Varicose vein: Myth or reality?

VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins, which is also known as varicoses or varicosities, developed when the veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood running just beneath the surface of your skin. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and have a bluish-purple or red color. They are often painful. Visible swollen and twisted veins sometimes surrounded by patches of flooded capillaries known as spider veins are considered superficial varicose veins. Although they can be painful and disfiguring, they are usually harmless. When inflamed, they become tender to the touch and can hinder circulation to the point of causing swollen ankles, itchy skin, A painful cord in the vein with red discoloration of the skin, Color changes, hardening of the vein, inflammation of the skin or skin ulcers near the ankle, which can mean a serious form of vascular disease that requires medical attention! The condition is very common, especially in women. Around 25% of adults have varicose veins. In most cases, a varicose vein shows on the lower legs.
CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS?

Arteries are programmed to carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the tissues. While the veins return blood from the rest of the body to the heart, such that the blood can be re-circulated. For blood to return to the heart, the veins in the legs must work against gravity. Contractions of muscles in the lower legs act as pumps, and the elasticity nature vein walls help blood return to the heart. The veins depend mainly on surrounding muscles and a network of one-way valves. As blood flows through a vein, the cup-like valves alternately open to allow blood through and then close to prevent backflow.
Emergence of varicose veins, the valves do not work properly, thus allowing blood to accumulate in the vein and making it difficult for the muscles to push the blood back to the heart and then to the lungs for oxygenation. Instead of flowing from one valve to the other, the blood continues to accumulate within the vein, which further increases the venous pressure and the possibility of congestion and causes the vein to swell and form a spider-like network.
Note: Whatsoever circumstances that put extreme pressure on the legs or abdomen can lead to varicose veins?
The most common pressure inducers are pregnancy, obesity, and standing for long periods, chronic constipation and in rare cases, tumors also can cause varicose veins. Being sedentary also may contribute to varicosity, because muscles that are out of condition offer poor blood-pumping action.
The probability of varicosity also surges as veins weaken with age. Likewise a previous leg injury may harm the valves in any prominent vein and can also result in varicosity. Genetics also cannot be overemphasized and thus implicated in varicosity, so if the disorder runs in the family there is a greater chance of inheritance. Meanwhile, a popular belief that sitting with crossed legs can cause varicose veins is a blasphemy, though it can intensify an existing condition. Women are most likely to develop the condition. This can be due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, pre-menstruation or menopause may be a risk factor because female hormones tend to relax the elastic walls of the veins.

SPIDER VEINS

These are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. Spider veins are found closer to the skin's surface and are often red or blue. They occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. Spider veins vary in size and often look like a spider's web.

Complications of Varicose Vein
Most varicose veins are reasonably benign, but severe varicosities can lead to major complications, due to the poor circulation through the affected limb.
• Failure to walk or stand for long hours, thus hindering work
• Dermatitis. Skin conditions which could predispose skin loss
• Venous Ulcers. usually referred to as Skin ulcers especially near the ankle
• Carcinoma or sarcoma in longstanding venous ulcers.
• Severe bleeding from minor trauma, of particular concern in the elderly.
• Blood clotting termed superficial thrombophlebitis.
• Acute fat necrosis can occur,
• Bleeding. Occasionally, veins very close to the skin may burst.
Diagnosis
A physical examination, mainly visual and prominent, the doctor can diagnose whether or not a patient has varicose veins. The doctor checks for signs of swelling on specific locations on the body.
Diagnostic tests are sometimes ordered which include:
• Color duplex ultrasound scan: This shows color images of what the structures of the veins look like, this in turn helps the doctor to identify any abnormalities. It can also measure the rate at which the of blood flow.
• Doppler test: An ultrasound scan to check the direction of blood flow in the veins. This test can also be used to checks for blood clots or obstructions within the veins.

TREATMENT
If the patient has no symptoms or discomfort and is not bothered by the sight of the varicose veins, treatment might not be necessary. However, if there are symptoms, treatment may be required
For cosmetic reasons, some patients may also want treatment - they want to get rid of the "ugly" varicose veins.
Ligation and stripping (Surgery)
This procedure does not usually require a hospital stay. 2 incisions are made, one near the patient's groin at the top of the target vein, and the other is made further down the leg. The top of the vein is tied up and closed. Ligation and stripping sometimes result in bruising, bleeding, and pain.
After the surgery, patients will need 1-3 weeks for recovery before going back to His/Her normal duties. compression stockings are worn during recovery period.

Sclerotherapy
A chemical substance is injected into the small and medium-sized varicose veins to block off a larger vein. A vein might possibly need to be injected more than once.
Radiofrequency ablation
A very small incision is made above or below the knee, and with the help of a scan (ultrasound scan); a catheter (a narrow tube) is threaded into the vein. a probe is inserted into the catheter, this emits radiofrequency energy that heats up the vein, thus causing its walls to collapse, effectively closing and sealing it. THIS PROCEDURE IS RECOMMENDED FOR LARGER VARICOSE VEINS.

Home remedies
These include: Exercising, losing weight, raising the legs, possibly avoiding prolonged standing or sitting and over-the-counter natural treatments can also be taken as an option, using topical creams and emollients.

REFERENCE/ FURTHER READING
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-varicose-veins-basics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varicose_veins
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
https://www.healthline.com/health/varicose-veins#outlook
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240129.php

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