Varicose Veins: More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern

Varicose Veins: More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern

Those twisted, swollen, bluish veins in the legs are always considered a cosmetic concern. For many patients, those veins are an aesthetic inconvenience, primarily concerned about how the legs look rather than how the body functions.

However, this perception is completely wrong, and it overlooks the symptoms of a serious venous condition known as varicose veins.

When left untreated for a long time, treatment becomes complicated, and individuals become prone to suffering from chronic discomfort and complications.

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the symptoms, risks, and treatment options for this condition from Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a reputed varicose vein surgeon in Kolkata.

How Do Healthy Veins Work?

Before we understand what varicose veins are, let’s understand how healthy veins function.

Under normal situations, the veins, particularly in the legs, contain valves that play a vital role in moving the blood upward toward the heart against gravity. These valves close automatically if blood tries to flow backwards.

However, for individuals with varicose veins, the valves in the veins are either weakened or completely damaged, which causes the blood to pool in the legs.

In such cases, the blood, instead of moving smoothly upward, collects in certain areas of the legs, thereby causing the veins to appear enlarged, twisted, and become visible under the skin.

Varicose veins are quite common in people who need to stand for prolonged hours, though there are other risk factors as well.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a leading varicose vein surgeon in Kolkata, states that the condition develops due to a combination of factors. Here are some of them.

  • Lifestyle and Occupation

It is seen in people who are in occupations where they need to stand for long hours, such as teachers, researchers or healthcare professionals. Prolonged sitting with minimal movement restricts blood flow and is one of the major reasons behind the development of varicose veins.

  • Genetics

Genetic predisposition is another factor that increases the chance of varicose veins in patients. If anyone in the family, especially a first-degree relative, has varicose veins, the chances of developing them are higher.

  • Ageing

With age, it is natural for the veins to lose their elasticity. As a result, the valves may not function as efficiently as they once did and either get damaged or weakened.

  • Hormonal changes

Research shows that women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men. This is primarily due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.

  • Excess body weight

Last but not least, obesity is a silent risk factor behind the development of varicose veins. Extra weight increases pressure on leg veins, making it harder for blood to flow upward.

Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked

The very first symptom of varicose veins is the appearance of the legs. What they don’t know is that the condition also comes with physical discomfort that develops slowly over time and interferes with daily activities of life.

Being a reputed varicose vein surgeon in Kolkata, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik lists the following symptoms which patients usually ignore. Common experiences include:

  • A feeling of heaviness or tiredness in the legs
  • Aching pain that worsens after standing
  • Swelling around the ankles or calves
  • Burning or throbbing sensation in the veins
  • Night-time cramps
  • Itching or irritation near the affected veins

In more advanced cases, the skin around the ankles might also become darkened or dry, suggesting that blood circulation is significantly affected.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for a long time, it is advisable to get in touch with a leading varicose vein surgeon in Kolkata, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, for a detailed evaluation.

varicose vein treatment

Why Varicose Veins Should Not Be Ignored

Many people continue to live with varicose veins for years, without realising that the untreated veins can lead to various complications, such as the following.

  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): Here, the veins struggle to flow blood back to the heart, causing a range of symptoms like constant aching, heavy legs, and severe fatigue.
  • Skin changes and ulcers: Persistent chronic pressure causes blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. Such individuals develop dark skin accompanied by symptoms like swelling and painful open sores near the ankles.
  • Blood clots: A constant sluggish blood flow causes blood clots, such as superficial thrombophlebitis (painful inflammation) or DVT.
  • Spontaneous bleeding: In the advanced stage, when the thin skin over the vein breaks, it can lead to significant bleeding and eventually death in case of heavy blood loss.

What Are The Modern Treatment Approaches?

Modern advancements in medical technology have transformed the treatment of varicose veins. New surgical interventions have led to a shift from conventional treatment methods to minimally invasive approaches that are safe, effective, and have a high success rate.

One such treatment modality that is gaining popularity is EVLT(Endovenous laser treatment). During the procedure, the surgeon uses a high-energy laser to close off the affected veins.

A thin laser fibre is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision in the leg. The laser energy then heats the vein walls, thereby causing them to collapse and seal shut.

Blood is naturally rerouted to healthy veins, and the treated vein gradually shrinks and disappears over time.

Before the surgical procedure, patients are given anaesthesia to make them feel comfortable without letting them experience any discomfort.

Benefits of EVLT

As the best varicose vein doctor in Kolkata, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik lists the advantages of EVLT, making it the preferred treatment option for both patients and surgeons.

  • Minimally invasive: Unlike conventional treatments that require large incisions, EVLT requires a small puncture in the skin, which significantly reduces pain, bleeding and risk of infections.
  • Quick recovery: Patients can return to their daily activities in a week. However, complete healing might take a few more weeks or months.
  • High success rate: The EVLT is completely safe and highly effective, with success rates exceeding 95% in closing the targeted veins.
  • Minimal scarring: EVLT procedure leaves almost no visible scars, making it an ideal option for patients concerned about the appearance of their legs.
  • Reduced pain: Patients have reported less pain and bruising compared to traditional vein surgery. Though rare, any mild discomfort is managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Outpatient procedure: The duration to complete the procedure is short, with most procedures being completed within 30–60 minutes. Moreover, patients are also required to stay one day at the hospital.
  • Prevents complications: EVLT reduces the risk of complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers, and blood clots, improving both health and quality of life.
  • Targeted: Laser therapy only targets the diseased vein without affecting surrounding healthy veins. This ensures that treatment is efficient with the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion

Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern. They are a medical condition that, if ignored, can lead to chronic discomfort and life-threatening complications.

Hence, consult with an experienced varicose vein surgeon in Kolkata, such as Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, for accurate diagnosis, expert treatment, and ongoing care.