Because varicose veins seem unattractive, many people often think that there is no real medical problem and that it is only an aesthetic problem. This is a common misconception of varicose veins and results from a lack of knowledge about the disease.
Although this is only a cosmetic problem for many patients, varicose veins do occur in some people which causes physical discomfort and in some cases is very painful. If varicose veins cause discomfort or pain, the legs may be sore, swollen, or heavy or tired.
Varicose veins develop when the surface blood vessels weaken. The pressure of the blood pressing against the venous wall can cause swelling or twisting. They have a rope-like appearance and often grow on the thighs, calves, feet, and knees.
If left untreated, varicose veins can continue to grow and the pain and discomfort will get worse over time. Some of the most popular treatments are sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, venous ligation and endovenous laser therapy.
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat small varicose veins by injecting a chemical solution, which causes the vein to give way and no more blood passes through it.
Phlebectomy is the surgical removal of the problematic vein. During this process, a hook is used to remove the vein through a small incision.
Venous ligation is a surgical procedure that constricts the vein, causing blood to flow through healthy veins and relieving pain in the affected vein.
Endovenous laser therapy is a less invasive treatment that uses a thin laser fiber that is inserted into the vein to collapse the problem vein.
Whichever procedure you choose, the appearance of the affected vein improves once blood flow through the vein is stopped.
Although existing varicose veins can be treated, these treatments do not prevent the development of additional varicose veins. To prevent varicose veins, patients can initially maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Wearing compression stockings and / or lifting the legs can help improve blood circulation to the legs and relieve pressure.