How to take care for your varicose veins in the winters
admin Preventions and Tips

How To Care for Your Varicose Veins in the Winters

During winters, most of us love to spend our time inside our homes. We tend to move a lot less than usual and also consume higher amounts of caffeine while drinking hot beverages such as tea and coffee.

This is what makes the winter season a big struggle for your veins. Due to a sudden drop in the mercury and lack of physical activity accompanied by an increased intake of undesired ingredients, our veins suffer from additional strain as the body tries to adapt to the weather changes.

This is likely to cause the existing varicose veins to become worse and also promote the formation of new varicose veins. In order to prevent this from happening, it is of utmost importance for you to take additional care of your veins health during winters.

In the winter season, the lower temperatures cause the vein to constrict which in turn puts undue pressure on the veins. Also, a drop in the atmospheric pressure causes blood circulation to become inefficient.

In this blog, let us learn about some simple tips that are highly beneficial for your vein health during winters:

  1. Stretch Twice a Day – Stretching your body is really important especially in the winters. Gentle stretches help relax the tight areas of the body and also reduces the chances of an injury. These are beneficial in improving blood circulation which is crucial to avoid the formation of new varicose veins.
  2. Exercise Everyday – Subtle workouts are best for your varicose veins. Mild to moderate movements helps improve your heart rate thus promoting blood circulation. Physical activity for as low as 20 minutes every day can work wonders for your vein health and overall well-being.
  3. Eat Healthy – Even though you are tempted to eat comfort foods and holiday meals in the winters, it is best to consume nutritious meals that are low on sugar, salt, and carbs. Ensure to be mindful of what you are eating and try to include proteins and good sources of unsaturated fats in your food.
  4. Drink More Water – We do not feel that thirsty and thus often miss out on drinking enough water in the winters. Staying hydrated is the key to reducing strain on your veins and also improving your overall health. Ensure to set an alarm to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
  5. Avoid Sitting for Too Long – In winters, we are likely to sit at the same place and in the same posture for longer durations at a stretch. Inactivity is a major risk factor for vein disorders. You must ensure to get up and move every once in a while to keep the blood flowing.

These tips will make it easy for you to take care of your varicose veins at home. But if you notice your symptoms getting worse, you must not rely on home remedies and seek immediate help from a vascular expert.

Do not worry, with medical advancements, new and advanced painless treatment options are now available for varicose veins. The Endovenous Laser Ablation treatment is a minimally invasive day care procedure. It is performed with local anaesthesia and does not require admission to the hospital.

In the laser treatment, the international radiologist makes a small cut to insert a thin laser fibre in the affected area. The heat from this laser fibre is used to burn off and remove all varicose veins. The body re-absorbs these dead veins and re-routes blood to neighbouring healthier veins.

The patients get immediate relief from the pain and the swelling. They can go back home on the same day and even resume office from the next day itself. There are negligible chances of any side-effects and patients require only minimal post-treatment care.

The endovenous laser treatment is a safe procedure and delivers great results. Patients from all age groups are known to benefit from this painless treatment of varicose veins. All varicose veins can be easily removed in a single sitting and there is no risk of recurrence either.

Laser ablation is by far the best procedure for varicose veins. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified vascular surgeon and specializes in the painless EVLT treatment of varicose veins. He has completed 40,000+ surgeries with a 97% success rate. He is a distinguished interventional radiologist, patients speak highly of his medical excellence and professionalism.

He is the head of the department at Avis Vascular Centre which is India’s only comprehensive medical institute for state-of-the-art medical cure and care of vascular disorders. It has world-class medical amenities and advanced infrastructure to offer best-in-class treatment to all patients.

If you are at high risk of varicose veins or have started to see some early signs, you must seek expert medical advice from none other than the renowned vascular surgeon, Dr. Rajah V Koppala. Schedule your appointment for a thorough medical examination today, Contact 9989527715 to book your first consultation today!

caring for venous ulcer wounds
admin Preventions and Tips

Caring for Venous Ulcer Wounds

What are Venous Ulcers?

