Pain: Mild varicose veins are painless. Pain only occurs when blood clots form inside varicose veins and cause irritation of nerves. The pain is not diffuse but localized along length of the vein. Individuals who have very large “rope like” veins usually have prominent points of tenderness.
Phlebitis: When blood clots form inside varicose veins, this is known as phlebitis. The blood clots irritate nerves, induce redness and pain. The outer surface of skin may appear red and swollen. Phlebitis can cause pain while walking. The condition is best treated with aspirin, an NSAIDS, rest, and compression stockings. When induration is severe, there may also be a need to use an antibiotic
Numbness and tingling. Some individuals with varicose veins will complain of numbness or tingling on inside of the lower leg. These neural symptoms occur because of irritation of nerves that runs with the varicose veins.
Burning sensation. There are some individuals with varicose veins who complain of moderate degree of a burning sensation on bottom of their feet. It is not known if these sensations are strictly related to varicose veins, because the sensations persist even after varicose veins have been treated. In some cases, the burning sensation lessens while resting.
What conditions can worsen symptoms of varicose veins?
- Pregnant women usually have the most severe symptoms.
The symptoms usually start in the 2nd trimester and
continue until the baby is delivered
- Varicose veins tend to be more symptomatic around
ovulation in child bearing women
- Women who take the birth control pill tend to develop
varicose veins more often than women who do not take
the medication
- Individuals who stand around for prolonged times tend
to develop severe varicose veins
- Obesity is known to promote development of varicose veins
- Sometimes trauma to thigh area or lower leg can damage
the thin vein and later result in formation of varicosities
Many women have none of the above risk factors and still develop varicose veins- this is simply bad luck
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Symptoms of varicose veins Part 2
Skin discoloration: In each and every case when varicose veins are left untreated, discoloration of skin will occur. When blood starts to collect in small veins, the constant high pressure causes the blood to leak outside into the surrounding tissues. Over time, these blood pigments cause an irreversible staining of skin that usually is very obvious around the ankle. The skin will appear dark gray or brown and is discoloration is circumferential. When skin discoloration is first observed around the ankles, it is important to take preventive measures like wearing compression stockings. If stockings are not work, the skin discoloration is permanent.
Skin texture: As varicose veins progress, the skin especially around the ankles becomes dry and rough. The skin also becomes thin and is very prone to bruising. Even the slightest trauma can cause skin to break open. To prevent dryness, it is essential to apply a moisturizer regularly.
Venous ulcers: In many individuals, varicose veins are only a harmless cosmetic defect. However, once varicose vein progress an ulcer can develop. The ulcers occur because blood leaks out of the vein and damages skin. The ulcer typically occurs on inside of the ankle, is quite painful and almost impossible to heal. The ulcer usually gets bigger with time and can make life miserable. Despite 50 years of research, no one knows how to best treat this ulcer. The majority of venous ulcers heal and break open every few months.
Swelling: When varicose veins are moderate to severe, swelling of ankle and foot is common. The swelling is most obvious after one has been standing all day. The swelling typically subsides one when rests or lies down. If legs are kept elevated for the night, the swelling disappears.
Skin texture: As varicose veins progress, the skin especially around the ankles becomes dry and rough. The skin also becomes thin and is very prone to bruising. Even the slightest trauma can cause skin to break open. To prevent dryness, it is essential to apply a moisturizer regularly.
Venous ulcers: In many individuals, varicose veins are only a harmless cosmetic defect. However, once varicose vein progress an ulcer can develop. The ulcers occur because blood leaks out of the vein and damages skin. The ulcer typically occurs on inside of the ankle, is quite painful and almost impossible to heal. The ulcer usually gets bigger with time and can make life miserable. Despite 50 years of research, no one knows how to best treat this ulcer. The majority of venous ulcers heal and break open every few months.
Swelling: When varicose veins are moderate to severe, swelling of ankle and foot is common. The swelling is most obvious after one has been standing all day. The swelling typically subsides one when rests or lies down. If legs are kept elevated for the night, the swelling disappears.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Varicose veins are seen in both men and women of all races and cultures. Overall, it appears that women are more affected by varicose veins than men. What has to be understood is that just because one has varicose veins, does not always mean that one will have symptoms. There is no correlation between having varicose veins and symptoms. Some women have very mild varicose veins and they whine and cry about leg swelling and pain. Other women have “rope-like” varicose veins and yet they only complain about the poor cosmetic appearance
In general, as the varicose veins progress, symptoms will appear.
