Varicose Veins

Veins return (oxygen-poor) blood back to the heart. When standing, the muscles of the legs work against gravity to pump the blood back to the heart. Veins have valves inside them which help keep the blood flowing in the correct direction. When the leg muscles contract, the valves in the veins open; when the leg relaxes they close. This is the mechanism that prevents the blood from flowing backward (refluxing). A weakened vein wall and damaged valves cause varicose veins and in some cases, venous ulcers.

Varicose veins are the swollen blue, twisted, bulging veins that are seen through the skin. Varicose veins occur in the superficial veins in the legs. They can cause pain, redness, sores, heaviness or fatigue of the legs.

Men do experience varicose veins but the condition is more common in women.

Signs & Symptoms

Bulging, purple appearance of the surface veins

Leg pain, heaviness, swelling or discomfort

Leg/foot ulcers

Diagnosis

Physician's Examination A health care provider investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history - an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient. Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. This data then becomes part of the medical record.

Venous Ultrasound A form of medical ultrasonography (medical application of ultrasound technology) to visualize internal anatomical structures. It uses transmission and reflection of ultrasound waves to visualise the veins of the leg from outside the body (with the help of gel which helps transmission of the sound waves).

Venogram A test to look at the veins in the body. A dye is injected which enhances the veins. A series of X-rays are then taken.

Treatment

Stop smoking

Elevate the legs above the heart level

Avoid standing for long periods of time

Wear support stockings

Laser Ablation
Sclerotheraphy (Chemical injection into the vein causing the walls of the vein to stick together)

Varicose vein surgery