Patients who complain of varicose veins are at an alarmingly high risk of venous ulcers. The restricted blood flow in the varicose veins contributes to blood pooling which further causes additional pressure on the veins. This, in turn, is known to cause the skin tissue around the damaged vein to crack open and form an open wound.

These open wounds that may or may not bleed are called venous ulcers. The patients experience a feeling of heaviness along with a sensation of tingling and itching in the affected area. Also, the colour of the skin around the ulcer changes to dark red, brown, or purple. In the absence of treatment, as the blood continues to pool, the patients may also experience the skin around the wound turning thicker.

As and when the ulcer breaks open, there can be seen a shallow red-coloured wound that is covered by a yellow tissue. The skin surrounding the ulcer becomes tight, has a shiny look, and is warm to touch. If there is an infection in the ulcer, you will notice a strong foul smell and pus as well.

What are the Home-Remedies for Venous Ulcers?

Venous ulcers are usually formed above the ankle. Although these have an unsightly appearance and are a huge discomfort, there are numerous at-home remedies in the form of simple tips that help fast-track the healing of these wounds. Let us learn about these home remedies below:

  1. Cleansing the wound – It is vital to keep the skin around the wound absolutely dry and clean at all times. This will prevent the ulcer from spreading to the nearby healthy tissues. Ask your doctor for tips on cleaning the wound and doing the bandage. Always clean the ulcer wound before applying the new bandage.

  2. Wearing compression stockings – Compression stockings are tight-fighting garments that help improve the blood flow back to the heart and reduce the swelling. These are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Ensure to ask the doctor about the recommended size and usage. Do not cover the wound with these support stockings.

  3. Elevating your leg – As and when possible, lie down and use a pile of pillows to elevate your legs at a level above the heart. This promotes proper blood circulation and offers relief from the pain and swelling.

  4. Having a daily exercise routine – Maintaining a good activity level helps improve the blood flow and aids in the healing process of the venous ulcers. Make an exercise routine. You can choose between brisk walking, swimming, and other low-impact exercises.

How to Treat Venous Ulcers?

If you do not get much relief from the home remedies, you must consult a vascular expert and seek medical advice to treat the infection at the venous ulcer and prevent the formation of new ulcers.

The specialist doctors will not only help you heal the venous ulcer wound but will most certainly assist you in treating the underlying cause of these ulcers i.e. varicose veins. To prevent new ulcers from developing in the damaged area, it is essential to restore the blood circulation by treating the varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified interventional radiologist and a highly trained vascular surgeon with over two decades of experience and 40,000+ successful laparoscopic surgeries to his name! He specializes in the minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins and ensures faster recovery with zero downtime.

Do not be scared of going under the knife for the treatment of venous ulcers, as the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment is available at Avis Vascular Centre, Hyderabad’s leading medical institute for treatment of all venous disorders. All doctors at Avis Vascular Centre use only the US-FDA approved procedures and follow all protocols of the American College of Phlebology for medical practice. Book your consultation today!

birth control and varicose veins
admin Preventions and Tips

The Relationship Between Birth Control and Varicose Veins

A large number of women in India use birth control pills as oral contraceptives, to manage their menstrual cycle or to get relief from the painful health conditions such as endometriosis.

Birth control pills have diverse side-effects and those include medical complications related to vein health. Although the risk of a vascular disorder due to a regular dosage of birth control pills is low, it cannot be ignored.

Women who consume birth control pills are likely to develop varicose veins and blood clots in the legs. This is primarily because the hormones that help prevent pregnancy are also known to adversely affect the blood flow through the veins.

The Hormones in the Birth Control Pills

All birth control pills have two hormones – progestin and estrogen. These hormones together hinder the ovulation process and significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy in women.

The birth control pills make the woman’s body believe that it is already pregnant and thus prevent another pregnancy from taking place. But what is harmful is that these pills also severely restrict the blood flow.