The most common symptoms of varicose veins are:
Pain: The majority of individuals with varicose veins will complain of an odd ache in the lower legs. The ache is generally worse towards the end of day; usually after having been on the feet all day. Individuals who do tend to stand on their feet all day usually have moderate pain. Pain may start in the foot and one may even feel a throbbing sensation along the calf and lower leg. Still other individuals will feel crampy pain during the night. In almost all cases, pain eases off when one is sitting or lying down. Elevating the legs provides instant relief in many individuals
Itching: Many individuals with varicose veins complain of dryness and constant itching on the lower legs. The itching and dry skin is related to blood pooling in superficial veins in the leg. Often the itching is worse after a shower or in hot weather. The itching does get better when legs are elevated. One way to reduce itching is to apply a skin moisturizer on a regular basis.
In general, as the varicose veins progress, symptoms will appear.
The most common symptoms of varicose veins are:
Pain: The majority of individuals with varicose veins will complain of an odd ache in the lower legs. The ache is generally worse towards the end of day; usually after having been on the feet all day. Individuals who do tend to stand on their feet all day usually have moderate pain. Pain may start in the foot and one may even feel a throbbing sensation along the calf and lower leg. Still other individuals will feel crampy pain during the night. In almost all cases, pain eases off when one is sitting or lying down. Elevating the legs provides instant relief in many individuals
Itching: Many individuals with varicose veins complain of dryness and constant itching on the lower legs. The itching and dry skin is related to blood pooling in superficial veins in the leg. Often the itching is worse after a shower or in hot weather. The itching does get better when legs are elevated. One way to reduce itching is to apply a skin moisturizer on a regular basis.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Varicose veins & treatments Part 3
Can herbs be used to treat varicose veins?
The herb mania has gotten out of hand. Alternative care health practitioners now advocate herbs for everything. Eating mega doses of herbs and spices are recommended for treatment of everything underneath the sun. In truth, there is not a single herb or nutrient that can treat or prevent varicose veins.
What are some preventive measures for varicose veins?
- Regular exercise
- maintain a decent body weight
- Avoid prolonged standing
- Avoid sitting for prolonged period
- When sitting or lying down, elevate the legs
- Avoid wearing tight restrictive clothes
- Wear compressive stockings
Final Note
There are many professional health care workers who advocate removal or treatment for even the mildest varicose veins. There are spas and clinics around every corner in America hyping up lasers and ultrasound treatment for varicose veins. While these ads appear attractive and captivating, the ads are misleading and do not live up to the claims. Recurrence of varicose veins still occurs with every type of treatment. Further, mild varicose veins are better treated with compression stockings and not surgery. If you ever need a vein for open heart surgery, and you vein has been removed, you are going to be in some s..t. So before you rush up for your varicose veins treated, read about it, and go to a reputable physician who is truly interested in helping you out.
Discuss the different options with your physician. Check out your physicians/surgeons credentials and ask around. If ever in doubt, get a second opinion.
For any consumers who have varicose veins, the best treatment is to start wearing compression stockings. Stockings cost less than $10 but are safe, cheap and truly prevent progression of varicosities. The latest compression stockings come in every color, size, design and are very attractive for daily wear.
The herb mania has gotten out of hand. Alternative care health practitioners now advocate herbs for everything. Eating mega doses of herbs and spices are recommended for treatment of everything underneath the sun. In truth, there is not a single herb or nutrient that can treat or prevent varicose veins.
What are some preventive measures for varicose veins?
- Regular exercise
- maintain a decent body weight
- Avoid prolonged standing
- Avoid sitting for prolonged period
- When sitting or lying down, elevate the legs
- Avoid wearing tight restrictive clothes
- Wear compressive stockings
Final Note
There are many professional health care workers who advocate removal or treatment for even the mildest varicose veins. There are spas and clinics around every corner in America hyping up lasers and ultrasound treatment for varicose veins. While these ads appear attractive and captivating, the ads are misleading and do not live up to the claims. Recurrence of varicose veins still occurs with every type of treatment. Further, mild varicose veins are better treated with compression stockings and not surgery. If you ever need a vein for open heart surgery, and you vein has been removed, you are going to be in some s..t. So before you rush up for your varicose veins treated, read about it, and go to a reputable physician who is truly interested in helping you out.
