What is Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins is a circulatory problem that occurs as a result of the enlargement and deformation of the veins. It usually occurs on the legs and ankles. Varicose veins cause the blood to flow backwards and the veins to widen due to weakening or damage to the vein walls. This condition is also known as venous insufficiency.
Definition of Heirs
Varces are enlarged and entangled veins that often appear purple, bluish, or red in color, most often on the legs and ankles. This can create a feeling of pain, discomfort and swelling in the person as it prevents the normal flow of blood. Varicose veins are generally considered a cosmetic problem, but in some cases, they can lead to serious medical complications.
Appearance of Varicose Veins and Affected Areas
The varicose veins usually appear prominently on the back of the legs, especially on the upper legs and calves. However, varicose veins can also occur in other areas. Here are other common areas that varicose veins can affect:
- Genital area
- Rectal area (also known as hemorrhoids)
- Superficial chest veins
- Veins in the esophagus (esophagus) (varicose esophagus)
The appearance of varicose veins may vary depending on the enlargement and entanglement of the veins. There may be fine lines or spider web-like veins (telangiectasia) or thicker, raised, protruding veins.
Prevalence of Varices
Varces are a very common condition and are usually more common in women. The incidence of varicose veins increases with age. It also tends to be more common in people with a family history of varicose veins. Factors such as genetic factors, overweight, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting can affect the formation of varicose veins.
The prevalence of varicose veins may differ from country to country, but in general it can be said that it is a common health problem. It is possible to treat varicose veins and the appearance of varicose veins can be reduced or completely eliminated by using many different methods.
Causes of Varices
Varicose veins is a circulatory problem that occurs as a result of a combination of various factors. Here are the main reasons that play a role in the formation of varicose:
| Reasons | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetic factors | The development of varicose veins is more common in people with a family history of varicose veins. Genetic predisposition increases the risk of weakening of the vessel walls and impaired blood circulation. |
| Hormonal changes | Changes in hormone levels, especially the effect of estrogen hormone, may play a role in the formation of varicose veins. Therefore, the risk of varicose veins increases in cases such as pregnancy, menopause or hormone therapy. |
| Aging process | As we age, the vessel walls lose their elasticity and become weaker. This facilitates the formation of varicose. |
| Pregnancy | Increased blood volume and uterine pressure during pregnancy can cause blood to pool in the legs and develop varicose veins. Pregnancy hormones also weaken the vessel walls, increasing the risk of varicose veins. |
| Obesity | Being overweight puts additional strain on the legs and causes the veins to stretch more. This triggers the formation of varicose. |
| Low active lifestyle | Constant sitting or prolonged inactivity prevents the muscles in the legs from working effectively and adversely affects blood circulation. Low active lifestyle increases the risk of varicose veins. |
| Prolonged standing or sitting | Standing or sitting for long periods of time puts a constant pressure on the veins in the legs. This can contribute to the formation of heirs. |
Symptoms and Findings of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a prominent circulatory problem usually seen in the legs and feet. Here are the signs and symptoms of varicose veins:
| Symptoms and Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Distinctive swelling and folds in the veins | Varicose veins can appear prominently swollen, curved, and mullein, usually on the legs. These symptoms can often be blue or purple in color. |
| Pain, burning or feeling of heaviness | Varicose veins can often cause discomfort such as pain, burning or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. These symptoms may increase, especially after prolonged standing or sitting. |
| Itching or skin discoloration | Itching or skin discoloration (darkening or skin patches) may occur in varicose areas. This may be a result of the skin being affected in relation to varicose veins. |
| Night cramp | People with varicose veins are more likely to experience night cramps. Sudden and severe contractions may occur in the leg muscles while sleeping at night. |
| Feeling of tiredness and weakness | Varicose veins can cause a feeling of fatigue and weakness in the legs due to impaired blood circulation. This symptom usually becomes more pronounced after moving throughout the day. |
Varicose Veins Treatment Methods
Conservative Treatment Methods (Non-Therapeutic Methods)
Non-therapeutic methods used in the treatment of varicose veins are:
| Conservative Treatment Methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Use of compression stockings | Compression stockings are used to regulate blood flow and support veins in the legs and feet. These stockings help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the formation of new varicose veins. |
| Exercise and physical activity | Exercise strengthens the leg muscles and improves blood circulation. Regular physical activity reduces the symptoms of varicose veins and promotes circulation. |
| Lose weight if you are overweight | Being overweight can increase the symptoms of varicose veins by putting additional strain on the legs. Losing weight plays an important role in the treatment of varicose veins. |
| Keep legs elevated | Keeping the legs elevated allows the blood to circulate better. It may be helpful to use pillows to elevate the legs or to raise the legs at rest. |
Minimally Invasive Treatment Methods
Minimally invasive treatment methods of varicose veins are:
| Minimally Invasive Treatment Methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Sclerotherapy | Sclerotherapy is a treatment method that provides closure of varicose veins by injecting a special substance. This method is generally used in the treatment of small varicose veins. |
| Laser therapy | Laser treatment provides the closure of the veins by applying laser light into the varicose veins. This method may be effective in the treatment of larger varicose veins. |