As stagnant blood tends to collect and pool in the legs, this increases the chances of development of new varicose veins and blood clots in the deep veins thus leading to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This is a life-threatening health condition as the blood clot can break free and travel from the deep veins of the legs to other parts of the body such as the lungs and lead to pulmonary embolism.

These hormones that are generated naturally by the body during pregnancy also contribute to the development of varicose veins in pregnant women. Although the sluggish blood helps prevent blood loss during delivery, it also increases the likelihood of varicose veins as the valves of these veins do not help move the de-oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Should you consume Birth Control Pills?

Although consuming birth control pills increases the odds of developing varicose veins, the risk is low for healthy women. For women who have a healthy lifestyle, there are rare chances of birth control pills causing blood clots or DVT.

In simpler words, the risk is not so high that the women should avoid taking these oral contraceptives. However, every woman should consult a doctor and discuss their personal and family medical history to examine the risk of blood clots and DVT. No women should pick-up birth control pills from the chemist and consume them without a doctor’s prescription.

In one instance, a woman asked the drug store for the best-selling birth control pills and started consuming them without any medical advice from a specialist. In a few months, she developed varicose veins and had extreme swelling in her legs. This happened as she was overweight and had already been diagnosed with a gallbladder ailment which heightened the risk of blood clots on regular consumption of birth control pills.

Always consult a healthcare practitioner before consuming birth control pills. Women who are known to have developed blood clots due to birth control pills in the past must speak to their doctor before restarting the contraception program. Any woman who is on birth control pills must carefully watch out for any early signs of varicose veins, blood clots, and DVT. Never postpone or ignore the symptoms and schedule a consultation with a specialist for a medical check-up.

If you plan to begin consuming oral contraceptives or are already taking them for a while but want to understand the associated risk of varicose veins and blood clots in the deep veins, schedule an appointment with the best vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre. He will analyse your medical details and examine your family history of blood clots to advise a suitable dosage of birth control pills or rule out oral contraceptives consumption and suggest alterative therapy or preventive measures for your ailments.

If you have already developed early symptoms of varicose veins, Dr. Rajah V Koppala can help you with the treatment and cure. He excels in the painless endovenous laser treatment of varicose veins and is renowned for having treated 40,000+ patients. Book your appointment for the best treatment with Avis Vascular Centre today!

5 Things Must Know About Varicose Veins
admin Preventions and Tips

5 Essential Things Need to Know About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are truly bothersome. They are the enlarged and swollen veins that cause intense pain and constant irritation. Some varicose veins are internal while most of them are visible right under the skin.

Varicose veins are an unpleasant sight and cause extreme discomfort to a large number of patients. Occurring more frequently to women than men, varicose veins are formed when the vein valves get damaged over time and cause the blood to pool leaving the patients with a heavy feeling in the affected area.

Even though varicose veins is a common medical condition for the aged people, there is a total lack of awareness about its symptoms and treatment. Lets us burst the most common varicose vein myths below:

  1. Varicose veins are spider veins – Often times, varicose veins are considered to be spider veins and these two terms are used interchangeably. However, spider veins are not varicose veins. Spider veins are comparatively smaller, less painful and very thin. Spider veins look like thin ink lines drawn on the skin while varicose veins bulge out from the skin and are much more painful.
  2. Varicose veins are vital to the circulatory system – Varicose veins used to be an essential part of the circulatory system but now as their valves do not function well and they cause the blood to pool, they are no longer useful to the body. They are superficial and it is safe to get them cut or totally removed from the body. The body automatically re-routes the blood to other healthier veins and continues to function perfectly well without these veins.
  3. Varicose veins cannot be prevented – Varicose veins can most certainly be avoided by keeping a check on your weight, wearing comfortable footwear, and having an active lifestyle. If you are obese or overweight, there is additional unwanted pressure on the legs and that can damage the valves of the leg and feet veins thus leading to the severely painful varicose veins. Footwear that restricts the blood flow can also force the blood to pool in the legs and around the ankles. Mild regular exercises focussing on the ankles have also been known to reduce the chances of varicose veins in most patients.
  4. Varicose veins are not a hereditary medical condition – In a few cases, varicose veins have also been found to have developed in patients who were neither overweight nor had a sedentary lifestyle. Varicose veins are thus, also related to hereditary and have been found to be a genetic medical condition for a few people. If your family members have a history of varicose veins, sadly even you have a higher probability of getting them at some point in your life.
  5. Compression Stockings offer no comfort to varicose vein patients – Compression socks, also called support stockings are a blessing for the varicose vein patients. They are available in multiple sizes and are generally lose from the thighs but tighter near the ankles. They help keep the veins compressed and thus hinder the blood from pooling. Ideal for long flights or varicose vein patients who have desk jobs with long intervals of sitting in the same position, these help reduce the pain, slow down the progression of existing varicose veins, and also restrict new developments of varicose veins.