Discuss the different options with your physician. Check out your physicians/surgeons credentials and ask around. If ever in doubt, get a second opinion.
For any consumers who have varicose veins, the best treatment is to start wearing compression stockings. Stockings cost less than $10 but are safe, cheap and truly prevent progression of varicosities. The latest compression stockings come in every color, size, design and are very attractive for daily wear.
Varicose veins & treatments Part 2
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a novel procedure that removes varicose veins in the thigh area. The procedure is done as an outpatient. The leg is cleaned and a small needle is placed in the lower thigh area where the varicose vein is located. Using ultrasound, a small laser probe is passed into the varicose vein up to the groin. The laser is switched on and gently pulled. The heat from laser burns the veins and within 20 minutes, the procedure is done.
This procedure does not treat varicose veins in the lower leg and is also expensive.
Many other procedures have been developed along the same lines. EVLT is probably the most abused procedure by surgeons. Even individuals who do not have symptoms or have very small varicose veins are treated this way. One has to understand that this same vein is often used for open-heart surgery or other bypass procedures. Despite the massive marketing behind this technique, one should be aware that a normal or mildly diseased varicose vein should never be removed. You never know if you may need the vein in future for heart surgery. The treatment of mild varicose veins is never surgery.
Closure procedure: The closure procedure is the same as EVLT except that it uses radiofrequency waves instead of a laser to generate heat.
Both EVLT and the closure procedure are considered cosmetic surgery. Both procedures have the potential to cause burns, scars, and damage to surrounding tissue. Recurrences are also very high with these two procedures,
Trivex procedure: Not to be outdone by EVLT and closure, now we also have TriVex. This simple procedure which requires anesthesia, uses a camera to identify the vein. Through a small skin incision, a thin camera on a wire is introduced and using special hook and clips, the vein is either cut or removed. Trivex requires multiple small incisions. The only difference here compared to ambulatory phlebotomy is that a camera is used.
Because of the lure of quick money, many physicians recommend Trivex and remove normal veins or veins with minimal varicosities.
This procedure does not treat varicose veins in the lower leg and is also expensive.
Many other procedures have been developed along the same lines. EVLT is probably the most abused procedure by surgeons. Even individuals who do not have symptoms or have very small varicose veins are treated this way. One has to understand that this same vein is often used for open-heart surgery or other bypass procedures. Despite the massive marketing behind this technique, one should be aware that a normal or mildly diseased varicose vein should never be removed. You never know if you may need the vein in future for heart surgery. The treatment of mild varicose veins is never surgery.
Closure procedure: The closure procedure is the same as EVLT except that it uses radiofrequency waves instead of a laser to generate heat.
Both EVLT and the closure procedure are considered cosmetic surgery. Both procedures have the potential to cause burns, scars, and damage to surrounding tissue. Recurrences are also very high with these two procedures,
Trivex procedure: Not to be outdone by EVLT and closure, now we also have TriVex. This simple procedure which requires anesthesia, uses a camera to identify the vein. Through a small skin incision, a thin camera on a wire is introduced and using special hook and clips, the vein is either cut or removed. Trivex requires multiple small incisions. The only difference here compared to ambulatory phlebotomy is that a camera is used.
Because of the lure of quick money, many physicians recommend Trivex and remove normal veins or veins with minimal varicosities.
Varicose veins & treatments Part 1
Can Sclerotherapy be used to treat varicose veins?
No, sclerotherapy is only meant to treat small spider veins. Varicosities are quite large and the amount of chemical needed for sclerotherapy would lead to serious side effects.
Can laser be used to treat varicose veins?
No, laser is only used to treat superficial spider veins
Vein stripping
The oldest procedure to treat varicose veins is vein stripping. The procedure is generally used in individuals who have “thick rope” like varicose veins. The procedure is done under anesthesia and has a downtime of a few days. The vein is tied off in the groin and the remainder is pulled away. After surgery, bruising and mild pain is common. While many people seem to have a negative attitude towards vein stripping, it is perhaps the gold standard for treating varicose veins in the entire leg. It also has the lowest incidence of recurrence. After surgery, it is recommended that one wear compression stockings on a regular basis.
