Venous Skin Ulcers – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
admin Vascular Diseases

Venous Skin Ulcers – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Skin ulcers are wounds or open sores that develop on the surface of the skin and take enormous time to heal. Venous skin ulcers are a type of skin ulcer that is caused due to a venous disorder like chronic venous insufficiency.

Venous skin ulcers, also commonly referred to as venous leg ulcers are shallow wounds that develop on the lower region of the legs, especially on the sides of the legs, above the ankle and below the calf.

The prevalent cause of venous skin ulcers is the failure of the leg veins to send the used and deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The blood remains pooled in the veins and the surrounding tissues of the lower leg region. This creates additional pressure in the legs and in cases where the treatment is delayed, the excessive fluid breaks out from the tissues and eventually causes an open sore or an ulcer in the affected area.

Also called Statis Legs Ulcers, these ulcers may take anywhere between a few weeks to a few years to heal due to poor blood circulation in the damaged area. A delay in treatment can, however, lead to other severe health complications as well. There are always high chances of recurrence if you do not take the desired precautions after the treatment.

What causes them?

Leg veins that become weak and incapable of sending the used blood back to the heart are the main cause of venous skin ulcers. Below mentioned are the most common causes of venous leg ulcers:

  • Varicose veins
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot in the deep veins of the legs)
  • Old age, being tall, being a female
  • Obesity
  • Smoking 
  • Pregnancy
  • Lack of exercise
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Daily work that requires long hours of standing or sitting
  • Previous leg injuries
  • Family history of blood clots or venous insufficiency

What are the symptoms?

By being aware of the early signs and easy to recognize symptoms of venous leg ulcers, you can self-diagnose them and schedule an appointment with a vascular specialist for treatment and prevention.

Following are some of the early signs of venous leg ulcers:

  1. Itching or burning sensation on the skin of the affected area
  2. Dry skin accompanied by a rash
  3. Skin discoloration where the skin turns brown and looks pale
  4. A feeling of heaviness in the lower region of the legs
  5. The affected area may even become swollen

Below mentioned are the symptoms of an open sore that is actually a venous leg ulcer:

  1. Shallow sore that has a red base, may sometimes be covered by a yellow tissue
  2. Unevenly shaped borders of the ulcer
  3. The skin turns hard and tight around the ulcer
  4. The surrounded skin also turns red in colour
  5. The affected area feels warm and looks shinny

Some venous leg ulcers become infected and have the following signs and symptoms in addition to the above ones:

  1. Worsening pain
  2. Fever
  3. Pus drain from the wound
  4. A foul-smelling fluid oozing out from the open sore

How are they diagnosed?

If you have a wound on the leg that is not healing or has got infected, you must immediately visit a vascular expert. The specialist will physically examine the open sore and the skin around it, and will also ask some questions to learn about you and your family’s medical history.

The doctor will then conduct a Duplex Doppler Ultrasound Scan to find out the exact reason for the ulcer. This examination clearly shows how the blood is moving in the lower leg region and what is hindering its movement back to the heart.

The vascular expert may recommend a few other tests to check other problems related to varicose veins and to re-examine the ulcer to ensure it is healing properly.

What are the treatment options?

The most basic form of treatment and recovery involves improving the blood flow in the affected region as this will help repair the wound quickly.

There are a few things that you can do to treat the venous skin ulcers. Make a note of them below:

  1. Use compression stockings as they help prevent blood pooling and create additional pressure on the legs. This will in-turn improve blood circulation in the lower leg region thus enhancing the body’s ability to heal the ulcer.
  2. You must elevate your legs above your heart level as frequently as possible. Lie down on your bed and use a pillow or two to lift your legs up to the level of the heart. Vascular experts usually suggest a minimum of half-an-hour for at least 3 to 4 times a day.
  3. Make an everyday walk routine as walking enhances the blood circulation of the body. This clubbed with low impact exercises can also work wonders for the recovery process of your venous leg ulcers.
  4. If your ulcer has got infected, the doctor will prescribe some antibiotics to kill the infection. The vascular expert might also suggest a moist dressing on the wound to fasten its healing.
  5. In a few critical cases, doctors will immediately recommend surgery or endovenous laser ablation to treat the underlying cause of blood pooling as that may be preventing the wound from healing.

Usually, a venous leg ulcer requires 3-4 months to heal. A few may heal quicker while some may never clean-up.

As soon as you see the first signs of a statis leg ulcer, consult your vascular expert immediately to prevent the ulcer from forming or growing bigger in size, as smaller and new ulcers are easier to heal than the larger ones.

What to do next?

If you or someone you know has one or more of the above symptoms, you must not delay a medical check-up with the vascular experts at Avis Hospitals. All doctors at Avis Hospitals are through professionals, have years of experience, and believe in 100% customer satisfaction.

Avis Hospitals will not only guide you with the most genuine and authentic advise for your health but also take the extra steps to ensure your well-being. Pledge to take care of your vein health and book a timely treatment for your venous leg ulcers to prevent other medical complications. Schedule an appointment with Avis Hospitals today!

You Want to Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
admin Vascular Diseases

Everything You Want to Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis, abbreviated as DVT, refers to the medical emergency that occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein that is located deep inside the human body. Although the blood clot, which is a solidified clump of blood, can form anywhere inside the body, it is most commonly known to occur in the thighs or the lower leg region.

DVT is a serious condition that may turn fatal in case of delay or absence of immediate medical care. In medical terms, DVT is also referred to as thromboembolism, post-phlebitic syndrome, and post-thrombotic syndrome.

