The Role of Valves in Veins: What Goes Wrong in Varicose Veins

Veins are blood vessels that are located throughout the body and are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood back into the heart. Veins have valves that open to allow blood flow into the heart and eventually close to prevent blood from flowing backwards. This ensures a smooth functioning of the circulation and maintains proper blood pressure within the venous system.

The valves in the veins have an important role to play. In the legs, where blood needs to travel upwards against gravity, they are responsible for preventing the blood from flowing backwards and pooling in the legs.

Function of Valves in the Veins

Veins, particularly in the arms and legs, have one-way valves. Each valve consists of two flaps (cusps and leaflets) that open like a swinging door. These valves open to allow flow into the heart. Whenever gravity or contractions in the muscles try to pull the blood backwards, the flaps get closed to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. When these valves work properly, they ensure a smooth functioning of the blood circulation.

In other words, the key functions of valves in veins are as follows:

• Maintaining a unidirectional flow
• Preventing the backwards flow of blood
• Reducing pressure build-up

Now, when these valves get damaged or fail to work, they lead to a serious yet misunderstood condition called varicose veins.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that usually start in the ankles and legs. According to the varicose vein doctor in Kolkata, the condition occurs due to weakened and damaged veins. As a result, the blood begins to flow backwards, leading to increased pressure in the veins, which ultimately causes them to swell and become visibly enlarged.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are often misdiagnosed as cosmetic concerns for years. However, it is not so. Rather, they are a serious condition with the following symptoms:

• Visible and bulging veins that become purple or blue in colour
• A feeling of heaviness and fullness in the legs
• Aching and cramping in the calves.
• Numbness in the legs

These symptoms even deteriorate when the patient continues standing for long hours, which further leads to pressure in the legs.

If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time, make sure to consult the best varicose vein doctor in Kolkata, Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, who has years of experience in treating the condition with a minimally invasive technique.

Causes of Valve Damage in the Veins

The valves in the veins weaken due to a number of factors. Here are some of them.

Ageing: As one ages, the veins naturally weaken due to natural wear and tear and age-related conditions.
Genetics: If someone in the family, especially the parents, has a history of varicose veins, there is an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Obesity: Being overweight causes pressure in the legs, which results in the weakening of the vein valves.
Prolonged standing: If your occupation involves standing for long hours, like those of teachers and watchmen, damage to the valves of the veins is quite common.
Trauma: Injury or damage to the veins damages the valves in the veins, causing the blood to pool in the legs.
Hormonal changes: A higher level of estrogen and progesterone, especially during pregnancy, increases the pressure in the veins and weakens the valves.

These are some of the primary risk factors for damage to the vein valves. If you fall under these categories, make sure to consult a varicose vein doctor for checkups.

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins

While many people consider varicose veins a skin concern, untreated varicose veins can lead to a number of serious complications, like the following.

• Skin infections,
• Sudden and torrential bleeding,
• Blood clots
• Skin ulcers
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Deep vein thrombosis

Diagnosis of Varicose Veins

A varicose vein doctor in Kolkata, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, starts the diagnosis by examining the legs and discussing the symptoms. To confirm the presence of the condition, he recommends the following tests.

Doppler ultrasound of legs: It is done to measure the flow of blood in the veins.

Duplex ultrasound: The test involves the use of sound waves to look at the speed of the blood flow and identify the malfunctioning valves.

These procedures help the doctors understand the severity of the condition and the necessary medical procedures required.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

There are several approaches to the treatment of varicose veins. Here are the following techniques employed by a reputed varicose vein doctor in Kolkata.

Surgical intervention: It involves closing off the affected veins through various procedures. It is highly effective in relieving the symptoms like pain, swelling and itching. Surgery even improves the cosmetic appearance of the legs over time.

EVLT: EVLT, or Endovenous laser treatment, is a new technique in the treatment of varicose veins. In this procedure, a diode laser is used to ablate the affected veins. It is a minimally invasive procedure and leaves no pain or scars. Moreover, the recovery time is also short, and patients can resume their daily activities within a few weeks.

In fact, walking is encouraged after the procedure to improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots. However, it is advisable to avoid exerting too much pressure on the legs.

Consulting the Right Specialist

When seeking treatment for varicose veins, it is essential to consult an experienced varicose vein doctor in Kolkata, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, who has received training and has expertise in treating venous conditions. Dr. Bhowmik guides his patients throughout the diagnostic procedures, gives the best treatment and helps in curing the condition permanently.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing unusual symptoms in your veins, make sure not to ignore them. Consult the best varicose vein doctor and take the first step towards better health.