Ambulatory phlebectomy: Some individuals only have large bluish veins at a few spots on the leg. For these individuals, isolated small stabs or incisions can be made to remove the obvious veins. The procedure does require anesthesia but has little downtime. Special instruments are used to remove the varicosities and the results are okay. Recurrences are common. It is highly recommended that one wear compression stockings after the procedure
No, sclerotherapy is only meant to treat small spider veins. Varicosities are quite large and the amount of chemical needed for sclerotherapy would lead to serious side effects.
Can laser be used to treat varicose veins?
No, laser is only used to treat superficial spider veins
Vein stripping
The oldest procedure to treat varicose veins is vein stripping. The procedure is generally used in individuals who have “thick rope” like varicose veins. The procedure is done under anesthesia and has a downtime of a few days. The vein is tied off in the groin and the remainder is pulled away. After surgery, bruising and mild pain is common. While many people seem to have a negative attitude towards vein stripping, it is perhaps the gold standard for treating varicose veins in the entire leg. It also has the lowest incidence of recurrence. After surgery, it is recommended that one wear compression stockings on a regular basis.
Ambulatory phlebectomy: Some individuals only have large bluish veins at a few spots on the leg. For these individuals, isolated small stabs or incisions can be made to remove the obvious veins. The procedure does require anesthesia but has little downtime. Special instruments are used to remove the varicosities and the results are okay. Recurrences are common. It is highly recommended that one wear compression stockings after the procedure
Varicose veins & treatments
What types of treatment are available for varicose veins?
In the last 15 years, many different treatments for varicose veins have been developed. In the past, the only two treatments were available for varicose veins- removal of the vein with surgery or wearing of compressive stockings. Today, many fancy treatments have been developed to treat various degrees of varicose veins- mind you varicose vein treatment is a lucrative business and many health care professionals are doing these procedures even when patients have minimal symptoms. The best treatment for the individual with varicose veins depends on severity, location and physician experience.
Facts: there is no doubt that varicose veins are unattractive and sometimes may cause symptoms. However, not all varicose veins need surgery.
The following treatments for varicose veins are available today.
Compression stockings
Despite 40 years of advanced research on surgical methods to treat varicose veins, compression stockings are probably the best treatment. There are a variety of compression stockings available today. When worn on a regular basis they prevent worsening of varicose veins and also reduce symptoms. Compression garments do not cure varicose veins but prevent them from getting worse. Stockings also improve symptoms and prevent development of blood clots.
The only downside to stocking is that they must be worn on a daily basis. One can remove them just before bedtime. Compression stockings are ideal for the pregnant female, individuals who are bed ridden, those who have had a stroke, and those who do not want surgery. Compression stockings also preserve the vein just in case it is needed for open-heart surgery in future.
In the last 15 years, many different treatments for varicose veins have been developed. In the past, the only two treatments were available for varicose veins- removal of the vein with surgery or wearing of compressive stockings. Today, many fancy treatments have been developed to treat various degrees of varicose veins- mind you varicose vein treatment is a lucrative business and many health care professionals are doing these procedures even when patients have minimal symptoms. The best treatment for the individual with varicose veins depends on severity, location and physician experience.
Facts: there is no doubt that varicose veins are unattractive and sometimes may cause symptoms. However, not all varicose veins need surgery.
The following treatments for varicose veins are available today.
Compression stockings
Despite 40 years of advanced research on surgical methods to treat varicose veins, compression stockings are probably the best treatment. There are a variety of compression stockings available today. When worn on a regular basis they prevent worsening of varicose veins and also reduce symptoms. Compression garments do not cure varicose veins but prevent them from getting worse. Stockings also improve symptoms and prevent development of blood clots.
The only downside to stocking is that they must be worn on a daily basis. One can remove them just before bedtime. Compression stockings are ideal for the pregnant female, individuals who are bed ridden, those who have had a stroke, and those who do not want surgery. Compression stockings also preserve the vein just in case it is needed for open-heart surgery in future.
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