Friday, September 25, 2009
Varicose veins
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are abnormally swollen or enlarged blood vessels in the leg caused by the failure of the valves in the veins. Varicose veins and spider veins can be found in 35% of women and 20% of men above the age of 20.
WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?
The reason varicose veins developed is not fully understood. The basic problem appeared to be that of damaged valves. Normally, the veins transport blood from the leg to the heart. In order for this to be possible, it has one-way valves to allow blood to travel in only one direction. In varicose vein, these valves have failed. Without the proper valve function, the blood tends to flow down (leaky), giving rise to blood pooling in the leg, thus causing the vein to bulge.
People who have varicose veins often have an inherited weakness of this valve. They may also give history of prolonged standing at work or multiple pregnancies, situations that will cause significant stress on the veins in the leg. These ultimately cause the veins to stretch and the valves to fail.
SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS
These can be grouped into Asymptomatic-some patients has no symptoms at all apart from the veins being unsightly. They are usually very active physically and their active leg muscles compensate for the weakness of the vein function.
Mild symptoms-aching and cramps in the leg, itchiness near the area of the veins and swollen ankle. All these are worse with prolonged standing.
Severe symptoms and complications –leg ulcers, bleeding and thrombophlebitis.
PREVENTION
This may not always be possible; however some simple measures and changes in our lifestyle can potentially delay the onset of varicose veins.
Regular exercise will improve circulation and strengthen the veins. Focus on exercises that work your legs, like walking or running.
Watch your weight. Obesity can put a lot of pressure on the legs and is known to cause spider veins.
Do not cross your legs when sitting.
Elevate your legs when resting or sleeping. To achieve this, the ankle should be place above the level of the heart. Try sleeping with 2 pillows under the feet, or lean on a couch and elevate the leg while watching TV
Try not to sit or stand for long periods of time. When you have to sit for a long time, get up and take a walk every now and then. If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other or do tip toeing exercises to improve circulation in the leg.
Wear elastic support stockings as much as you can.
Avoid wearing tight clothing and high heel shoes. They can constrict your waist and legs and impede circulation.
Eat a well balanced diet with sufficient fibers and cut down on salt intake.
Treatment
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) - get rid of varicose veins with no surgery, scar or anesthesia
Endovenous Laser is a minimally invasive, clinically proven alternative to surgical vein stripping that effectively and safely treats varicose veins by using a laser fiber to deliver energy inside the vein, directly into the vein wall. The precise laser energy achieves optimal therapeutic effect while limiting collateral damage.With over 70,000 procedures performed worldwide, and over 60 clinical articles documenting its efficacy out to five years, EVLT is the proven alternative.
Benefits of EVLT include:
Treatment in less than an hour
Can be performed in the doctor’s office
Up to 98% success rate
Immediate relief of symptoms
Minimal post procedure pain
Immediate return to activity
NO general anesthesia or hospitalization
NO Scar
Here's what to expect on the day of procedure:
Ultrasound examination to map out your vein.
Local anesthetic is applied. Sedation can also be given if you are needle phobic
A thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point (usually near the knee).
Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein.
You will be required to wear tight surgical stocking for 4-5 days
Your normal day activity is then resumed. In fact, walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged (just avoid rigorous activities).