What are veins
Veins are blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Veins contain a system of one way valves. These valves keep blood flowing to heart and prevent blood from flowing back.
What are varicose veins
Varicose veins develop when valves fail. When valves fail, reflux or reversal of blood flow occurs. This condition leads to increase internal pressure on the vein wall and pooling of blood below the valve. That results in dilation and bulging of veins that are visible through skin. Varicose veins are hindrance to circulation.
What are symptoms of varicose veins
They often presented as fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping and restlessness of the legs. In more advance cases, the legs can swell and showing signs of eczema, discoloration and even ulceration.
Who has varicose veins
Varicose vein happens to both men and women, but more frequently in females.
What causes varicose veins
The frequent quoted factors are genetic predisposition, pregnancy, obesity, trauma, and occupations that involve prolong standing and to certain degree, prolong sitting.
What are the treatments for varicose veins
Sclerotherapy
This involves injecting a solution, called sclerosing agent to the varicose vein with a fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the vein wall and cause inflammatory reaction that collapse the veins. The vein will then be reabsorbed.
Echosclerotherapy
This technique combines sclerotherapy with ultrasound as latter one provides direct visualization. This technique is usually reserved for the use of larger and deeper vein where direct visualization is a must for safe delivery of medication.
Surgery
They are usually used for very large veins. The surgical technique include ligation (tying off veins), stripping(pulling out the veins).
Ambulatory phlebectomy
remove veins through small incision.
Compression stocking
Despite the fact it does not eliminate the veins, it will nevertheless help to reduce symptoms causing by varicose veins and slow down the progression. It is especially useful where sclerotherapy and surgery are not options due to various reasons.
EVLT(endovenous laser treatment)
This is the latest technology as alternative to surgery. This is a minimal invasive procedure that delivers no surgery , minimal down time and best closure rate for large bulging vein.
What are some common side effects of injection
Common effects
a) Pain-most described as burning and stinging, like disappear in matter of hours, can be further reduced by cold compress
b) Bruise - last anywhere from days to weeks depend on individual and any medication they are consuming
c) Swelling-last days, can be reduced with cold compress
d) Discoloration of the skin-These pigmented area are mainly composed of hemosiderin that was part of blood that has been broken down by the solution. In most patient, they will disappear within six to twelve months. Those persistent pigmentation beyond that time frame may respond to chemical and laser treatment
Rare effects
a) Allergic reaction-very rare(1 per 10,000), such reaction can be treated with immediate medical attention.
b) Ulcers-in rare cases(1 per 1,000-2000), small and painful ulcer will occur at site of injection. They are caused by solution escaping into surrounding tissue. They can be treated with compression that may leave small scar.
c) Intraarterial injection
d) Nerve irritation/damage
e) Infection
f) DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
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