There are one-way valves that aid the veins to carry blood, stopping them from flowing backwards. When the valves do not function properly, instead of reaching the heart, the blood tends to stagnate in the legs and ankle. Varicose veins that are also called varicoses or varicosities occur when the veins get enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins, appearing bluish-purple or red in colour are also painful by nature most of the time. Often, varicose veins appear swollen and raised.
In the West, varicose veins have a prevalence of 8 to 10 per cent, where varying degrees of the condition can be seen. However, in India, there is no such estimate, though it is considered to be a common condition.
Who can be affected?
Dr Sairam Subramanian, consultant vascular and endo vascular surgeon, Kauvery Hospitals, says that while the condition was earlier considered to be more prevalent among women, the perception has changed. “There are several factors that trigger the condition. Pregnancy, changes in hormone, obesity etc. Those engaged in vocations that require them to stand for a long time- like teachers and policemen are also prone to developing it. Moreover, a family history of the condition is also a major risk factor,” he says.
He adds that the symptoms to watch out for includes enlargement of veins in the legs and ankle due to blood stagnation, pain, feeling of heaviness in feet, skin eczema and discolouration of the skin turning it black. “In complicated cases, it could lead to ulcers that are difficult to heal,” he adds.
After investigations involving Doppler ultrasound scan and thorough screening by a vascular surgeon, there are painless treatment options for the patients. Dr N Sekar, Senior Consultant Vascular Surgeon says, “Today, we have endovenous laser procedure or chemical injections; both are quite painless. Earlier there was only open surgery and that’s not the case anymore. However, just about 60 to 70 per cent will improve after surgery. For the rest, compression stockings will help prevent the blood from stagnating in the legs and ankle.”
Late diagnosis in most cases
Doctors add that in most the cases, patients seek treatment very late. “Early treatment is always the best, but we don’t see many in the early stages. They are not worried when they see large and unsightly veins but it is only when it begins to pain that they consult a doctor,” adds Dr Sairam. He says they see as many as 25-30 patients everyday with the condition, at the hospital he works. “We perform approximately 300 surgeries a year,” he says.
Difference between spider veins and varicose veins
- Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn inside the skin. It doesn’t have complications and is a cosmetic issue.
- Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins – usually blue or dark purple – that usually occur on the legs, when the valves that aid the veins in carrying blood stopping them from flowing backwards, don’t function properly.
Some causes for varicose veins:
- Chronic heart valve conditions, which are usually congenital.
- Standing for long periods of time.
- Pressure on the midsection of the body, especially the abdomen.
- Obesity, which adds weight to the body and increases the pressure on the legs.
- Fullness, heaviness, aching, and sometimes pain in the legs.
- Heavy feeling after standing for a while.
- Discolouration of skin and eczema.