Symptoms of DVT

There are a few prevalent symptoms that you can use to self-diagnose DVT and visit a vascular expert for diagnosis and treatment. Following are the most common DVT symptoms:

  •   Swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot, generally on one side
  •   Severe pain in the affected area of the leg that mostly begins from the calf
  •   Unbearable and unexplained pain in the foot and/or ankle
  •   A section of the skin surface that feels warmer than the surroundings
  •   The skin of the affected area turns pale, reddish, or bluish in color

For patients who develop a blood clot in the upper half of the body, say for instance a blood clot in the arms, they may experience the below mentioned symptoms:

  • Extreme pain in the neck
  • Severe shoulder pain
  • Sudden swelling in the affected arm or the hand
  • Skin color changes to bluish-red
  • Pain that feels to move from the arm to the forearm
  • Weakness in the hand and inability to hold something firmly

Causes of DVT

The main cause of DVT is a blood clot in the bloodstream that restricts the desired blood circulation in the body. Blood clotting can occur due to one or more of the reasons detailed below:

  • Injury – An accident or injury that causes damage to the walls of a blood vessel or narrows it down thus leading to poor blood circulation. This can eventually lead to blood clots and DVT.
  • Surgery – At times, one or more blood vessel may get damaged during surgery and this can lead to the formation of a blood clot. For a few patients, suggested bed rest after surgery also leads to DVT.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle – Poor mobility or a state of inactivity for extended time durations can slow down the blood flow in the lower regions of the leg and this can cause deep vein blood clots.
  • Side-Effects of Medicines – Certain medications are known to increase the probability of blood clotting.

Risk Factors of DVT

Although people over 50 years of age are more probable to suffer from DVT, DVT can occur to people at any age. Any factors that hinder the blood flow and restrict the ideal blood circulation are high-risk factors of DVT. Let us address a few of them below:

  1. Any injury that damages the veins, like for instance a bone fracture
  2. Being overweight and/or obese as excessive body weight leads to additional pressure on the veins in the legs
  3. Hereditary blood clotting disorders
  4. Having a family history of blood clots or DVT
  5. Having a catheter placed inside a vein
  6. Consuming birth control pills
  7. Undergoing a hormone therapy
  8. Remaining seated during long flights, car journey, or at work
  9. Smoking
  10. Cancer
  11. Inflammatory bowel disease
  12. Heart failure as it makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood
  13. Varicose Veins

Treatment for DVT

The most basic form of treatment is blood thinning oral medications. These medicines restrict the blood from clotting and thus reduce the chances of new blood clot formations.

In a few cases of DVT, the doctor might advise the patient to get intravenous thrombolytic drugs that break up the existing blood clots. Wearing compression stockings also helps reduce the swelling and probability of developing new blood clots by regulating the blood flow.

Surgical procedures to remove a DVT clot from your arms or legs are suggested when the clot is too big and is causing serious medical issues like tissue damage, etc. In the surgical process, the vascular expert uses ultrasound scans to accurately locate the clot and then removes it by making an incision into the blood vessel.

Conclusion

If you have a family or personal history of blood clots, always be mindful of the above mentioned DVT symptoms. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, consume a nutritious diet, and perform basic physical activities every day.

In case of an early sign of DVT, schedule a consultation with a vascular expert. Avis Hospitals has a team of exceptionally trained and truly experienced vascular interventional radiologists at its Hyderabad as well as Bangalore branch. Schedule an appointment today!

How do blood clots form in the veins?
admin FAQS & Myths

How do blood clots form in the veins?

A blood clot is a clump of blood that can form anywhere inside the body. Blood clots vary in size and restrict the blood flow to various different body parts. These are not only harmful but can also turn to be fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time.

Blood clots may occur in the arms, legs, lungs, abdomen (stomach), heart, brain, and even kidneys. The symptoms can contrast from mere swelling and mild pain to extreme cases of heart attack and brain stroke.

There are two main variants of blood clots.

  • Thrombosis – Blood clots that are local, stay at one place in the body and do not move
  • Embolism – Blood clots that break away from the spot and keep moving to different body parts through the bloodstream

In order to prevent blood clots, we must understand how they are formed, its common causes, early symptoms, the process of diagnosis and the treatment procedure. Please read through this detailed write-up for a thorough understanding of blood clots.

How are blood clots formed?

As soon as you get an injury or meet with an accident that damages one or more of your blood vessels, the platelets (tiny disc-shaped cells) in the blood are triggered to release chemicals that initiate the blood clotting process.

During the blood clotting phenomenon, the platelets attract other platelet cells which bind with each other and with the damaged blood vessels to stop bleeding and prevent further blood loss.

The blood clotting factors attract more and more cells to completely secure the damaged area and this causes the blood clot to grow huge in size. New proteins receive signals from the extra clotting factors that prevent the clot from spreading.

Once the damaged tissue begins to heal, the blood clot dissolves itself back into the bloodstream. But at a few instances, certain substances in the bloodstream like the plague, unnecessarily initiate the blood clotting process and that causes unwanted deep vein blood clots leading to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

What causes blood clots?

Although blood clotting is vital to restrict excessive blood loss after getting hurt, unrequired blood clotting can lead to a medical emergency or even death. The below-mentioned risk factors can cause blood clots to form without a trigger.

