In Urban cities, sedentary & comfortable lifestyle has contributed to many diseases,and one of them is “Varicose Veins”. Though older women are four times more susceptible to this than men,statistics say that around 15-20% of the population in India is suffering from Varicose Veins.Due to some hormonal changes in females, the veins become enlarged as well as dilated. Also, during pregnancy, there is much more pressure on leg veins, and hence they developvaricose. The flow of blood through the veins is blocked because of fashiontrend amongst young women to wear high-heeled sandals & tight pants.
The leg vein contains multiple valves through which the blood flows in thedirection of theheart. When these valves are damaged, blood starts pooling in the veins causing swelling in veins & ankles;pain;prominent dilatedveins; itching; dryness of skin and dark pigmentation. Varicose Veins left untreated can lead tosevere problems like nonhealing venous ulcers, which can lead to disability for life. Though rare, it can cause sudden death if the clots enter deeperintothe veins and if they reach lungs or heart.
Factors like obesity, lack of exercise, old age, genetic heredity, pregnancy can bring on this condition of varicose veins. Prolonged standing and sitting are also one of the significant factors that increase the risk of varicose veins.General examination or ultrasound Doppler study makes a diagnosis of varicose veins.With pioneering treatment for varicose veins, a patient can lead a healthy comfortable life. Here are few treatment suggestions for varicose veins.
Conventional treatment of varicose veins
Along with lifestyle changes, thefirst line oftherapy for Varicose veins is that patients are advisedto elevate theirlegs that reduce the swelling and to wear compression stockings.Anti-inflammatory medicines ibuprofen or aspirin can be used along with compressed stocking, but with severe discomfort, the patient must consult the concerneddoctor.
For few cases, Sclerotherapy is advisedwhereinmedicineis injectedinto the dilated veins that cause the veins to collapse. Surgical treatment of varicose veins includesvein stripping surgery in which the veins are taken out through surgery. In this procedure, the rate of recurrence is very high,and recovery takes more than 2-3 weeks.If symptoms do not improve with this method, then consider nonsurgical treatment options for varicose veins.
Non-surgical Treatment of Varicose veins
Treatment option for severe cases of varicose veins without surgery is “Radioactive Ablation”(RFA)procedure that is latest, most effective and patient-friendlytreatment.Unlike traditional surgical treatment, this procedure needs no general anaesthesia,leaves no surgical scars, no blood loss and guarantees faster recovery. Once the colour Doppler Ultrasound Vision accesses the abnormal vein, theradiofrequency caterer is insertedinto this abnormal vein,and the vessel is treated with radio energy,resulting in theclosure of affected vein. Recurrence rate with RFA is low as compared to thesurgical procedure and thepatient can start walking just after it.RFA is fast replacing the traditional methods of treatment of Varicose veins.
Thus, varioustreatments of varicose veins are available in India, but wise thing to do is consult the doctor at the right time to avoid future complications.