If you have any early signs of varicose veins or have been successfully diagnosed with them, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals is a vascular surgeon and specializes in non-invasive laser treatment of varicose veins. It is an absolutely safe and painless procedure. There is a minimal post-treatment care and the patients are usually discharged from the hospital on the same day as their endovenous laser treatment.

Avis Hospitals has a proven track record of happy patients who have been successfully cured of their varicose veins. No matter your age, if you have varicose veins, Dr. Rajah V Koppala is here to help you get rid of them. For pin-point diagnosis and world-class treatment, book an appointment at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Prevention of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism
admin Preventions and Tips, uncategeriozed

Prevention of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the medical condition where a blood clot develops in the deep veins, commonly in the legs. This blood clot can lead to partial or complete blockage in the vein, damage the one-way valves, and prevent blood flow back to the heart.

The blood clot can even break free and move to other vital body organs such as the lungs eventually leading to the life-threatening medical condition called Pulmonary Embolism.

DVT is dangerous and early diagnosis is vital to the prevention of pulmonary embolism. You must always be careful about the symptoms and seek immediate medical assistance in case of any discomfort.

Common Symptoms of DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis can be recognized by the following common signs:

  1. Pain and tenderness in the leg
  2. Swelling, generally in one leg
  3. Skin discoloration where the skin turns reddish or bluish
  4. Leg feels warm on touch

Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism can be easily identified by the below-mentioned symptoms:

  1. Rapid heart rate
  2. Immediate shortness of breathe
  3. Cough, occasionally with bloody mucus
  4. Sharp pain in the chest which tends to get worse with deep breathing

Steps to Reduce the Risk of DVT

There are numerous small steps that can help reduce the likelihood of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Please make a note of the following tips:

  1. Speak to your doctor about the need for blood-thinners
  2. Consult your doctor about compression stockings and their recommended usage
  3. Avoid staying in the same posture for longer durations at a stretch
  4. Maintain a BMI between 25 to 30, lose weight if you are overweight or obese
  5. Make an exercise routine or go for a walk every day to stay active and boost blood circulation
  6. Wear comfortable clothes, avoid wearing anything that is too tight
  7. Drink a lot of water, especially when you are travelling
  8. Quit smoking
  9. If you are about to take hormonal medicines whether for birth control or hormone replacement therapy, always speak to your doctor about the risk of clotting

Ensure to always take measures for self-care to prevent diabetes, blood pressure, heart failure, or other health issues.

Tips to Prevent Travel-Related DVT

Although travel-related DVT is rare in healthy people but taking precautions is always good.

  1. While undertaking long journeys in plane, train, bus, or car, ensure to get up and move around once every hour.
  2. If you cannot move around, remember to perform heel-toe exercises and circle your feet.
  3. Ensure to take breaks every 2 hours if you are driving the car for journeys longer than 4 hours
  4. Do not take sleeping pills
  5. Do not consume alcohol during long flights
  6. Wearing compression stockings can also help prevent DVT but it is recommended to speak to your doctor before travelling. He will also help you choose the right size and prescribe the desired usage.
  7. If you have had DVT in the past and have been prescribed blood thinners along with other medications, there probably isn’t any risk of another DVT incident during your journey. You must, however, cross-check with your doctor to travel stress-free.