  1. Being obese or overweight
  2. Being over 70 years of age
  3. A personal history or family heredity of blood clots
  4. Sitting for extended time durations, especially during long flights or road travel expeditions
  5. Pregnancy or recent pregnancy
  6. An injury or trauma
  7. Undergoing a surgical procedure or hospitalization
  8. Prolonged bed rest suggested after a critical surgery or an acute illness
  9. Smoking
  10. Use of birth control pills that contain the estrogen hormone or any other hormone replacement therapy
  11. Cancers of the type lung, pancreatic, multiple myeloma, or blood cancer
  12. Autoimmune disorders
  13. Chronic inflammation diseases
  14. Infections such as HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, hepatitis C

What are the symptoms of a blood clot?

In a large number of cases, the patients often receive warning signals that point towards a blood clot. You must carefully watch out for the below-mentioned most common blood clot symptoms:

  1. A feeling of warmth in the affected area, most commonly the leg
  2. The skin of the damaged area looks prominently red
  3. Swelling accompanied by pain in the damaged body part. If the blood clot is in the leg, the patient may find it difficult to walk or stand
  4. Numbness around the damaged blood vessels or tissues

The symptoms also differ with the location of the blood clot. The blood clot in the arms or legs may cause cramps and tenderness whereas the ones in the abdomen area can lead to vomiting and Diarrhea.

Certain blood clots can even travel to different parts of the body:

  1. Clots in the heart cause a heavy feeling and intense pain in the chest and upper area of the body, breathlessness, nausea, sweating, and light-headedness.
  2. A clot that moves to the lungs can lead to shortness of breath, fever, sweating, severe chest pain, racing heart, etc
  3. A blood clot in the brain can be truly dangerous as it causes weakness in the face, arms, legs and may affect the speech and vision of the patient. It is often accompanied by acute headache and dizziness.

At times it can get really tedious to diagnose blood clots as most of the above symptoms are often confused with a heart attack or a brain stroke.

How are blood clots diagnosed?

Whether you go for a first-time check-up or reach the hospital in an emergency, the doctor will examine your symptoms and inquire about your medical history. The doctor will also request details about your family history of blood clots and the medicines that you are currently taking.

The medical practitioner will also collect your blood sample and conduct a blood test to check for an autoimmune disorder or other infections. Your blood sample will also be tested for abnormal clotting or the presence of antibodies that may be interfering with the blood clotting process.

How can blood clots be treated?

Once the patient is diagnosed to be suffering from a blood clot, the treatment is fairly simple and straightforward. Almost all patients are advised to consume blood thinners and anticoagulants that help dissolve the existing clots and prevent the new ones from developing.

If you are obese or have a sedentary lifestyle, the doctors may suggest you improve your activity levels and shed the extra kilos by engaging in sports or other physical activities. You may also be asked to follow a strict diet and give-up on smoking.

To some patients, medicines for blood clot dissolution are given through the catheter that is inserted in the affected area through a small cut on the skin. In other critical cases, especially with blood clots in the legs or feet, doctors may suggest surgical removal of the blood clot.

After successful treatment, it is vital to visit your doctor at least once every few weeks for a proper physical examination and any desired change in medications.

Conclusion

Blood clots can easily be prevented if you are aware of its causes and take strict measures to avoid the common risk factors. Completely give up on smoking, lose weight, speak to your doctor about effective alternatives to birth control pills, and ask your doctor if you must consume blood-thinning drugs on a regular basis.

If you have a personal or a family medical history of blood clots, you must eat a nutritious diet and maintain a healthy weight. You must always be cautious and keep an eye on the common symptoms of blood clots. It is also advisable to undergo routine vein screening as you are at a high risk of developing blood clots due to a past case history. This will help in early diagnosis and efficient treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis before the situation gets worse.

If you notice any of the above signs of blood clots in your body, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with the renowned interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals. He has 24+ years of experience and is known to offer the best medical advice and genuine medical treatment of endovenous laser treatment for DVT patients. Schedule your appointment today!

Vein Pain
admin FAQS & Myths

Vein Pain: What Your Legs Are Trying To Tell You?

A sensation of pain accompanied by an intense feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet can be a sign of a vein disorder. Chronic pain not only makes it difficult for you to do your everyday chores efficiently but is also a cause of irritation, stress, and depression in most patients. The constant vein discomfort is indicative of a serious medical condition and necessarily requires immediate therapeutic attention.

Causes of Leg Pain

In a few cases, the leg pain is not because of a vein condition but is caused by an injury or accident that leads to sprain or spinal pain which further reaches down to the legs and feet. If you witness pain without an injury and the leg ache does not seem to go away even after a few days, you must see a vein specialist and get a proper check-up done for an accurate diagnosis before treatment.

It is only after a physical examination and the recommended ultrasound scans that the vascular expert will be able to comment on your vein health and prescribe a treatment. Of all the common causes of chronic venous pain in legs, varicose veins are the most prevalent one. Varicose veins are caused when the valves of certain veins in the legs and feet fail to send the de-oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Although most of the varicose veins negatively impact the physical appearance of the affected area, in a few cases, there may not be any visible signs on the skin surface. Not only the aged, but even the younger people are commonly reported to be suffering from varicose veins.

Over time, owing to the lack or delay of proper treatment, varicose veins can result in other disorders which may further cause extreme pain and severe discomfort. Lymphoedema, which is characterized by swelling in the legs and thrombophlebitis, which occurs when blood clots form in the surface of the legs are the most common side effects of the absence of proper treatment for varicose veins! Varicose veins may even lead to DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which is a critical medical emergency.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Pain in the damaged area of legs and feet is the easiest way to recognize varicose veins. Some patients may also feel itching accompanied by discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the affected area.

