What is Varicose Vein?

Varicosity refers to the enlargement of veins. Some are visible on the skin, while others under the skin can only be identified with ultrasound.

The ultimate cause of the varicosity is high blood pressure in the vein. There are two reasons for the high pressure. The first reason is the malfunctioning of the valves. The other is the occlusion in the venous system.

In addition to its uncomfortable appearance, varicosity can lead to job loss and a decrease in life quality.

Symptoms

The swelling seen primarily on the ankles later in the day is the most common symptom. Leg heaviness and fatigue in the late afternoon are also complaints. Patients report that lifting their legs in the evening makes them feel more at ease.

The frequency of symptoms varies between patients, but the most common complaints are itching on the legs, formication, cramping, and restless legs syndrome at night.

Wounds around the ankles in patients with advanced varicose veins are difficult to heal, dehiscence occurs, and the quality of life suffers greatly.

Diagnosis

Doppler ultrasonography is the gold standard method for diagnosing varicosity. Ultrasound can easily detect varicose structures beneath the skin that we cannot see. We use ultrasound to examine both the superficial and deep venous systems. Thrombosis in the vessel diameters and veins is used to diagnose valve insufficiency in the veins.

The Doppler ultrasound that we use to diagnose also allows us to map the veins in your legs. Following can be identified with the vessel mapping:

The rating of the insufficiency of the valves,
• The velocity of the blood flow,
• The presence of backflow of blood,
• The navigation of the veins under the skin,
• The correlation between the varicose veins and the main veins,
• The assessment of the insufficiency of the perforating veins and the diameters,
• The presence of old or new clots in the veins,
• The damaged vein areas.

VESSEL MAPPING IS THE MOST USEFUL GUIDE
THAT TELLS US HOW TO TREAT THE VESSELS AND
WHICH VESSELS ARE TO BE PROTECTED OR NOT.

If the patient has non-healing wounds on the foot,
Occlusions caused by clots,
Vascular formations that are not congenital and normal,
Intraabdominal vascular formations,
Varicose veins in the genital area,
Further examinations should be conducted.

The computed tomography venography (CT venography),
Magnetic Resonance Venography (MR Venography),
Imaging of the vein with angiography (Conventional venography)

A TRUE DIAGNOSIS MAKES TRUE TREATMENT POSSIBLE.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE HEALTHY LEGS.

Varicose Vein Treatment

The most important thing is protection. We should make changes in our lifestyle. Every day, we should walk for at least 30 - 45 minutes. Cycling and swimming are also suggested. Weight training (dumbbells, bodybuilding, etc.) and activities that increase frictional force (football) are not recommended.

It is advised to avoid hormonal foods and medications, and to consume fibrous foods to avoid constipation, which raises intraabdominal pressure.

Standing or sitting for an extended period of time are both inappropriate actions. Wearing tight-fitting clothes and high-heeled shoes for a longer duration and crossing your legs for a long period all contribute to the formation of varicose veins.

People with familial tendencies should pay special attention to the aforementioned warnings.

Compression socks and medications prescribed by a doctor should be used to alleviate varicose vein symptoms and prevent varicose vein progression.

There are numerous effective methods for treating varicose veins. For visible external varicose veins, sclerotherapy (liquid and foam), laser, and radiofrequency procedures can be used. For invisible internal varicose veins, several techniques are available, including laser, radiofrequency, glue closure, perforating vein subfascial ligation, mini-phlebectomy, and stripping.