If you have a family history of DVT or have yourself suffered from blood clots in the past, it is wise to take all necessary precautionary steps to prevent new blood clot formation that may lead to DVT or pulmonary embolism. Always maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritious diet, and consume your meals on time, maintain optimal levels of physical activity, and consult your doctor for any unusual symptoms that you may notice.

For a medical check-up, diagnosis, and treatment of any venous disorders such as varicose veins, spider veins, blood clots, DVT, venous ulcers, or chronic venous insufficiency, book a consultation with the distinguished interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre for a painless and minimally invasive treatment.

At Avis Vascular Centre, we have the latest medical equipment and a highly professional team of doctors who not only ensure the best treatment but also promise the highest levels of patient satisfaction. You are assured of zero downtime and quick recovery in the endovenous laser treatment. Schedule your appointment today!

Lifestyle Changes to overcome Varicose Vein Symptoms
admin Preventions and Tips

Lifestyle Changes to overcome Varicose Vein Symptoms

For most patients who have early signs of varicose veins, small and simple lifestyle changes can make a lot of difference to their leg pain, discomfort, itching in the affected area, and other varicose vein symptoms as well.

There are quite a few conservative options that have always worked quite well for patients who have self-diagnosed their early varicose veins symptoms and taken the necessary precautionary steps to prevent further damage and severity of the medical condition.

Let us discuss some simple and easy to incorporate lifestyle changes that can help you prevent your varicose veins from getting worse:

  1. Change your diet – Excessive body weight causes additional pressure on the legs and feet, and thus restricts the righteous blood flow. Losing weight can work wonders for your varicose veins. You must start choosing healthier food options, consume small meals once every 2 to 3 hours, prefer homemade food, and eat out less often. These are a few simple ways to change your diet and are sure to lead to significant improvement in your overall health.

  2. Exercise more – Gentle and low-impact exercises performed on a daily basis help burn calories and regulate the blood flow, thus easing the varicose veins symptoms. You can begin walking for 15-20 minutes every day, do yoga or some basic stretching at your home or a nearby park. Small lifestyle changes like taking the staircase instead of the escalator or lift are efficient ways to make the body move more often.

  3. Alternate between sitting and standing often – It is a well-known fact that sitting or standing for too long can harm your vein health. You must never remain in the same sitting or standing positions for prolonged durations at a stretch. As frequently as possible, you must switch your postures. Whether you have a desk job, a field job, or are undertaking a long flight, always remember to make a conscious effort to alternate between your positions. Also, try to move your legs and feet every once in a while as it helps improve the blood circulation.

  4. Wear loose-fitting clothes – Wearing tight clothes like skinny jeans or a smaller shoe size can hinder the blood flow in the feet, groin, thighs, and waist. You must choose loose clothes that offer added comfort, greater motion, are good for your vein health, and help improve the blood circulation of the body!

  5. Use compression stockings – Compression stockings are medical stockings that are tight near the ankle and loosen up around the knees and thighs. These support stockings are very helpful in reducing varicose vein pain and swelling. These are available in multiple sizes and you must consult your physician to learn about your exact size and its recommended usage.

All the above lifestyle changes are fairly simple and can be easily incorporated in your everyday routine. These will significantly contribute to the improvement of your vein health and prevent varicose veins from leading to other severe medical conditions like active venous ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, or deep vein thrombosis.

These conventional treatment therapies will help you recover when you have mild pain and discomfort from varicose veins. But if your condition is critical, you must not delay seeking medical assistance from experienced healthcare practitioners as even a slight delay can lead to higher recovery time or irreversible medical complications.

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!

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.

8 foods to avoid for varicose veins
admin Preventions and Tips

8 Foods to Avoid for Varicose Veins Diet Treatment

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that don’t appear to be dangerous but are actually very harmful to our vascular health. Developing varicose veins is a clear sign of a problem with one or more veins.

