Varicose Veins
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Varicose veins are veins which become swollen and irregular in shape and are most commonly seen in legs. They occur if the valves in these veins stop functioning correctly so that the blood flow through these vessels causes a back pressure effect on the veins. Although variscose veins can cause dicomfort and can be embarrassing and unsightly, they are rarely a cause for concern to your general health.
Women tend to be affected more than men and varicose veins can run in families.
However other sites can be affected. These include veins around the anus causing piles (haemorrhoids), veins around the oesphagus of gullet causing a potentially serious condition called oesphageal varies and in men, veins in the scrotum causing a varicocele.
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Description of Varicose Veins
Here, the veins in the legs are considered in more detail as this is the commonest type of varicose vein.
In varicosed veins, blood flow is slow or sluggish because of the failure of valves in these vessels. Because of this, other conditions can be caused such as swelling of the tissues around the legs because of the leakage of fluid, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and ulcers around the lower legs or ankle area. Ulcers are open sores caused by the breakdown of skin which can be painful, slow healing and be prone to infection.
If a clot of blood forms in part of a vein, the affected area appears swollen, painful and sometimes red. This process is called thrombophelitis and is treated by rest, painkillers and possibly be antibiotics if there is infection present.
Symptoms can be variable and can include any of the following;
- twisted and odd shaped bluish veins (spider veins)
- aching and a heaviness in the legs, especially at night
- swelling of the legs, especially around the ankles
- discolouration of the skin around the veins with a brown/blue shiny appearence
- venous eczema where the skin over the vein becomes, dry, thin and itchy
- the skin may darken due to a lack of clearance of waste products by the veins
- a slower recovery from minor cuts and injuries
- bleeding from a ruptured vein, although this occurs rarely
- again rarely, the skin above the ankle shrinks because the fat underneath becomes hard (lipodermatosclerosis).
Certain people at more at risk of developing varicose veins. These include;
- women
- those who have a family history of varicose veins
- those whoare over weight
- those who wear tight fitting clothing
- those who stand up for long periods, at work for example
- through pregnancy
- diabetics.
Treatment of varicose veins depends on a number of factors including the extent of the problem, severity of your symptoms, your occupation and your general health. The majority of varicose veins suffers require no treatment or simple lifestyle changes such as weight reduction.
However, treatment options include,
- support stockings: these compression stockings come in different strengths and tend to be tighter at the lower legs and looser further up the legs and help to support the surface veins of the legs. Usually these are worn from the morning after moisturising the skin of the legs with a non perfumed moisteriser.
- leg elevation: this is where you raise the legs up hight than your chest at regular intervals. This increases blood flow, reduces deposition of waste products in the surrounding tissues, re-directs blood from the surface veins to the deep veins and helps get more oxygen into the blood.
- injection sclerotherapy: this surgical treatment is when the varicosities are injected with an irritant chemical which closes the veins completely. This may not stop the ache of varicose veins and so is most useful in milder conditions. Sometimes however, the varicose veins come back and is therefore sometimes for shorter term treatment only. Pressure bandages are worn for 3-6 weeks after injection treatment.
- ligation & stripping: this is where the surface veins are tied and pulled out, eight partly or completely. This can only be done if the deeper veins are working correctly. The veins are tied in the groin by making an incision in the upper inner thigh and smaller cuts are made further down the thigh and lower leg to remove portions of the veins. The result of this procedure is generally better than other methods and produces good longer term results.
Medical Facts
How You Will Feel:
Pain relief is used in the form of pain killers for a few days after logation and stripping. Hospital stay is usually for a few days and support bandages are used to ease leg swelling and support the tissues.
You an return to a light job in about 2 weeks after surgery and a heavier or manual job in about 4 weeks.
How Long Will you stay in Hospital after your Varicose Veins?
Single Day In-patient Care
What to do next:
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Related Resources about Varicose Veins
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