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Have you noticed twisted or bulging veins on your legs that seem more visible after a long day of standing or travel? What often begins as a cosmetic concern can gradually turn into heaviness, aching, swelling, or fatigue in the legs. Paying attention to these early signs matters because timely care can slow progression and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
This blog explains what varicose veins are, outlines the typical varicose vein symptoms, describes common causes of varicose veins, summarizes diagnostic steps, and reviews the full range of varicose vein treatment options from self-care to modern minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy.
Synopsis
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, tortuous superficial veins that usually appear in the legs. Healthy veins return blood to the heart with the help of one-way valves. When those valves weaken, blood pools, pressure rises, and veins dilate. This process can be a cosmetic problem at first, but with time, it can lead to symptoms and complications grouped under chronic venous insufficiency.
Varicose veins affect many adults. Weakening or failure of the venous valves is central. When valves fail, reflux occurs and venous pressure increases, producing the visible swollen veins and symptoms. Risk increases with age, and the following factors make the condition more likely.
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Family history: Genetic predisposition to weaker venous connective tissue increases lifetime risk.
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Occupational hazards: Prolonged standing at work leads to increased hydrostatic pressure within the lower extremities.
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Pregnancy and multiparity: Hormonal influences during pregnancy can relax the vein walls.
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Obesity and limited physical activity: Obesity increases abdominal pressure, while while sedentary lifestyle impairs the calf muscle pump, causing venous stasis.
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Leg trauma or deep vein thrombosis: Primary valve failure or secondary reflux after deep vein thrombosis can damage valves and lead to varicose veins.
Recognising causes of varicose veins helps target prevention and therapy.
Varicose Vein Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms vary from mild to severe. Early symptoms are often overlooked.
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Visible twisted, bulging, blue or purple veins, usually on the calf or inner thigh.
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Leg heaviness, aching, or pain after standing.
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Swelling in the lower legs or ankles late in the day.
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Night cramps or restless legs.
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Itching around affected veins and skin discolouration.
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Recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis with local redness and tenderness.
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In advanced disease, skin breakdown and venous leg ulceration.
These varicose vein symptoms should prompt assessment if they affect activity, slee,p or skin integrity.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with history and clinical exam. Tests help map the problem and plan treatment.
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Clinical examination with the patient standing to inspect for bulging veins and skin changes.
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Duplex ultrasound to assess valve function, measure reflux, and identify associated deep vein disease.
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Photodocumentation for tracking progress before and after treatment.
Ultrasound is essential before any invasive intervention to confirm the anatomical source of reflux and to plan varicose vein treatment accurately.
Treatment Options
Treatment ranges from conservative care to minimally invasive procedures and, rarely, open surgery. The goal is symptom relief, improved appearance, and prevention of complications.
|
Treatment Category |
Approach | Description |
|
Conservative measures |
Leg elevation and rest |
Elevating the legs and taking scheduled breaks helps reduce venous pressure, especially for people who stand for long hours at work. |
|
Graduated compression stockings |
Compression stockings support venous return, reduce swelling, and help relieve symptoms such as heaviness and aching. |
|
|
Walking and calf exercises |
Regular walking and calf muscle activation improve blood flow back to the heart and support vein function. | |
|
Weight management and clothing choices |
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tight clothing around the waist or legs reduces pressure on veins. |
|
|
Minimally invasive procedures |
Endovenous laser ablation |
A catheter delivers laser energy to seal the incompetent vein. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthetic. |
|
Radiofrequency ablation |
Uses controlled heat to close faulty veins, working in a similar way to laser treatment. | |
| Sclerotherapy |
A sclerosant is injected into smaller varicose or reticular veins, causing them to collapse and fade. Foam sclerotherapy is used for larger veins. |
|
|
Ambulatory phlebectomy |
Protruding superficial veins are removed through tiny skin punctures, leaving minimal scarring. |
|
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Overall benefit |
These techniques offer quicker recovery and fewer complications compared with traditional surgery. |
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| Surgical options |
Ligation and stripping |
Used for extensive superficial vein disease when minimally invasive options are unsuitable. |
| Open surgery |
Reserved for complex recurrence or when vein anatomy is not suitable for endovenous treatment. |
|
| Adjunct therapies |
Skin care treatments |
Topical agents help manage skin changes such as stasis dermatitis. |
| Ulcer care |
Specialised wound care and long-term management are required for venous ulcers. |
When considering the best approach, ask about the pros and cons of endovenous laser ablation, expected downtime, and recurrence risk.
Prevention and Self-Care
You cannot change family history, but daily habits reduce symptoms and delay progression.
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Keep active with regular walking to activate the calf pump.
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Maintain a healthy weight and avoid long periods of standing or sitting.
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Use compression stockings during long travel, as advised by your clinician.
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Elevate legs regularly at the end of the day.
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Avoid smoking, which harms vascular health.
These steps help prevent varicose veins or limit symptom progression.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are common and usually manageable. Early recognition of varicose vein symptoms and a targeted ultrasound assessment allows personalised care. Modern options such as endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy often restore comfort with minimal downtime. If visible veins or persistent leg symptoms limit your life, seek assessment by a vascular specialist.
Book a consultation at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road to discuss the right varicose vein treatment for your legs and obtain a tailored plan.
FAQ's
Compression stockings improve symptoms and slow progression, but do not eliminate the underlying reflux. They are often the first step before definitive treatment.
Most patients experience mild discomfort. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic and requires minimal downtime compared with open surgery.
Most are not immediately life-threatening, but complications such as bleeding, clotting in superficial veins, and venous ulcers can occur and need medical care.
Recurrence can happen, especially if deep venous reflux exists or lifestyle factors persist. Specialist follow-up reduces recurrence risk.
Surgery is considered for extensive cases that are not suitable for endovenous treatments or after failed minimally invasive therapies.
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