For a few patients, there may not be any visible symptoms but the following signs can help you self-diagnose varicose veins:

  •   Skin discoloration
  •   Throbbing or burning sensation in the legs
  •   Heaviness in the affected area
  •   Irritation or itching on the damaged area
  •   Severe leg pain and feet ache
  •   Swelling, especially in the evening and night, mostly on warm days
  •   Chronic pain that feels like muscle cramps

Treatment for Varicose Veins

Whether you are looking for treatment options to get rid of the ugly sight of varicose veins or are seeking instant relief from the aching legs and feet, there are a variety of medical procedures and the doctors will choose one on the basis of your exact medical condition:

  • Compression Stockings: The most basic form of treatment option is support stockings or compression stockings. These are tight near the ankle and lose around the thighs. Available in multiple sizes, you must consult your doctor about the recommended size before making a purchase. Although not a permanent solution, it does offer immediate relief from ache and itching.
  • Sclerotherapy: Smaller varicose veins can be treated by injecting an irritant in the affected veins. This causes inflammation and narrowing of the varicose veins thus disconnecting them from the circulatory system.
  • Ablation: Endovenous laser treatment is a no-cut, no-scar, and no-stitch technique that uses a laser fibre to completely close the varicose veins.

Book an Appointment with Avis Hospitals

Chronic vein pain keeps you distracted, unhappy, and also hinders your ability to stand or walk long distances at a stretch. It is absolutely essential for you to schedule your appointment with renowned vascular experts at Avis Hospitals for quick relief and speedy recovery.

If you are looking to get your varicose veins treated in a minimally invasive way, trust none other than Hyderabad’s most reputed medical institution, Avis Hospitals. The experienced vascular experts use vein mapping and effective diagnostic procedures to precisely mark-out the varicose veins and treat the damaged area.

The vein specialists at Avis Hospitals are thorough professionals and are truly caring about your well-being. They will help you overcome vein pain by addressing the underlying vein issues and treating them effectively. You will be able to witness positive changes in your life and feel ecstatic about standing and walking without any ache or soreness in the legs and feet.

For queries and treatments, schedule a medical check-up at Avis Hospitals today!

Varicose Veins to Remedy or to Treat
admin Preventions and Tips

Remedies for Varicose veins

Sooner or later, as many as 20% of the adults get affected by varicose veins at least once in their lifetime. According to the statistics from the recent medical surveys, almost twice as many women as men suffer from varicose veins and this is a fairly common medical ailment for the older women.

Varicose veins are the twisted and swollen veins that are caused when the valves of the leg and feet veins tend to restrict the blood flow back to the heart. This medical condition is accompanied by itching and pain in the legs and these symptoms get worse when the patient continues to be in the same sitting or standing position for longer durations.

Following is a list of few other common varicose veins symptoms:

  • The appearance of enlarged bluish-purple veins that are even visible with a naked eye just below the skin surface
  • Dry skin that appears thinner on the affected area
  • Increasing pain in the leg and feet
  • Severe irritation accompanied by a constant heavy feeling due to the pooling of blood
  • Itching or burning, and continuous discomfort
  • Swelling in the feet and around the ankle area
  • Muscle cramps that become more prominent at the night

Most people wonder if their varicose veins require medical assistance. As frustrating as it may sound, varicose veins are not only a cosmetic displeasure but also greatly degrade the patient’s health if they are ignored or left untreated.

You must undoubtedly consult a vascular expert and seek his/her advice for the medications and operative treatment of your varicose veins. Consulting a vascular surgeon does not mean undergoing a surgery. When you visit a doctor, he will first analyze your health and varicose vein condition, understand your family history of varicose veins, and then suggest remedies or surgical procedures to cure the root cause and symptoms of varicose veins.

Let us understand below, if we can remedy varicose veins or if treatment is absolutely necessary.

The Conservative Approach to Varicose Veins

Managing your varicose veins will help you prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Following are some simple tips and home remedies that will enable you to work towards better vein health:

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight – If your BMI score is more than 25, you must focus on getting back in shape as excessive body weight is known to increase the pressure on the legs and feet. This restricts the movement of the blood back to the heart and is known to be a popular cause of varicose veins.
  2. Consume a Nutritional Diet – If you get to notice any early symptoms of varicose veins, alter your diet to include more fibre and eat products that are rich in potassium as this will regulate your blood pressure and improve the blood flow from the legs and feet upwards towards the heart.
  3. Perform Mild Exercises Regularly – Low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, yoga, stretching, and swimming are known to improve blood circulation. These mild physical actives help exercise the calf muscles without the fear of getting an injury.
  4. Elevate your legs and feet – If you have had a long day at work and are suffering from constant itching in the legs and feet, you can pacify the pain and instantly feel better by simply elevating your legs with the help of cushions and pillows. This remedy is also beneficial for pregnant women who have complains of varicose veins.
  5. Compression Stockings – These are the support stockings that are tight around the ankle and lose around the knees. They are known to prevent blood pooling and assist in blood movement from the legs and feet back to the heart. Available in multiple sizes, you must consult your doctor to choose the perfect size and fit as wearing a wrong size can worsen the situation, leave aside improving the symptoms.
  6. Keep altering your sitting and standing position regularly. Do not sit with crossed legs as that severely restricts the blood flow
  7. Avoid wearing tight clothes as they also hinder the free movement of blood
  8. If you are on a long flight, ensure to walk down the aisle once every few hours or exercise the ankle while still sitting on your seat

The above-mentioned conservative techniques are beneficial and definitely work to reduce the varicose vein pains but these tips only offer short term relief and cannot completely cure the condition or eliminate the varicose vein symptoms.

To get rid off the varicose vein pain and the itching sensation, you must take a professional treatment.

