Monday Post

Today there is no interesting news on political and other fronts, so, therefore, I am writing about a health-related topic:

A rough estimate suggests that around 15 to 20% of the world’s population from a disease called VARICOSE VEINS. In our country, its prevalence is said to be much lesser.

What is Varicose Vein

The one indication of this disease is the appearance of the veins, often in the legs, as enlarged, swollen, or purplish in colour. The veins look as they are bulging with the blood, this is known as a varicose vein. This disease is often ignored by people, as they feel it is a minor and cosmetic issue rather than the health issue. This condition may be painful as well and is seen more in women than in men.

Causes

Basically having varicose veins is an indication that your veins are not functioning in the right manner. The veins have a one-way valve to ensure that blood does not flow backward. However, when these valves fail to function, the blood gets collected in the veins, leading to this situation. It is usually seen in the legs as this is the farthest possible from the heart. Hence, it makes it tough for those veins to move the blood up towards your heart. So, the blood gets collected in the veins of your legs. At times, apart from the swelling and discolouration, the veins may even get ulcers and start to bleed.

A few other factors that can cause or contribute to this condition are- Age above 50 years, Pregnancy, Menopause, Standing on one’s legs for a longer duration (like teaching jobs), and Obesity.

When to meet Doctor

In case you have any of the above symptoms, anywhere in the body, especially in legs, do not wait for the situation to turn grave. Consult the doctor immediately so that it can be diagnosed for what it is. If it is indeed varicose veins, the doctor will suggest a further line of treatment. The doctor may study your family’s medical history, as well as your occupation and symptoms to understand what tests need to be done. Generally, ultrasound, or at times even a venogram test may be done to understand your blood flow. Mostly, the treatments also include lifestyle changes, apart from medications to treat the symptoms and conserve the vein function.

Treatment Options

The doctor is the best judge to decide the line of treatment and these may include

• Compression- Wearing specially designed socks or stockings that will compress the veins with enough pressure so that they start flowing naturally towards your heart.
• Surgery- If simple lifestyle changes and compression are not working and the condition is far too serious, then surgery is advised, during which the doctor steps the veins using incisions. However, the invasive option is usually the last cut option.
• Sclerotherapy- In this therapy, a liquid or foam chemical injection is used to block off a larger vein.
• Microsclerotherapy- In this case, liquid chemical injection is used to block off a vein.
• Laser Surgery- This is non-invasive laser surgery that uses light energy to block off a vein.
• Endovenous ablation therapy- Here, heat and radiofrequency waves are used to block off a vein.
• Endoscopic Vein Surgery- In this case, a small lighted scope is inserted through a small incision to block off a vein.

Based on what the doctor suggests, you may discuss the treatment options and try to understand how it works, and what is involved. It is not a one-time treatment and you may require periodic visits to the clinic to ensure that condition does not recur.

Prevention

It can be possible through certain simple steps such as

• Avoid standing for long hours.
• Maintain healthy body weight.
• Regular exercise helps in blood circulation.

In case if you already have this disease, it is best to follow the doctor’s advice, to maintain a healthy, normal life. Keeping the legs elevated during sleep can help in relieving the condition.

So this is some important information concerning Varicose veins, which may be useful.

Waiting for your views and comments.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

16^th August 2021.