When Should Varicose Veins Be Treated? Now! Because Why Wait?

Varicose Veins Treatment

By Emel Gerdaneri • Medical review by Aybanu Gokcen, MD

When Should Varicose Veins Be Treated? 

While most people consider varicose vein treatment for aesthetic reasons, these veins are a common health issue for both men and women.

Cardiovascular Surgeon Specialist Dr. Aybanu Gökçen evaluates varicose veins from both aesthetic and health perspectives:
Aybanu Gokcen, MD"As you mentioned, yes, varicose veins are a health issue, a circulation problem. Additionally, of course, they create aesthetic concerns. They cause pain, discomfort, and a sense of fullness. Night cramps and swelling also accompany these symptoms.

Undoubtedly, it's an aesthetic issue as well, and many of my patients express hesitance to wear skirts for years due to varicose veins.

In fact, there are numerous procedures to get rid of varicose veins, and treatment methods have significantly advanced with technology.

Seen in Approximately 20% of People

veinsVaricose veins are generally large, blue, or dark purple veins seen mostly in the legs. The term varicose itself means 'abnormally swollen' or 'enlarged.'

We have statistics indicating that approximately 20% of people may experience this vein issue throughout their lives.

The most common cause of varicose vein formation is the malfunction of valves inside the veins. In a healthy vein, as blood flows from the legs towards the heart against gravity, a series of one-way valves open and then close to prevent backward flow.

If these valves are compromised due to reasons like genetic predisposition, prolonged standing, inactivity, or significant weight fluctuations, blood might flow backward and pool in the lower veins.

Medically termed venous insufficiency or venous reflux disease, this condition is most commonly observed in the legs, where blood is farthest from the heart.

While it's seen in both men and women, I've observed that women tend to notice it earlier and are more inclined towards treatment.

Causes of Varicose Veins

veins 2

Genetics

Similar to many health conditions, genetic predisposition plays a role in varicose veins. Individuals with a family history of venous insufficiency or varicose veins are highly likely to develop them.

Pregnancy

Most often, women first encounter varicose veins during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during this period can weaken the veins, leading to this condition.

The weakness in the veins existed before, but it might not have been noticeable. The pregnancy process brings this to the forefront and accelerates its progression. Each pregnancy further advances this condition.

Aging and Obesity

Your age and weight can exert additional pressure on your veins, potentially causing them to work harder and increasing your risk of developing varicose veins. Continuous standing, prolonged sitting, lack of movement, and excessive exposure to the sun are other risk factors.

When Should Varicose Veins Be Treated?

veins 2Without delay! Why wait? Sometimes, people experience a feeling of heaviness and fatigue due to increased pressure.

At a more advanced stage, swelling due to varicose veins, changes in skin color, varicose ulcers, blood clots within varicose veins, and bleeding from highly dilated and superficial veins due to minor trauma are a series of unpleasant events waiting for you in the future.

Moreover, treating the disease is much easier in the early stages. Focusing on treatment options when you first notice veins helps keep them smaller.

Vein Mapping is Absolutely Necessary

vein mappingVein mapping tells us which veins aren't functioning properly and guides us toward the appropriate treatment option. Based on this map, identifying leaks in valves and which vein segments are damaged determines whether nonsurgical or surgical solutions would be more suitable for the patient.

Varicose vein treatment with stockings, medication, sclerotherapy, nonsurgical interventions like classic open surgery, laser treatment for varicose veins, varicose vein surgeries with radiofrequency, and closure with glue adhesive technique - these different surgical solutions can eliminate varicose vein symptoms.

Furthermore, surgeries can now be performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to return home the same day and quickly resume your daily activities.

It's worth reiterating that varicose veins are not solely an aesthetic concern but a health issue. Seek solutions and treatment promptly. The earlier the treatment, the easier it is."

Please note that this translation might not be perfect due to the nuances of language and expressions.


Written on 13/10/2021

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Last Update: 17/11/2023

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