adhesive agent (cyanoacrylate) is administered to the leaking vein under ultrasound guidance. The vein is compressed for 1-3 minutes to close it. No incision or stitches are needed, and the effect is immediate.
- Removal of Varicose Veins with Mini Incisions (Mini Phlebectomy): This technique allows for the removal of varicose clusters through very small needle punctures. The punctures are not sutured, only covered with medical tape.
- Sclerotherapy: This method aims to dry out varicose veins by injecting a sclerosing agent with very fine needles. The vein is absorbed and destroyed by the body. For the best results, compression should be applied to the affected area for at least 2-3 days.
At Well Dems Travel Agency, we offer the latest and most effective methods for treating varicose veins. We prioritize your health and comfort, working to achieve the best results.