Varicose veins manifest as a clinical condition where normal veins fail to function optimally. Let's delve into the intricacies of this condition: 1. Arteries diligently transport oxygenated blood from the heart to various body parts, such as the legs, under pressure. However, during the return journey to the heart, the pressure support from the heart diminishes, leaving veins with the challenging task of transporting blood back. 2. Within your veins, there are minute valves that open and close, facilitating the one-directional flow of blood back to the heart, compensating for the reduced pressure. Unfortunately, these delicate valves can sometimes malfunction. When this occurs, blood can back up and accumulate behind the valves. Over time, the weakened vein walls lead to bulging, resulting in the raised, welt-like appearance characteristic of varicose veins. Spider veins share a similar, albeit smaller, manifestation. 3. Varicose veins are typically swollen and enlarged, often appearing lumpy, twisted, or bulging. They may exhibit shades of red, blue, or purple. 4. To simplify, consider a road where traffic lights regulate the flow of vehicles in one direction. If these lights malfunction, a traffic jam ensues. Likewise, when the valves in veins fail to operate effectively, blood circulation is hindered, often resulting in the formation of varicose veins.

Varicose veins predominantly emerge with age, although significant weight gain can also trigger their onset. Certain professions that demand prolonged periods of standing or sitting exert excessive pressure on veins, contributing to the development of varicose veins. Genetics is another factor; women are more prone to varicose veins, and factors like smoking, oral contraceptives, or hormone replacements heighten the risk. Several factors increase the likelihood of varicose veins: 1. Occupations: Jobs requiring extended periods of standing, such as security guards, professors, air hostesses, factory workers, and nurses, can lead to varicose veins. 2. Obesity: Individuals with a BMI greater than 30 are more susceptible to vein problems. 3. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy can influence the occurrence of varicose veins. Birth control pills also contribute due to hormonal fluctuations. 4. Heredity: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the onset of vascular conditions, including varicose veins. 5. Medical History: A history of blood clots and conditions causing increased abdominal pressure, such as constipation, tumors, or tight garments like girdles, heighten the risk. 6. Other Causes: Skin injuries, previous vein surgeries, and exposure to ultraviolet rays have been identified as additional factors leading to varicose veins.

Varicose veins themselves may not be a serious medical problem. But you should see a doctor if you have symptoms like: 1. Heavy, achy legs 2. Mild to severe swelling 3. Throbbing, burning, or cramping in your legs 4. Dry, itchy skin over the veins 5. Slow-healing sores or dark patches on your legs 6. Thickened skin around your calves or ankles Even though varicose veins may not seem critical at first, ignoring them can lead to more serious issues and affect your quality of life. Identifying varicose veins early allows for treatment of symptoms and helps prevent progression of the condition. If you have any of the above symptoms, get medical care. Leaving varicose veins untreated may lead to: 1. Extremely painful leg ulcers 2. Blood clots like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism - these are serious problems 3. Bleeding veins needing medical care To prevent future complications, see your doctor and get medical guidance, especially from a vein specialist. Early treatment provides relief and prevents progression to more serious conditions.

Diagnosis and early treatment of varicose veins is inexpensive and easy. 1. While primary evaluation for varicose vein is done by confirming the symptoms and physical inspection of the legs by medical professional. 2. However clinically every patient is required to have a full and detailed duplex ultrasound scan carried out by specialist doctor i.e. an interventional radiologist. 3. It is necessary with ultrasound for varicose veins that the medical professional examines each vein in the leg including smaller perforator veins. It has been found that a non-specialist medical professional may overlook the minor veins which may be the real cause of varicose vein and hence we recommend consulting an interventional radiologist. 4. In certain specific conditions wherein varicose veins are thought to be originating from Pelvis, more specific tests are required.

1. Endo-Venous Laser Ablation Treatment (EVLA/EVLT): A minimally invasive treatment, EVLT uses heat to close off challenging veins and release the symptoms they lead to. Imaging guidance (guided by x-ray images) is used by the interventional radiologist to thread a thin laser fiber inside the problem vein using a tiny needle. After that, the radiologist numbs the vein to minimize uneasiness during the heating process. At the end, the heat due to the laser causes the vein to close. As the delinquent vein is closed, blood flows via the remaining healthy veins. While patient rests easily during the complete EVLT process, the patient can return to most of the routine activities instantly. 2. Radiofrequency Ablation: With insertion of a small catheter into the vein, radiofrequency energy is transported to the vein wall, initiating it to heat, collapse and close shut. It is mostly done on an outpatient basis and very few times under local anesthesia. 3. Non-thermal treatments: Also, some non-thermal treatment choices are available for varicose veins. Under these options different types of medically approved substances are used to enable closure of problematic vein. These treatments include: 5. Clarivein: A small rotating catheter, which is a small, flexible tube, is used to inject in the vein a chemical solution which causes complete closure. 6. Varithena: Similar to the above too, insertion is made in the vein. However under Varithena, a foam like material is used to improve conditions & appearance. The benefit of all of these techniques is that multiple needle sticks for local anesthesia is totally avoided. Also, there is reduced risk for potential nerve damage that may happen with burns. 7. clerotherapy (Spider Vein Treatment): Under Sclerotherapy a chemical irritant is directly injected into a vein to near to the vessel. Variety of medically approved materials can be used to irritate the vein lining causing it to shrink & close. The solution is injected through a very small needle. Also, this technique is frequently used to treat spider veins (telangiectasia) which are essentially smaller veins. Sclerotherapy normally shall be carried out as side procedure with main procedure for the tiny veins.