Medical Treatment for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can be more easily treated today than ever before. Earlier the doctors had to rely on surgical procedures where the affected veins were either closed or completely chopped off. These procedures were very painful and required massive post-operative care as well.

With the newest developments in medical science, laser technique is now being used to treat even the most critical varicose vein patients. This treatment is minimally invasive, has no side-effects, and is totally safe for patients of any group.

For the laser ablation treatment of varicose veins, the patient is only given local anaesthesia and a laser fibre is inserted in the affected area through a very small cut. The patient does not get any large cuts or stitches and is usually discharged from the hospital on the same day.

The patient isn’t even recommended to get bed rest, he/she can do his/her daily tasks, and even get back to work from the very next day itself. This is a fairly quick process and does not have an intense post-operative care routine.

Conclusion

If you are also eager to manage your varicose veins easily, visit Avis Hospitals to learn about the treatment options in detail. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a distinguished vascular surgeon with years of experience and a record of successfully treating over 4000 varicose vein patients every year.

Dr. Rajah and his team of medical practitioners at Avis Hospitals always ensure that you have a comfortable medical experience during the endovenous laser treatment of your varicose veins. They are always around for you to get answers to your questions and feel confident about the treatment and recovery. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rajah at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Multiple Varicose Vein Treatments
admin Diagnosis & Treatments

Comparison of Multiple Varicose Vein Treatments – Minimally Invasive Procedures Versus Surgical Procedures

Owing to the large pool of information on the web and the massive variety of available treatment methods, it can be extremely overwhelming for you to decide upon a varicose vein medical treatment method and be confident that you have made the right choice for your speedy recovery.

In this article today, we are going to share brief details about all the feasible treatment options and compare their pros and cons to help you evaluate and plan the treatment course of your ugly looking and highly painful varicose veins.

Introduction to Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are the blue and purple veins that are quite evidently visible right under the surface of the skin. They are the twisted and enlarged veins that seem to bulge out from the affected area on the legs and feet.

Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves of the veins become incompetent and do not work as desired. They prevent the de-oxygenated blood from flowing back to the heart and this causes the blood to pool in the malfunctioning veins, thus making them look swollen and magnified.

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue but also pose a serious threat to the patient’s health with increased chances of medical ailments like blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and even active venous ulcers.

Following are the most common symptoms to easily identify varicose veins:

  •   A feeling of heaviness and constant discomfort in the legs
  •   Swelling in the legs, commonly around the ankle area
  •   Itching, burning sensation, throbbing or any kind of irritation in the legs
  •   Skin changes around the affected area

Treating Varicose Veins

It is wise to first try the non-invasive conservative treatment methods for varicose veins at your home. These include :

  •   Regular use of compression stockings
  •   Keep your legs at an elevation all throughout the day and even during sleep
  •   Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
  •   Bring your blood pressure down to appropriate levels
  •   Eat a nutritional diet and exercise your legs every day

If even after practicing the above-mentioned methods, you still do not find relief in the symptoms of your varicose veins, you must find a suitable treatment method to either close off the problematic vein or completely remove it. This way the body will automatically redirect the blood from the varicose vein to other healthier veins.

Minimally Invasive Options

Minimally invasive treatment methods are those where the affected veins are treated without a surgical procedure. Doctors who are interventional radiologists are specially trained experts with proficiency in using imaging techniques such as ultrasound to effectively diagnose the problematic varicose veins. There are two main minimally invasive treatment methods as detailed below:

Venous Ablation

In the venous ablation treatment method, a minute cut is made on the body. Through this cut, a thin tube called catheter is inserted into the varicose vein to the point so that the tip of the catheter reaches the correct position of the affected area.

Now, exactly along the path created by the catheter, extreme heat, created by either a laser fibre or radiofrequency waves, is applied to the inside of the vein and the vein is completely closed off. This closed vein eventually disappears on its own.

Micro-phlebectomy

This process, also called ambulatory phlebectomy, is usually done along with the venous ablation procedure as a part of a complete treatment process. Successful in treating the bulging veins near the skin surface, this technique makes several small cuts on the skin surrounding the varicose veins.

A special instrument that has a hook attached to its tip is inserted through these cuts to remove the varicose veins. Although no stitches are needed to close these cuts, small bandages are required after the completion of the procedure.

There are more than a handful of benefits of the minimally invasive varicose veins treatment methods:

  •   These treatments are quite effective
  •   The endovenous laser ablation procedure is successful in 91-100% times
  •   The patient need not get admitted to the hospital for these treatments and can be attended to as an OPD patient
  •   There are no stitches required to close the cuts
  •   In most cases, general anaesthesia isn’t needed as the local anaesthesia is sufficient

There is also a downside to the minimally invasive treatment procedures, let us address them below:

  •   Not all patients can be treated for their varicose veins by these minimally invasive methods. In a few patients, surgery is vital for complete cure
  •   You may need additional treatments after the minimally invasive procedure
  •   In a few rare cases, blood clots have developed after the endovenous laser treatment of the varicose veins
  •   Some patients may suffer from bleeding, infection, and inflammation in the vein after the laser treatment

Surgical Stripping

Until a few years ago, surgical treatments were the only available medical procedures to treat patients suffering from varicose veins. In these procedures, patients are given medication for sedation so that they are unconscious during the procedure. In most cases, regional anaesthesia is also required so that the area to be treated is numbed before the surgery.

Vein Stripping

In the vein stripping surgery, incisions are made in the groin and around the medial thigh. Through these cuts, a special metal or plastic wire is inserted into the varicose vein. This wire pulls the affected vein out from the body. The incisions are then stitched and a bandage is applied to the wound.

