A relief for varicose veins patients

A relief for varicose veins patients
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Highlights

Varicose veins, affecting one in every five adults which is more common among women, can now be treated by a laser-based minimally invasive procedure without resorting to surgery. Speaking at a conference on Wednesday, and creating awareness on the disease, interventional radiologist Dr MV Chalapathi Rao said that varicose veins are abnormally swollen,

Varicose veins, affecting one in every five adults which is more common among women, can now be treated by a laser-based minimally invasive procedure without resorting to surgery. Speaking at a conference on Wednesday, and creating awareness on the disease, interventional radiologist Dr MV Chalapathi Rao said that varicose veins are abnormally swollen, twisted and painful veins in the leg, usually due to defective valves in the vain.

“People who stand for long hours are more prone to develop the problem. And, if other family members have had this problem, there is a greater chance of others in the family getting affected. The chances of children developing varicose veins are higher if both the parents have them,” the radiologist said, adding that obesity could also be a major contributing factor to varicose veins.

Informing about Endovenous Laser Ablation and how it is better than the traditional method of removing veins, the doctor said, “Earlier, most of the time the veins were removed through a major surgery and the recovery period used to be longer even as the risk of morbidity was higher. The recurrence rates were 40-50 per cent after surgery. However, under the Endovenous Laser Ablation procedure which is done with local anaesthesia, the patient can resume to all normal routine activities within a day,” Dr Rao added.

Advising early treatment, the doctor said, “Most of the time patients turn up at a later stage with thickening of ulcers. It would be better for the patient to get treated before skin discolouration and thickening.” He also added that varicose veins get infuriated during pregnancy due to the pressure of womb on the veins.

Risk factors for developing varicose veins

  • Women are more likely to develop the disease. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstruation or menopause may be a contributing factor.
  • The disease is inheritable.
  • Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins and can lead to varicose veins.
  • Standing or sitting for long periods of time too are major factors.

Symptoms of varicose veins

  • Aching pain or heaviness
  • Swelling
  • Cramping
  • Skin irritation
  • Skin discolouration
  • Sores (ulcers)
  • Inflammation
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