| Radiofrequency ablation | Radiofrequency ablation provides high-frequency radio waves to varicose veins to close them. This method is generally preferred in the treatment of large varicose veins. |
| Foam sclerotherapy | Foam sclerotherapy turns the substance used in the sclerotherapy method into foam and injects it into the varicose veins. This method may be effective in the treatment of larger varicose veins. |
Surgical Treatment Methods
Surgical treatment methods of varicose veins are as follows:
| Surgical Treatment Methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Phlebectomy | Flebectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing varicose veins by making small incisions on the skin. This method is used in the treatment of larger varicose veins. |
| Venous stripping | Venous stripping is a surgical method that involves removing the varicose vein and ligating the associated veins. This method can be applied in the treatment of larger and more complex varicose veins. |
| Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) | Endovenous laser ablation is a surgical method that aims to close varicose veins using laser energy. This method can be effective in the treatment of large and deep varicose veins. |
Varicose Veins Prevention Tips
You can take the following measures to prevent varicose veins or slow the progression of varicose veins:
| Varicose Veins Prevention Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Exercise regularly | Exercise strengthens the leg muscles and improves blood circulation. Exercising regularly helps prevent the formation of varicose veins. |
| Healthy weight maintenance | Being overweight puts additional strain on the legs, increasing the risk of varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent varicose veins. |
| Do not move during prolonged sitting or standing | The blood circulation slows down during prolonged sitting or standing. That's why it's important to move around and move the legs at regular intervals. |
| Keep legs elevated | Keeping the legs elevated allows the blood to circulate better. It may be helpful to elevate the legs or use a pillow while resting. |
| Using compression stockings | Compression stockings regulate blood flow in the legs and feet and prevent the formation of varicose veins. It is beneficial to use compression stockings regularly. |
| Healthy eating | It is important to choose fibrous foods, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats in your diet. A healthy diet supports the circulatory system and prevents the formation of varicose veins. |
Which doctor should be consulted in the treatment of varicose veins?
You can get help from the following doctors for the treatment of varicose veins:
| Specialization | Description |
|---|---|
| General surgeon | General surgeons are doctors who deal with the surgical treatment of varicose veins. You can refer to general surgeons in the treatment of large and complex varicose veins. |
| Dermatologist | Dermatologists are doctors who deal with skin diseases. Some dermatologists specialize in minimally invasive treatments such as varicose veins or sclerotherapy, especially for cosmetic purposes. |
| Phlebologist | Phlebologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases and varicose veins. Phlebologists can treat varicose veins with medical and surgical methods. |
Healing Process After Varicose Veins Treatment
Things to consider after treatment
- It is important that you follow the instructions given by your doctor after the treatment.
- To prevent complications, it is necessary to protect varicose legs and avoid high-risk activities.
- It is important to regularly change and clean the dressings in the treatment area.
- In case of pain or discomfort that may occur after the treatment, you should consult your doctor.
The process of returning to normal activities
- The process of returning to normal activities after treatment usually depends on the treatment method and speed of recovery.
- It is important to rest for a certain period of time and avoid excessive physical activity, following your doctor's instructions.
- Starting to exercise slowly can help strengthen muscles and increase blood circulation.
Tracking controls
- It is important to go to regular follow-up checks after treatment.
- It is important to comply with the appointment dates determined by your doctor and to have the necessary examinations to follow the healing process.
- Follow-up controls are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and to control the risk of recurrence of varicose veins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Veins Treatment
Recurrence probability of heirs
- There is a possibility of recurrence after treatment of varicose veins.
- The risk of recurrence may vary depending on the treatment method, the patient's condition and compliance with the treatment.
- Following your doctor's instructions, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and having regular follow-up checks can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Is the treatment process painful
- Among the varicose veins treatment methods, some are minimally invasive, and the pain or discomfort is usually minimal.
- Methods such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation are generally well tolerated by the patient.
- Surgical treatment methods may be more invasive and may be associated with greater pain or discomfort.
- It is important to consult your doctor in case of any pain or discomfort during the treatment process.
Characteristics of suitable candidates for the treatment of varicose veins
- Appropriate candidates for the treatment of varicose veins are usually those who have symptoms and require treatment.
- The general health status of the patient, the prevalence and severity of varicose veins determine the treatment options.
- It is important to see a doctor to determine if you are a suitable candidate for treatment.
The cost of varicose treatment
- The cost of varicose veins treatment varies according to the treatment method, the condition of the patient and the health institution that will perform the treatment.
- It is important to consult a doctor and check the coverage of your health insurance to determine the scope, duration and method of treatment for varicose veins.
- The cost of treatment for varicose veins usually includes examination fees, examinations, treatment method and follow-up checks.