Treatment of varicose veins

What is varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a problem that causes both aesthetic and functional complaints that we find in most of society. The problem of varicose veins caused by insufficiency and deformities in the veins of the lower extremities also significantly affects the daily life of a person.

Varicose veins are usually the result of a problem of venous reflux in the veins of the legs, a problem in which dirty blood returns to the heart. Dirty blood must return to the heart to cleanse the entire body and enter the lungs. As the valves inside the vein are damaged as the blood travels from bottom to top, the blood begins to flow back and creates pressure in the veins, deforming them. As the vein deforms, the leakage becomes greater and this process continues to repeat itself.

The problems caused by varicose veins in the patient can be listed as follows:

• Burning, pain and feeling of pressure in the legs
• Appearance of purple and green veins under the skin
• To see stretched, curled and compressed veins under the skin
• Night spasms
• Feeling of fatigue and pulping (pounding) in the legs
• Edema
• Itching

What causes varicose veins?

There are many factors that cause varicose veins. They can be listed as follows:

• Genetic factors
• Gender (more common in women)
• Inaction
• Get old
• Exceeding the Ideal weight
• Periods when strong hormonal changes occur, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
• Traumatic events (vascular damage)

At the same time, sitting for a long time, standing for a long time, choosing too tight clothes and too high heels, constipation can also play a role in causing problems with varicose veins. All this can be overcome by making some lifestyle changes

How is varicose vein diagnosed?

Today, many radiological examinations are used in the diagnosis of varicose veins. Among these examinations, the diagnostic method with the highest informativeness is color Doppler ultrasound. On a color Doppler ultrasound examination, the patient should be lying down or standing. Color Doppler ultrasound, which is used for accurate diagnosis of varicose veins, plays an important role in identifying the structure of the veins, formed clots, valve defects and leaks.

In rare cases, techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and venography examination may be used to diagnose varicose veins. The diagnostic process is of great importance in the successful implementation of the treatment of varicose veins. So, in the process of diagnosis, along with the detection of a problematic vein, it is also decided which treatment method to apply.

Treatment of varicose veins

The problem of varicose veins can develop for years in most patients without causing any complaints, while in some patients it can cause symptoms that worsen daily activities. In addition to cosmetic complaints, leg cramps, chronic fatigue or leg pain, untreated varicose veins can result in blood clots or open wounds to the lungs over time. Therefore, the problem of varicose veins should be monitored, effective medical methods should be applied, and treatment should be properly planned.

Currently, various methods are used in the treatment of varicose veins. We have two main goals in the treatment of varicose veins. These include the treatment of vascular insufficiency and the elimination of the patient's complaints by preventing the recurrence of varicose veins.

What methods are used in the treatment of varicose veins?

Surgical and non-surgical methods can be used in the treatment of varicose veins. These methods are applied as follows:

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Surgical treatment is based on the closure and removal of the vascular ends through small incisions made in the ankle and groin area, after detecting the vein that causes problems in varicose veins. This method is usually performed under anesthesia.

The surgical method in the treatment of varicose veins is a classic method that has been used for many years. At the moment, we do not give preference to this method. Currently, more convenient methods have been developed, both in terms of the application of anesthesia and the opening of the incision.

Laser method

Another name for laser treatment of varicose veins is EVLA. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins.

During this procedure, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision in the skin.The thermal energy supplied by the laser sticks the dilated vessel walls together.

In this technique, which is considered the most modern method of treating varicose veins, the success rate of treatment is very high, since the intravenous vein is constantly closed and there is no possibility of recurrence of the disease.

After laser treatment, which usually uses tumescent anesthesia, varicose veins decrease and disappear over time.

Radio frequency method

One of the methods used in the treatment of varicose veins in recent years is the radio frequency method. This method is usually performed under general or local anesthesia and ultrasound control. After application, there may be minimal pain and bruising. After treatment, it is recommended not to violate the exercise program.

Gluing method

This method is performed by inserting a varicose vein using a catheter under local anesthesia. With the biological glue we use, the problematic vein is eliminated and the blood is directed into a normal vein. In this technique, complications such as bleeding or bruising are not observed, and the patient immediately returns to normal life.

Sclerotherapy and foam therapy

Sclerotherapy is popularly known as acupuncture. Dec. This method is based on the fact that the drug injected into the vein through a needle freezes the problematic vein and neutralizes it. It should not be applied to the main vessels. It can only be applied to surface capillaries.

Foam therapy is currently the most widely used method for the treatment of varicose veins. It is the process of inserting the drug used in classical acupuncture into a problematic vein after coming into contact with air and foams.

The main difference between foam therapy and sclerotherapy is that it uses a very small amount of drugs and has a faster effect on the large vessels. Decongestant treatment is the most effective. When the drug is injected into a vein, the vein freezes and becomes ineffective. This is a more convenient procedure for varicose veins compared to other treatments.

The use of compression stockings in the treatment of varicose veins

The use of compression (compression) stockings is recommended because it supports the treatment of varicose veins caused by circulatory disorders and venous insufficiency. Compression stockings should be used under medical supervision. It should be worn continuously during the day and worn in the morning before getting out of bed.