Varicose Veins: Causes and Preventive Methods

Varicose Veins are twisted or swollen veins under the skin. They are generally seen in legs or feet. They do not cause any problem but it can be a cause of cosmetic concern in females. Varicose Veins Causes: • It is more common in females as compared to males because of hormonal factors such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause and birth control pills. • It is also common in people who have to stand for a long period of times e.g. Bus Conductors, Teachers, etc. • Other causes of Varicose Veins are aging, obesity, lack of exercise and leg injury. Do Varicose Veins Lead to any Complications? Varicose Veins do not cause any serious life-threatening problem but it may lead to the following complications: • Thrombophlebitis: It is a condition in which a blood clot can form in the affected veins which may cause pain. • Varicose eczema / Dermatitis: Skin near the ankles becomes dry, itchy and discolored. It may further lead to bleeding or painful ulceration. • Bleeding: It can be easily controlled and not much worrisome. • Lipodermatosclerosis: Skin around ankles become hard and tough. The color of the skin becomes dark brown. • Diabetic patients suffering from Varicose Veins should get treatment on time as it may lead to a complication in later stages. Preventive Methods • Lifestyle Modification:

Self-help measure help to relieve varicose veins such as losing excess weight.

Doing physical activities such as walking or swimming.

Avoid standing for long time periods as it may cause pooling of blood in the veins.

Keeping legs elevated while sleeping, this helps in the emptying of pooled blood from the veins.

• Venous Stockings: Wearing venous stockings or compression stockings help to maintain blood flow and reduce the swelling of legs. It also helps to reduce blood clots formed in the veins. • Medication: Tab Daflon can be taken to reduce swelling of legs or healing of ulcers. It increases the venous tone and protects the microcirculation. Dr. Paresh Gandhi is the Varicose Veins specialist at Healing Hands Clinic. He has successfully treated patients suffering from this problem. The clinic has centers at Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Bengaluru and is a certified center of excellence for Varicose Veins treatment.