The patient may have to stay in the hospital under the doctor’s supervision for a day or so. Patients are also advised to avoid physical activity for a few days or weeks and may be asked to wear compression stockings for an extended duration of time.

Ligation

This surgical procedure is quite similar to the vein stripping process, except that in ligation, the problematic veins are tied off instead of being removed from the body. It is a painful process and the patient may be advised bed rest for a few days or weeks after the vein ligation.

The best part about this process, as compared to the laser and radiofrequency technique, is that it is totally safe and very effective.

There are a few disadvantages of the surgical treatment methods, let us have a look at them below:

  •   These medical procedures require sedation and the general anaesthesia can lead to serious health complications
  •   As compared to the minimally invasive techniques, these procedures are more painful and have a higher recovery time
  •   There is a high probability of roughly 50% of recurrence of varicose veins after nearly 5 years
  •   Almost one-third of the patients who undergo a surgical process for their varicose veins complain of a nerve injury during the process
  •   There are some severe side effects as well. As many as 5% of patients who get a surgical treatment for their varicose veins end up suffering from DVT which is a life threating medical condition

Conclusion

If you have early symptoms or prominently visible and severely painful varicose veins, you must consult a vascular expert for advice on the appropriate treatment for your condition. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified and highly acclaimed interventional radiologist practicing in Avis Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Schedule an appointment with him for consultation and genuine medical advice to get rid of your varicose veins for once and forever!

Chronic Venous Insufficiency
admin Vascular Diseases

Could You Spot Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Vein disorders have become all the more popular in the 21st century. The most popular vein diseases namely varicose veins, blood clots, and chronic venous insufficiency were less heard of earlier.

This sudden increase in the number of people suffering from one or the other form of a vein disease can be majorly attributed to a poor lifestyle. Today, most people have a desk job that is mainly characterized by a sedentary lifestyle and this undoubtedly is the leading cause of most aged patients complaining of vein disorders.

It is only with the advancements in medical technology and the availability of new techniques, that vascular experts are now able to accurately treat a majority of these popular vein disorders through painless and non-invasive laser treatment.

Let us learn about the medical condition of chronic venous insufficiency, its causes, and most common symptoms.

What is Chronic Venous insufficiency?

For a few people, the valves of their legs and feet veins get ruptured and do not function as desired. This hinders the blood flow back to the heart and leads to swollen and enlarged veins that often ache and cause itching on the skin.

The malfunctioning veins lead to blood pooling as the blood remains stagnant in the veins. The patients also often have a constant heavy feeling in the affected area. This medical condition called varicose veins, when left untreated for a long tenure becomes chronic and has other major side effects on the overall health of the patient.

Chronic venous insufficiency forces the blood pressure in the legs to rise up to extreme levels and also exponentially increases the chances of stasis ulcers.

What are the Root Causes of Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

There are multiple factors that lead to chronic venous insufficiency in the due course of time. Let us become aware of the most common ones below:

  1. A family history of blood clots, varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency
  2. A known medical condition of blood clots or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  3. Being overweight or obese and having a sedentary lifestyle with a total lack of physical activity
  4. Hormonal changes in the body
  5. Suffering from high blood pressure
  6. A habit of excessive smoking on a daily basis
  7. Any form of damage during surgery or an accidental injury to the leg

Except for the genetic reasons of chronic venous insufficiency, most other causes of this medical condition can be repaired by consuming a low-fat diet, performing mild exercises that focus on the leg and the ankle, and avoiding to stand or sit for long tenures at a stretch.

What are the Main Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

The biggest sign and the most prominent symptom of chronic venous insufficiency is the appearance of the enlarged and bulging out bluish purple varicose veins.

There are, however, a few more easy to recognize symptoms that have been detailed below:

  1. A feeling of heaviness and extreme tightness in the lower area of the one or both legs
  2. Severe swelling in the legs and feet, especially around the ankle
  3. Cramping in the legs and acute pain in the feet
  4. Increased pain during walking
  5. Itching around the ankle and the affected area of legs and feet
  6. Skin tan or skin discoloration leading the reddish-brown skin
  7. Also, leg ulceration in some critical cases when treatment for varicose veins is delayed

It is supremely important to pay close attention to your body and identify the above signs of chronic venous insufficiency. If you notice either of the above symptoms, prioritize seeing a vascular expert.

Can Avis Hospitals treat your Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Yes! Avis Hospitals is a trusted medical institute for the most genuine treatment of your vascular disorders. Based out of Hyderabad, Avis Hospitals has been catering to the requirements of vascular experts for patients from many different parts of India.

The vascular department at Avis Hospitals is led by Dr. Rajah V Koppala. He is not only highly qualified but also greatly experienced. In his over 24 years of medical career, he has successfully treated patients with the most severe cases of vascular diseases.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a vascular expert with expertise in the endovenous laser treatment of varicose veins. Whether you have early symptoms of varicose veins, have a history of blood clots in the veins, have DVT and are planning to travel abroad, have been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency or have an undiagnosed vein disorder, Dr. Rajah V Koppala will help you with accurate diagnosis and bona fide treatment.

He always ensures that the patients are well informed of their medical condition and the prescribed treatment. He also comforts the patients by answering their queries and making them feel confident about their recovery. Do not compromise with your health by delaying the treatment of your varicose veins, book a consultation with Dr. Rajah V Koppala today!

5 Common Causes of Varicose Veins
admin Vascular Diseases

5 Common Causes of Varicose Veins

“Varicose Veins” is a prevalent medical condition for the aged, especially women. Owing to a poor lifestyle and with the growing age, the valves of certain veins in the leg and foot tend to break down. This hinders the blood flow back to the heart and adversely affects the circulatory system of the body.

