Varicose Veins: Causes and Treatment

Varicose veins are known as vein enlargement: the veins swell and blood pools in them. They are a permanent widening of the veins caused by poorly functioning valves. They are more common in women and usually appear on the legs.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Hereditary factors are important. Having parents with varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing them. A family history is seen in two-thirds of patients. They are more common during pregnancy and with the use of birth control pills. Inactivity and standing for long periods increase the formation of varicose veins. People who work in offices should get up and move around from time to time. Walking at least 45 minutes a day to relieve the legs where blood pools will support circulation and help prevent varicose veins. Long journeys cause swelling and pain in the feet and subsequently varicose veins. Heat is the enemy of varicose veins. Very hot baths, saunas and Turkish baths should be avoided. Unlike heat, cold narrows varicose veins, brings relief and eases swelling and pain. You can massage your legs with cold water. Excess weight is another cause. Carrying more weight than the body can bear increases the pressure inside the veins. Losing excess weight will help prevent varicose veins. High-heeled and hard-soled shoes impair blood circulation, which increases the risk of varicose veins.

What Are the Types of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are generally grouped into 3 types.

Large Varicose Veins

These are 4–15 mm in diameter and bulge directly above the skin.

Medium-Sized Varicose Veins

These are 2–4 mm in diameter and bulge slightly above the skin.

Spider Veins

These are smaller than 1–2 mm, red or purple in color, and do not bulge above the skin.

How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

Varicose veins are a visibly apparent condition. However, after the examination, the doctor may request an ultrasound for a detailed diagnosis or perform it themselves.

How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

• The first step is usually compression stockings. Compression stockings support the enlarged veins, which reduces your pain.
• Elevating your legs also helps the blood that has pooled in your veins to drain.

Sclerotherapy and Foam Treatment

This is done by injecting a chemical substance into the enlarged veins. The concentration of the medication is adjusted according to the size of the varicose vein. If the vein diameter is large, the medication is mixed with air to create a foam. The reaction caused by the medication makes the varicose veins shrink and seal. This method is highly effective on varicose veins and is used for spider, medium-sized and even large varicose veins.

Endovascular (Endovenous) Ablation with Laser and Radiofrequency

This is mostly used to treat medium-sized and large veins. A special catheter is inserted into the vein. Radiofrequency or laser energy irritates the vein wall with heat, causing the walls of the varicose vein to seal. It is particularly effective in treating deep-lying (truncal) varicose veins.

Laser Treatment on the Skin

With this treatment, fine and spider veins on the skin can be erased. It is also used for dilated capillaries on the face and gives effective results. Several sessions may be needed depending on the density of the lesions.

Varicose Vein Surgery

In this method, the veins causing the varicosities are surgically removed.

Taking into account their examination findings and the patient's expectations, the physician may apply one or several of these methods in the same patient.

All of these treatment methods are used for varicose veins at our center.