Varicosities 

Varicose veins are one of the most common systemic vein problems in the population. These swollen, twisted veins confuse many people who don't understand what they are or how to deal with them properly.

Women face this condition twice as often as men. The risk becomes especially high after age 50. These enlarged blood vessels show up most on the legs and feet, which creates both cosmetic concerns and potential health risks.

This article covers everything about varicosities - what they mean, their signs, why they happen, diagnosis, and treatment options. You will learn when these twisted veins need medical attention and when home care might be enough. 

What are Varicosities?

When the walls of your veins weaken, the vessels can't maintain their normal shape. The result? Bulging, twisted veins that appear just beneath your skin's surface.

Whilst they can form anywhere in your body, varicosities most frequently affect your legs, feet, and ankles. This happens because these areas work hardest against gravity to pump blood back to your heart.

Varicosities Symptoms

Most people notice the visible signs first—those bulging blue or purple veins that seem to pop out from under your skin. Other symptoms are:

• Aching pain, especially behind your knees
• Heavy, tired legs after activity
• Itching around the affected areas
• Swelling in your feet and ankles
• Muscle cramps and nighttime leg discomfort

Causes of Varicosities

Blood normally flows upward through your leg veins against gravity. When the tiny valves inside these veins become faulty, they disrupt this process and allow blood to pool. This pooling stretches the vein walls, creating those characteristic bulges.

The following are some common risk factors:

• As we age, the veins' walls and valves weaken naturally
• Women tend to be more likely to experience this because of hormone shifts during pregnancy, periods, or the change of life.
• Standing 
• or sitting for long periods
• Excess weight
• Family history - if your parents had varicosities, you are more likely to develop them too
• If you are taking hormonal therapy like birth control pills or hormone therapy

Diagnosis for Varicosities

• Physical exam: The Doctor looks for swollen veins and asks you about your symptoms.
• Ultrasound (Doppler): Shows how blood flows and if the valves work properly.
• Venography: X-rays with dye give a clear picture of the vein structure. Doctors use this in rare cases.

Treatment for Varicosities

Treatment options are: 

• Lifestyle changes:
  • Exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling improve blood flow and make leg muscles stronger.
  • Elevate your legs above heart level for a few minutes multiple times a day to lessen swelling and pressure.
  • Move around often to keep blood flowing and stop it from pooling in the veins.
  • Don't wear tight clothes around the waist or legs that can limit blood flow.
  • Compression stockings: These stockings have a special design to support veins, reduce swelling, and ease discomfort.
• Medications:
  • Pain relievers help ease discomfort and inflammation.
  • Topical creams or gels to soothe pain, reduce swelling, and improve circulation.
  • Medicines to strengthen vein walls and improve circulation.
  • Blood thinners (in certain cases) to stop clots from forming
• Advanced treatments: 
  • Ablation: Heat or radiofrequency energy closes off and seals damaged veins.
  • Laser treatment: Focused light energy shrinks and seals varicose veins without surgery. Two types exist:
    • Simple laser therapy for smaller veins
    • Endovenous laser therapy for larger veins
  • Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution injection closes smaller varicose or spider veins.
  • Small incision avulsion: Tiny skin openings under local anaesthesia allow the removal of superficial veins.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy: Doctors remove the affected section of the vein through small incisions.
  • Vein ligation & stripping: This procedure ties off and removes the damaged part of the veins. It improves blood flow and cuts down on swelling.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical attention if varicosities cause:

• Severe pain
• Bleeding
• Skin ulcers
• Swelling
• Skin changes near affected veins

Conclusion

Varicosities affect millions of people worldwide. Most people see these twisted veins as they age, and women over 50 are particularly susceptible. The good news is that basic home treatments like walking, raising your legs, and wearing tight socks often work well.

Your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan - ranging from changes in daily habits to procedures that repair damaged blood vessels. Better vein health begins with knowing what's going on beneath your skin. This understanding helps you take useful steps to feel better and stop future issues.

FAQs

1. What are the common symptoms of varicosities?

You will notice bulging veins first, but many people also experience:

• Legs ache especially behind the knees
• Heavy legs after activity 
• Itchy skin around affected areas
• Swelling in the ankles 
• Nighttime leg cramps 
• The skin near varicose veins often changes colour too.

2. What complications can arise from untreated varicosities?

The following are some common complications: 

• Bleeding
• Skin ulcers can form around your ankles 
• Superficial thrombophlebitis - inflamed veins with clots
• Deep vein thrombosis poses a serious risk and can lead to pulmonary embolism.

3. How can varicosities be prevented?

The key to prevention lies in reducing leg vein pressure. Walking helps your blood circulate better. A healthy weight takes extra pressure off your veins. You should move around every 30 minutes during desk work. Compression stockings help keep your vein valves in the right position.

4. Can varicosities return after treatment?

Varicosities can come back after treatment. Your risk depends on the treatment type, how complete the original procedure was, and your personal risk factors. The good news is that modern endovenous treatments show better long-term results.

5. Can standing or sitting for long periods cause varicosities?

Of course! Your blood circulation suffers when you sit or stand too long. Blood pools around your ankles as pressure builds in leg veins. Research shows desk workers face up to twice the risk of developing varicosities compared to people with active jobs.

Dr. Alok Kumar Udiya

MBBS, MD, PDCC (Neuro-radiology and Gastro-radiology)
CARE CHL Hospitals, Indore

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 406 810 6585