Failure of the valves causes the blood in the affected veins to pool. These veins, called the varicose veins, are extremely painful and lead to severe swelling and itching in the legs and feet. Bluish purple in colour, enlarged in size, and clearly visible on the surface of the skin, varicose veins are not only uncomfortable but also have an unpleasant sight.

With the passage of time, these bulging varicose veins become the main reason for serious venous disorders and other acute complications of the circulatory system. If we make ourselves aware of the leading causes of varicose veins, we can surely delay their onset if not overrule the possibility of their occurrence. Let us learn about the root causes of varicose veins:

1. High Heels / Uncomfortable Footwear –

These days, it has become a common practice to wear high heels on a daily basis. Not just on festivities and parties, girls tend to wear uncomfortable footwear and stilettos to college and work every day. They may be able to look taller and smarter with the heels, but it causes extreme pain and has been proven to be immensely unfavourable for the legs and feet.

When in heels, the feet fail to land flat on the floor while standing or walking and this makes it difficult for the blood in the feet to travel up the legs and further to the heart. The veins tend to work harder to be able to efficiently send the blood back to the heart and this often results in the disruption of the valves in due course of time.

The vascular experts have sighted frequent use of high heels as one of the leading cause of varicose veins in women. They strongly recommend girls to wear heels only when it is absolutely necessary. At all other times, they must switch to flat footwear or flat heels called wedges.

2. Excessive Caffeine Intake –

Caffeine is present not only in coffee but also in tea, sodas and many other drinks as well. Caffeine consumption, in one form or the other, in excessive quantities and that too on a daily basis is a proven cause of varicose veins. It has been medically confirmed that caffeine intake massively increases the blood pressure and this restricts the movement of the blood through the blood vessels.

As a result, the people who drink black coffee, milk coffee, black tea, milk tea, lemon soda, flavoured sodas or other high on caffeine drinks, often complain of pain in the legs and a poor visual appeal. You must always consult your doctor to cross-confirm the amount of coffee that you can consume per day to reduce your chances of developing varicose veins.

3. Alcohol Consumption –

Drinking alcohol causes excessive urination and leads to dehydration. Water loss from the body causes the blood to thicken and this makes it tough for the blood to move, against the pull of the gravity, up from the feet and legs, back to the heart.

Any hindrance to the free movement of the blood in the circulatory system enhances the person’s probability of developing varicose veins. Faulty valves in the varicose veins also cause the blood to pool and may lead to worse ailments like ulcers, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency.

You must consult your doctor and discuss your alcohol intake limits based on your age, body type, and medical history of any other venous disorders. Always keep an eye on the visible signs of varicose veins and visit your vascular expert in case you witness a noticeable change.

4. Heredity and Genetics –

Varicose Veins have been discussed to be a genetic condition. If your parents, grandparents or siblings have had a history of spider veins or varicose veins, you are at high risk of developing them too.

This severe condition can be postponed if not totally avoided, by practicing a good lifestyle. You must always maintain a healthy body weight and exercise every day. Eating a balanced diet along with monitored intake of salt and sugar, and restricted fatty food intake can help keep the varicose vein condition under check.

By mentioning the family history of varicose veins, you can also consult your vascular expert about the suggested use of compressions stockings. These have been known to improve blood flow and prevent valve failures. Available in multiple sizes and shapes, you must choose the right one with the help of your doctor.

5. Your Occupation -

For a few people, varicose veins are also a conclusion of their harsh job routine. A person who has an occupation that demands him/her to keep sitting or standing for extended durations at a stretch on a daily basis develops a greater risk of varicose veins.

This rigid work routine stresses the veins and causes their valves to malfunction, thus leading to varicose veins. To reduce the chances of developing spider veins or varicose veins, you must take short strolls or sitting breaks once every while. Any form of mild exercise in between the hectic work schedule can also improve the condition.

Can Avis Hospitals Help?

With years of experience and a record of successfully treating over 4000 patients every year, Avis Hospitals is the most trusted vascular center of Hyderabad. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an acclaimed vascular surgeon, highly trusted and respected for his services in his vast medical career.

If you are confused about the treatment options, charges and fees, risk factors or have any other queries, we will be happy to help you. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals and we will ensure you are satisfied with our medical aid and care.

Keep Your Veins Safe from Deep Vein Thrombosis When You Travel
admin Preventions and Tips

Keep Your Veins Safe from Deep Vein Thrombosis While Travel

Is the fear of blood clots getting in the way of your travel plans?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common cause of hospitalization for patients over 60 years of age. A health scare can completely ruin your vacation and you surely do not want that. If you suffer from DVT or have a past history of blood clots in your leg and feet veins, it is best to take all precautions to avoid an emergency situation while travelling.

Introduction – What is DVT?

DVT is the medical term for what is commonly known as a blood clot. These blood clots occur deep inside the large veins that are responsible for carrying the blood from the legs and feet back to the heart.

These blood clots severely restrict the blood flow and damage the one-way valves in the affected veins. The restricted blood tends to pool in the affected veins which further results in the surrounding tissues being filled with fluids. These tissues become irritated and patients complain of unbearable pain.

This uncomfortable feeling often becomes dangerous when the blood clot travels up the heart and reaches the vessels that feed the lungs. Referred to as “Pulmonary Embolism”, it is a life-threatening disorder that makes it difficult for the lungs to supply oxygen to the bloodstream thus leading to difficulty in breathing.