Varicose veins often appear in clusters and are found near the outer surface of the skin. These may vary in size from being very small to quite large. There are not many visible symptoms at the early stages and this is the main reason why varicose veins remain undiagnosed in most cases.

These damaged veins are formed due to malfunctioning vein valves that prevent blood from flowing back to the heart. This often results in excessive blood pooling and leads to extreme pain and discomfort along with swelling and tenderness in the affected area.

Although even the medical researchers are not yet confirmed the causes of varicose veins, a few risk factors have been identified that are known to lead to an increase in the likelihood of developing varicose veins. These include obesity, hormonal changes due to therapy or pregnancy, age, genetics, and standing or sitting for long durations every day.

If you have a family history of varicose veins or are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins due to the above mentioned risk factors, it is essential for you to avoid the following food items:

  1. Refined Grains and Flour – Fibrous foods are not only helpful in maintaining a good digestive system but also help prevent blood clot formation. Refined food lacks fibre content and is thus not very appropriate for consumption by people who are at a high risk of varicose veins.

  2. Sugar – In the bloodstream, sugar behaves just like processed grains. High intake of sugar leads to obesity and is a major risk factor of varicose veins for patients of all age groups.

  3. High-Sodium Food – Excessive intake of sodium causes water retention in the body. The body does extra work to lower the sodium content which causes reduced blood flow through the veins. This can lead to additional pressure on the veins and weaken the valves thus leading to an increase in the risk of varicose vein formation.

  4. Alcohol – Unusually high intake of alcohol attacks the ability of the liver and hampers the blood circulation in the body. This in turn can lead to varicose veins.

  5. Green Vegetables – Green vegetables are rich in Vitamin K which is known to promote blood clotting. High intake of green vegetables can make it difficult for blood to flow through the legs and other body parts. Avoid excessive intake of green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and others.
  6. Soy Sauce – In order to reduce the risk of varicose veins, you must also maintain the potassium levels under control. Soy sauce is high on potassium and can cause your potassium levels to spike. It is best to consume soy sauce in moderation or avoid it completely.

  7. Whole Milk – Not only just whole milk, but it is advisable to avoid consuming whole foods as they are rich in fats and lead to sudden weight gain.

  8. Fruit Juice – Packed juices have added preservatives that are unhealthy and can cause obesity.

Even if you do not have varicose veins, you must not consume the above mentioned food items in excess. They are not good for your overall health and can increase your risk of developing varicose veins.

Varicose veins are not life-threatening but timely treatment is necessary to prevent them from progressing and worsening to other vascular disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency, blood clots, and deep vein thrombosis.

The endovenous laser treatment is a painless and minimally invasive laser treatment is the best option for varicose veins. It is the best available treatment that is known to give excellent results for people of all age groups.

In this process, a thin laser fibre is inserted through a small incision made on the skin. The heat from the laser fibre is used to burn off the damaged veins. The body reroutes blood to other neighbouring veins and you get immediate relief from pain and swelling.

Avis Hospitals is the best medical institute for the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. It is India’s only hospital for comprehensive vein health care. We have the latest medical equipment and the most experienced team of vascular experts.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala who is the head of the department is a skilled interventional radiologist with more than 20 years of experience. He is internationally qualified and has completed 13000+ procedures. He has a huge array of patients who speak highly of his medical excellence and are totally satisfied with his medical care.

Whether you have any early signs or visibly swollen varicose veins, do not delay in booking an appointment with Avis Vascular Centre. Your vascular health is equally important and you must not ignore it. For appointments, call today +91 9154991963.

Varicose Veins Tips
admin Preventions and Tips

Suffering from worsening symptoms of Varicose Veins? Here Are Some Tips To Help

In India, as many as one-third of the adults suffer from varicose veins at least once in their lifetime. These figures do not include the people who remain unaware of their medical condition and thus never get treated.

Predominantly a lifestyle disorder, the varicose vein symptoms get worse for patients who are overweight or obese, have a hormonal imbalance, suffer from high blood pressure, lack of Vitamin E, etc.

