Believe it or not, 40% to 60% of women and 15% to 30% of men worldwide suffer from varicose veins, according to the Indian Journal.
Surgery, Clinical presentation of varicose veins. The 2021 findings point to varicose veins as a growing concern. This condition is often characterized by enlarged, twisted and dilated veins resulting from a loss of effectiveness in the valves of the veins. The valves that normally prevent blood from flowing backwards are damaged for a number of reasons – blood clots or pools in the veins, causing them to become enlarged, distended and even painful.
Women vs. Men
“Varicose veins are more common in women than in men,” says Dr. Ashutosh Kharche, MBBS, MD and a practicing neurovascular consultant from Mumbai. She shares how women seem to be at higher risk because of the stage of pregnancy they tend to go through. Dr. Ashutosh adds, “During pregnancy, the blood volume in your body increases to support the growing baby. This in many ways can widen the veins in the legs.”
Another problem area could also be a gap in lifestyle. An increasing number of women are taking hormonal pills or contraceptives. This, in many ways, serves as one more good reason for the increase in preferences for varicose veins in women. Adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s are more prone to having their valves weaken, losing strength and elasticity. With the hereditary element being one of the many factors here.
Exploding myths
While varicose veins are a common problem, there are myths associated with it that go a long way. Dr Achintya Sharma, Senior Consultant and Head, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Max Shalimar Bagh talks about some of these myths about cosmetology, treatment, causes and prognosis of varicose veins in general. Dr. Achintya believes that many people believe that varicose veins are a cosmetic problem. She eschews such beliefs and talks about how spider veins, a smaller and thinner version of varicose veins, can be cosmetic. However, varicose veins do not fall under this arm and can adversely affect one’s health if neglected for too long. He adds, “Seeking early treatment for varicose veins doesn’t just improve their physical appearance. It also relieves painful or unpleasant symptoms.”
Although treatment is readily available, many still believe that these are conditions that can rarely be treated. Dr. Achintya says, “The cutting-edge technology has made varicose veins highly treatable.” Surgery is also not always the answer when it comes to varicose veins. The treatment of varicose veins usually also depends on the severity of the condition along with the symptoms involved. While most cases may require minimal treatment, only a few require immediate surgical procedures.
In the past, invasive “vein stripping surgery” was the main treatment. Today, procedures are faster with little to no lingering discomfort. “Varicose veins are the result of weak or defective valves within your veins,” says Dr. Achintya. This is usually caused by inactivity which increases the pressure within the veins causing them to become enlarged and painful. Many believe that varicose veins cannot be prevented. This may not be entirely true if one dives into healthier lifestyle habits – which include a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and a complete “No” to tobacco or nicotine consumption.
Treatment options
Common treatment options can range from simple exercise to weight management to medications or laser treatments. One of the many effective treatments here is Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) which uses laser energy to seal larger varicose veins and is minimally invasive.
Dr. Ashutosh shares that the success rate of EVLT is 97.2%. “Patients can happily walk back home the same day without varicose veins,” he adds. Exercise can help improve mobility in varicose veins. Calf muscles normally serve as active “pumping machines” that help circulate blood from your legs and feet to your heart. Regular exercise aids and abets this circulation. It also prevents excessive weight gain. Dr. Ashutosh adds, “Exercise won’t completely cure varicose veins, but it certainly helps improve symptoms.”
Varicose veins seem to be a troubling concern. Perhaps some lifestyle changes along with mindfulness seem to be the need of the hour!
Healthy tips
• Maintain a healthy weight to improve blood flow and reduce pressure in the veins
• Regular exercise, walking or jogging causes leg muscles to contract, improving blood flow
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
• For women- Avoid wearing high heels for a long stretch at the same time
• Quit smoking/smoking as you are more prone to developing varicose veins regardless of age
