What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are usually caused by problems in the return of deoxygenated blood to the heart due to venous reflux problems in the veins of the legs. Deoxygenated blood must return to the heart to go to the lungs to be cleaned from the whole body. Varicose veins are visible veins that appear blue, enlarged and twisted under the skin of the legs. Although varicose veins often cause visual discomfort in the first years, they can cause pain later on. If venous insufficiency develops, swelling occurs in the legs. If clot forms in varicose veins (thrombophlebitis), pain, swelling, and redness occur in the legs. Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. The incidence increases with advancing age.
What are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
• Burning, pain, and pressure sensation in the legs
• Purple and green veins that appear under the skin
• The appearance of elongated, coiled, and constricted veins under the skin
• Night cramps
• Fatigue and a throbbing feeling in the legs
• Oedema
• Itching
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How do Varicose Veins Occur?
Varicose veins are usually caused by problems in the return of deoxygenated blood to the heart due to venous reflux problems in the veins of the legs. Deoxygenated blood must return to the heart to go to the lungs to be cleansed from the whole body. While the blood in the veins goes from the bottom up, the valves in the veins are broken, and the blood starts to flow back and deforms them by creating pressure in the veins. When the vessel is deformed, the leakage increases, and the vicious circle continues.
What are the Types of Varicose Veins?
There are several types of varicose veins:
Telangiectatic Varicose
These are thin capillary varicose veins in the form of a spider web, appearing blue and red. Rarely, they may be on the face of the leg. They usually do not cause pain and are harmless. They cause cosmetic problems.
Reticular Varicose
These are blue and purple veins under the skin, feeding the telangiectatic varicose and are larger (approximately 3 mm in diameter). They can cause complaints such as pain.
Truncal Varicose
These are varicose veins that appear as a bump on the skin and are in the form of a lump. They are larger than other types of varicose veins.
What are the Causes of Varicose Veins?
-Genetic Factors
-Gender (more common in women)
-Inactivity
-Being Above Ideal Weight
-Periods of Intense hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
-Traumatic Events (vascular injuries)
How to Diagnose Varicose Veins?
Today, many radiological examinations are used in the diagnosis of varicose veins. Colour Doppler ultrasonography is the method that provides the most qualified data among these examinations. Colour Doppler ultrasonography is an examination method that should be taken while the patient is lying down and standing. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance (MR), and venography can also be used for diagnosis.
How are Varicose Veins Treated?
Removal of varicose veins is the most traditional method. However, it is both laborious and takes a long time to recover. In the laser treatment method, a beam is sent from the laser device, and the vein is burned. In the radiofrequency method, radio waves are sent into the vein. During this time, heat is generated, and the vein is burned. These procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. Patients can be discharged on the same day. In addition, some exercises and compression stockings can be recommended as a treatment.
What Should be Considered to Prevent the Formation of Varicose Veins?
• Doing regular exercise
• Getting rid of excess weight
• Not working while standing or sitting for long periods of time
• Extending the legs while sitting and not crossing the legs for a long time
• Resting by raising the legs in the air after standing for a long time
• To prevent constipation, consume high-fibre foods
• Avoiding wearing very tight and tight clothes
• Massaging other parts of the leg, not directly on varicose veins.
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Varicose veins is a condition caused by problems in the return of oxygen-free blood to the heart due to venous reflux problems in the leg veins.