Eating a healthy diet and making exercise an important part of your daily routine, can not only delay the onset of varicose veins for the aged but also work wonders in easing its unpleasant symptoms for most patients.

In this detailed write-up today, let us highlight the factors that are responsible for worsening the varicose vein condition and also learn about 10 easy tips and tricks that can help the patients get immense relief from varicose veins pain and discomfort.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the enlarged and swollen veins that are formed as a result of the poor blood circulation in the body. These occur when the valves of certain veins become weak and fail to send the used and de-oxygenated blood back to the heart.

The veins with the faulty valve appear bloated and discoloured as the blood remains collected in them. These bluish-purple veins are visible to the naked eye right below the surface of the skin and leave the patient with a heavy feeling around the affected area.

Often accompanied by pain and itching, varicose veins can occur in any region but are commonly found on the legs and feet. The severity of the varicose vein condition varies for person to person. A few patients may complain of mild pain and stiffness while others may suffer from unbearable pain and extreme discomfort.

How can varicose veins get worse?

There are a few popular risk factors that are rightly known to not only be the triggers for the onset of varicose veins but also be the dominant contributors to the worsening of the condition that is highly probable to lead to other severe ailments like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and active venous ulcers.

It will be helpful to understand these critical varicose vein risk factors and make a note of them to reduce the symptoms and stop the condition from exaggerating further.

  1. Being Overweight or Obese – Irrespective of your gender and age, having a BMI (Body Mass Index) score above 25 puts you at a high risk of developing varicose veins at an early age. This is because when you are overweight or obese, there is excessive pressure on your veins and the circulatory system has to make additional efforts to maintain the regular blood flow.

     This results in high blood pressure as the blood is forcefully pumped through the body. High BP causes the lining of the blood vessels to get ruptured and this overtime leads to varicose veins accompanied by its multiple deteriorating symptoms.


  2. Congestion in Liver – For most people, a liver congestion medical disorder does not sound like an obvious connection to the varicose veins. As you would probably know, the liver is responsible for filtering the blood, absorbing nutrients from the bloodstream, and detoxifying the body.

     The portal vein is the one that carries blood and nutrients to the liver. If this vein gets damaged, it can lead to backward blood flow and enlarged blood vessels down till the stomach.


  3. Suffering from Malnutrition – Many people confuse malnutrition to not eating sufficient food while it simply means that you are not consuming enough nutrients. When you are suffering from malnutrition, you may be eating all your meals on time but your meals are not rich in the vital nutrients that are needed by the body for its normal functioning.

     As blood circulation is largely related to the intake of healthy food, if you do not eat sufficient quantities of good nutrients, it can lead to constipation and thus intensify the varicose vein symptoms.

     If your body is deficient in Zinc or Vitamin C, it may adversely affect the usual operations of your liver, digestion, and even blood circulation. Also, excessive intake of alcohol is known to increase liver toxins that can cause congestion and may lead to varicose veins in the due course of time. Vitamin E is also vital for the body as it helps in the formation of RBC and reduces the risks of blood pooling and blood clots.


  4. Hormonal Imbalance – As per the reports of multiple surveys, varicose veins are more commonly found in women than in men. The liver is responsible for generating the female sex hormone named Oestrogen. When the liver does not function as desired, there are considerably higher levels of Oestrogen in the body as the liver is unable to flush them out.

     Increased levels of Oestrogen, especially during PMS and pregnancy can weaken the walls of the veins and cause blood clotting thus leading to varicose veins. Also, low hormone levels during menopause have been known to weaken the valves of the veins thus worsening the varicose vein symptoms.


  5.   Lack of Exercise / Immobility– If you desire to have an ideal blood circulatory system and get rid of your varicose veins, you must keep moving every now and then. Having a sedentary lifestyle and not exercising every day can cause the varicose veins to get worse.

     Although if you are suffering from the aching and irritating varicose veins, you may not feel like exercising at all, if you indulge in stretching, yoga, brisk walk, or other mild exercises, this will stimulate your blood flow and restrict blood from accumulating or pooling around the affected area.

