What are varicose veins?

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What You Should Know About Varicose Veins

Have you noticed that the veins in your legs have become more prominent lately? Although you probably do not have any pain at this stage, consider this appearance a warning from your body.

This appearance in your legs is most likely the beginning of varicose veins. If left untreated, the veins initially appear thin but gain prominence and swell over time. In advanced stages, the veins, which become dark, also cause additional health problems such as pain and fatigue.

So, how do varicose veins occur and why are they more common in some people? In this article, we aim to take a closer look at the most curious topics about varicose veins. If you also have questions about varicose veins, read on!

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a condition caused by dilation and tortuosity of the veins. Varicose veins usually occur in the legs and can be seen on the skin surface. The veins, which are responsible for returning blood from the heart to the body and then from the body back to the heart, may sometimes partially fail to fulfill their duties due to improper functioning of the vascular valves. In such cases, blood accumulates in the legs and varicose veins form. Varicose veins can be aesthetically disturbing because they can be seen through the skin’s surface. However, the problem that varicose veins can cause is not limited to visual aesthetics but can lead to more serious health problems over time.

Although varicose veins may initially be perceived as an appearance disorder, they can eventually cause complaints such as pain, swelling, and fatigue in the legs. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

There are many causes of varicose veins, ranging from genetic factors to lifestyle. If we need to explain the cause of varicose veins simply, we can express it as follows: venous valves are responsible for preventing blood from escaping back. Damage or weakening of these valves causes blood to pool in the legs and the veins to dilate. The enlargement of the veins and the accumulation of blood causes varicose veins.

The main factors leading to varicose veins are as follows:

• Genetic predisposition: People with a family history of varicose veins have a higher risk of varicose veins.
• Inactivity: People who stand for long hours due to their jobs or people who sit still for long hours can cause varicose veins by negatively affecting vascular health.
• Pregnancy: Increased hormone levels and uterine pressure during pregnancy can cause veins to dilate.
• Aging: With the advancement of age, the elasticity of the veins decreases over time, and the venous valves that should direct the blood to the heart weaken and cannot do their job.
• Obesity: Extra pressure on the veins in the legs due to excess weight is also among the causes of varicose veins.

By paying attention to these factors, it is possible to reduce the risk of varicose veins.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Symptoms of varicose veins may vary depending on the stage and severity of the disease. For some people, varicose veins are aesthetic problems because they are visible on the skin surface, while in some cases they can cause discomfort that reduces people’s quality of life.

The most common symptoms of varicose veins are as follows:

• Prominent veins in the legs: Blue or purple, twisted, and bulging veins become visible.
• Pain and a feeling of heaviness: Pain and fatigue in the legs, especially when standing for long periods.
• Swelling: Swelling of the ankles and legs may occur.
• Itching and skin changes: Itching, dry skin, and discoloration may occur in the varicose area.
• Night cramps: Cramp-like pain in the legs can occur especially at night.

If you experience some of these symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist as early as possible.

What are the Types of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are divided into different types according to the size and depth of the veins and the complaints they cause. Depending on the type, different aesthetic and medical treatments may be preferred.

We can list the main types of varicose veins as follows:

• Superficial (Spider) Varices: These are thin and spider web-shaped veins that are not very prominent. These varicose veins do not cause pain and are usually seen as an aesthetic problem.
• Large Vein Varicose Veins: These are larger and more prominent veins. These varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, and circulatory problems.
• Deep Vein Varicose Veins: These varicose veins form in deep veins and can cause serious health problems. It can lead to dangerous conditions such as deep vein thrombosis.

Different types of varicose veins require different treatment methods. Therefore, if you have similar symptoms, you should see a specialist doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What are Varicose Veins Treatment Methods?

Varicose veins treatment may differ according to the degree of the person’s complaints, the type of varicose veins, and the person’s health status. Today, there are different varicose vein treatment methods, both surgical and non-surgical.

We can list the main varicose vein treatment methods as follows:

• Lifestyle Changes: To alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins in the early stages, regular exercise, leg elevation, and the use of support stockings are beneficial.
• Sclerotherapy: It is a preferred method for small and medium-sized varicose veins. A special substance is injected into the vein to shrink the varicose veins.
• Laser Treatment: It is a method applied for superficial varicose veins. Laser beams shrink the veins and reduce their visibility.
• Radiofrequency and Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): This is a minimally invasive treatment method used to treat larger varicose veins. Through a catheter inserted into the vein, the damaged vein is heated and closed and blood flow is redirected to healthy veins.
• Surgical Intervention: In severe varicose veins, surgical removal of the veins may be required. This procedure is usually applied as a last resort when other methods cannot be used.

What is good for varicose vein pain?

There are some simple methods you can apply at home to relieve varicose vein pain. However, keep in mind that these methods are not permanent solutions and you should seek medical support to stop the progression of varicose veins.

We can list what you can do to relieve the pain caused by varicose veins as follows:

• Elevate your legs: It is helpful to keep your legs above the level of your heart during the day to promote blood circulation.
• Use support stockings: They compress the veins, allow the blood to circulate better, and relieve the pain.
• Cold application: You can apply cold compresses to the areas affected by varicose veins to reduce swelling and pain.
• Regular exercise: Especially low-intensity exercises such as walking increase your blood circulation and relieve pain.

Which Doctor Should I Go to for Varicose Veins?

For varicose vein treatment, you can make an appointment with the physicians in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department. Specialized doctors in this department evaluate your varicose veins and determine the most appropriate treatment method for you.

Dermatologists can also help you treat varicose veins if your veins are not deep and noticeable. In advanced varicose veins, a vascular ultrasound will be required. For these and similar examinations, you should consult a cardiovascular surgeon.

Remember, the success rate of treatment is directly related to early diagnosis and the right choice of specialist.