Pregnant women, people over 60 years of age, overweight and obese people, and those suffering from cancer are commonly affected by DVT. Also, for people, who have lower levels of physical activity and tend to remain immobile for extended durations, a travel expedition can trigger blood clot formation and thus lead to DVT.

How to Prevent DVT?

The good news is that DVT can be prevented. The best cure is to remain mobile at all times. Follow the below-mentioned simple tips and enjoy a hassle-free trip to your favourite destination:

  •       If you have a long flight, the limited leg space in the airplane seat can be suffocating. Ensure you do not keep anything on the floor and have enough space for your legs. Try to get up from your seat and walk up and down the aisle once every hour. You can walk or perform mild exercises in between the connecting flights as well.
  •       If you are travelling long distances via road, it is advisable to get down once every 3-4 hours and stretch your legs. You must also get down if you seem to have got stuck in a heavy traffic jam.
  •       If you are at a place where you can not get up, ensure to exercise while sitting. Move your legs and feet as it will improve the blood circulation in your calves. Flex your ankles in the action you do when you press the car accelerator. This is recommended for 20-30 times in an hour.
  •       Consult your doctor about compression stockings. These are support stockings that are tight near the ankle and lose around the knee and thighs. They have been proven to prevent blood pooling by helping the veins to move the blood from the leg veins up to the heart.
  •       Drink sufficient amounts of water to stay hydrated as that avoids the blood from thickening.
  •       Avoid coffee and alcohol as they dehydrate the body and decrease the blood volume thus increasing the chances of DVT.
  •       You can also ask your doctor for some blood-thinning medicines if you have a medical history of blood clots and are about to undertake an expedition.
  •       Avoid wearing tight clothes around the waist as they are known to restrict the blood flow.
  •       Do not smoke cigarette or consume tobacco.
  •       Do not sit with crossed legs.

Conclusion

DVT is dangerous but can be prevented by being active during travel. No matter the place and time, always find the means to exercise your legs and feet. If you have a previous case of DVT, you are at a greater risk than others, but consulting your doctor before a trip can definitely reduce the risks.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a vascular surgeon and radiologist with 24 years of extensive experience. If you suffer from DVT or just want to be cautious about your health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre for a detailed analysis of your leg and feet vein health.

Can Varicose Veins affected legs be brought back to normal?
admin FAQS & Myths

Can Varicose Veins affected legs be brought back to normal?

What are varicose veins?

Veins are the blood vessels that are responsible for carrying the de-oxygenated blood back from the body parts to the heart. The blood is also pumped back to the heart from the legs and feet of the human body, strongly against the gravitational force of the Earth.

In a few patients, the valves of the leg and feet veins begin to dysfunction due to the patient’s growing age or a poor lifestyle and this leads to the pooling of blood. The blood remains collected in the veins and makes the patient’s legs feel heavy and irritated. In a few rare cases, the patient may feel constant pain and suffer from the inability to stand or walk.

These veins, called the Varicose Veins are often swollen or enlarged in size, turn dark purple in colour, and are clearly visible right under the skin even with a naked eye. Due to the lack of medical awareness in India, most patients suffering from Varicose Veins often remain uninformed about their medical condition until it becomes serious.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

There are more than a few reasons that lead to varicose veins, let us address the most common ones below:

  1. Lack of physical activity – A poor lifestyle accompanied with a total lack of exercise, immobility due to a desk job, and insufficient body movements, all these reasons cause obesity which in turn causes excessive pressure on the leg veins and is known to be the most prominent cause of varicose veins
  2. Improper diet –The absence of a balanced diet and increased consumption of junk food where meals have greater portions of saturated fat plus carbohydrates and lower quantities of fiber and protein result in higher body cholesterol levels and restrict blood flow in legs and feet.

  3. Uncomfortable footwear – Wearing high heels for longer durations, unfitting footwear, shoes with a poor or hard sole, or standing and sitting in the same position for extended durations is known to hamper the blood flow and thus cause the blood the pool in the veins.

  4. Birth Control Pills – Frequent intake of birth control on contraceptive pills has been proven to disrupt the blood flow in the blood vessels especially those in the legs and feet. The condition gets worse for women during menstruation and pregnancy. This may cause varicose veins and leg ulcers.

  5. Other Reasons –  Heredity, old age, weakened or damaged veins, blood clots or DVT are the other leading causes of varicose veins. Regularly exercising the calf muscles is known to improve the condition for patients with mild to medium symptoms.

Can Varicose Veins be brought back to normal?

Absolutely YES. In this modern era with huge advancements in medical technology, the varicose veins can totally be cured and brought back to normal for patients with even the most critical cases. There are multiple treatment options and the doctor chooses the most appropriate one only after seeing the patient’s condition and medical history.

Doctors first conduct the physical examination of the patient’s varicose veins while he/she is sitting or standing. They ensure to precisely check for the painful varicose veins and at times may require an ultrasound before advising the available treatment options. In the ultrasound, the blood flow in the affected veins is measured with the help of high-frequency waves that help the doctor to evaluate the severity of the issue.

There are some surgical treatments like sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation that are painful but have a fair success rate. The best treatment is Endovenous Laser Treatment which is minimally invasive and there are no big cuts made on the patient’s legs. In most cases, the patients can also go back home the same day.

Can Varicose Veins be cured at Avis Hospitals?

Most definitely. If you have varicose veins and are in deep pain, do not delay your treatment any longer. Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals has years of experience and a huge array of happy patients who are totally satisfied with his advice, treatment procedures and the post-operative care as well.

Renowned as the leading vascular surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Rajah V Koppala is undoubtedly the best doctor for your all your concerns relating to varicose veins. Schedule an appointment today and get cured in no time!

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