How can you get relief from varicose vein symptoms?

Here we present to you 10 simple tips that will help you take care of your varicose veins and get relief from the symptoms:

  1. Consume Nutritional Meals – As already stated above, suffering from malnutrition can have a destructive effect on your overall health. You must schedule regular intake of the essential nutrients especially antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E to maintain your digestive system and circulatory system. Consuming packaged food that has large amounts of refined sugars and processed fats can lead to constipation and thus worsen your varicose vein symptoms.

     Ensure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are an ideal source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, high fibre contents that are rich in Vitamin B, and ginger as it is known to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent blood clotting.

  2. Drink Plenty of Water –  Failure to consume sufficient amount of water accompanied by excessive intake of coffee, tea, or alcohol can leave your body dehydrated. This will affect your circulatory system and make you feel sluggish all throughout the day. As your body will not be able to absorb the nutrients from the food, this will eventually lead to constipation and make your varicose veins symptoms worse.

     You must drink a minimum of 8 to 10 glasses of water every day and keep a check on your daily consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tea.

  3. Assist Your Liver – Proper functioning of the liver is indispensable to exceptional vascular health. Liver not only regulates the hormone levels but also removes toxins from the body.

     You must exclude toxic foods from your meals and include raw vegetables along with potassium-rich foods to detox your liver and support its normal functioning.

  4. Regular Use of Compression Stockings – Compression stockings are the suggested go-to-option for varicose vein patients who are looking for instant pain relief. These help pacify the varicose vein symptoms by adding external pressure to your legs, stimulating the blood flow, easing inflammation, and offering quick pain relief.

     You must consult the doctor before buying and using a pair of compression stockings as they are available in multiple sizes and wearing a wrong size can increase than pain instead of offering relief from varicose vein symptoms.

  5. Exercise Routine – Although any form of exercise can be a tedious task for people who are experiencing extreme varicose veins pain and discomfort, it is essential for varicose vein patients to remain mobile as it will aid in overcoming their acute varicose vein symptoms.

     Perform simple exercises like walking, stretching, yoga, etc that do not put extra pressure on the body but stretch your muscles and improve the blood circulation.

  6. Avoid being stressed – If you are suffering from varicose veins, a stressful emotion or a verbal fight can cause the blood to be pumped more forcefully and this can trigger a varicose vein episode. Also, stress is known to negatively affect your digestion and lead to malnutrition.

     Thus, you should always stay calm and relaxed. Read a good book, watch something on TV or take a hot water bath. Practice meditation along with a few breathing exercises to feel at peace and calm down your mind.

  7. Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that aid in relieving most of the varicose vein symptoms. Regular consumption of water diluted apple cider vinegar is also known to improve blood circulation that reduces the swelling and pain in the varicose veins. You can also use apple cider vinegar to gently massage the affected area.

  8. Essential Oils – Rose and lavender essential oils are renowned for not only improving the blood circulation but also soothing the skin, and lifting up the mood. For instant relief, you can massage these essential oils gently into your skin or add a few drops of them to your evening bath.

  9.   Gingko Biloba – Produced from the gingko tree, gingko biloba is used in a wide range of herbal medicines and is known to improve the blood circulation. Regular consumption of gingko biloba has been proven to offer relief from the varicose vein symptoms.

  10. Horse Chestnut – Horse chestnut is also known to offer relief from varicose vein symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and cramping. It supports the blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Available in tablet and oil form, you can either take two tablets a day or massage the affected area with oil.

All the above remedies have been tried and tested. These are sure to offer your relief from your painful varicose veins. If, however, you have extreme pain and the condition is getting unbearable, you must immediately rush to a vascular expert for emergency assistance.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified and extensively trained vascular expert. MD in Interventional Radiology, he is an expert at performing the painless and stitch-less endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. If you have severe varicose vein symptoms, do not hesitate is scheduling an appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals.

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