Varicose: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Varicose veins are an extremely common condition. In this condition, your veins tend to become gnarled and enlarged, and stick out very prominently on your hands and feet. The reason why the veins become like this is unknown and these veins are generally quite harmless. They pose no threat to your health and are, more often than not, just a cosmetic concern for most patients who have them. However, in some cases, they can also cause pain and discomfort. This indicates that there is a problem with the circulatory system that needs to be looked at.

As varicose veins are mostly a cosmetic concern, people do not often seek out treatment for it. However, if they begin to cause pain or discomfort, difficulty in walking, and a throbbing sensation, then it means that there might be an underlying problem with the circulatory system, in which case there are certain treatment methods that must be called to use.

One of the most common ways to treat varicose ways is wearing compression socks. These help bring down the enlargement or swelling in the veins and reduce the overall discomfort and pain. Regular exercises to stimulate blood flow are also often recommended. Finally, if the veins cause too much trouble, they can be blocked or removed surgically to bring out some relief from this condition.

Varicose veins are usually diagnosed by sight and a physical exam. The gnarled appearance of the veins along with the way they protrude is often quite distinctive, making this an easy condition to diagnose almost instantly. The doctor may also take your blood pressure to see whether your circulation is affected and if so, how much, before administering the right treatment course for you.

One of the most common treatment options is compression socks or stockings along with elastic bands. Compression socks essentially help squeeze all the blood upwards so that there are no clots formed in the legs where the varicose veins are. They also help reduce the overall swelling. Elastic bands are exactly what they sound like. They are tied around the limb to help compress the veins and the swelling. These treatment methods are generally very effective.

Apart from this, exercising on a regular basis is also recommended. With aerobic exercises lasting 15-20 minutes, you can stimulate your heart function and circulation, thereby taking some of the pressure off your veins. Weight loss also goes a long way when it comes to preventing or controlling the discomfort that comes with varicose veins.

Anyone with varicose veins can seek out the treatment.

Many underlying conditions can cause your legs to pain or your veins to look prominent. If you have a condition that is different from varicose veins, then using the treatment options meant for this particular condition may not benefit you at all.

There are no side effects to this treatment.

It is imperative to continue to exercise on a regular basis. Furthermore, controlling your diet so that you can lose weight can also go a long way.

It can take anywhere between 2 weeks to a month for your legs to stop aching completely.

Compression socks can cost anywhere between Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 2,000 depending on the brand you are purchasing.

Varicose veins are a lifelong ailment. Therefore, only continuing to use your treatment as directed can help you keep the results permanent.

Varicose veins require on-time medical care and treatment. A healthy diet plays a supporting role and prevents the worsening of the condition. Some important dietary food items that need to be avoided in such conditions include the following:

• Refined carbohydrates: These include white flour, white bread, white sugar, pasta, etc. These food items are the contributing factors in poor vein health, hence should be avoided. In place, complex carbohydrate sources such as brown rice, oats, etc. should be preferred.
• Added sugar: Food items rich in high amounts of added sugar are also a contributing factor in poor vein health, hence should be avoided. Processed and packaged food items like chocolate, cakes, cookies, etc. should be avoided.
• Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol on a regular basis must be avoided as it is a risk factor for developing Varicose-veins-like conditions.
• Canned foods: These contain Bisphenol, a chemical ingredient that alters hormone levels in the body by acting like estrogen. They may cause or further worsen the condition of Varicose veins.
• Salty foods: These include food items like canned soups, hot dogs, pizza, burgers, ham, etc. These contain high sodium content which increases the pressure in the veins. Increased venous pressure may lead to swelling and water retention in the legs.

Summary: Refined carbohydrates, processed and packaged food items, alcohol, canned foods, and salted foods may worsen Varicose veins and hence must be avoided.

There are many things you can do at home to manage the pain you are in. A hot compress soothes your muscles and a cold compress is also known for being effective for pain management. Soaking in a warm tub with lavender oil, which relaxes the body and reduces the blood pressure (since it is a vasodilator) can also help.