Invisible Varicose Veins: Know the Hidden Signs

When we think of varicose veins, the common image that comes to mind is of prominent, bulging veins, usually on the legs, that are visible through the skin. However, did you know that it’s possible to have varicose veins without any visible signs? This might come as a surprise, but ‘invisible’ varicose veins are more common than you might think. Let’s delve into this hidden aspect of varicose veins and understand what it means for your health.

1. Understanding Varicose Veins:

Varicose veins occur when your veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. They typically develop in the legs and are often raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can be a mere cosmetic concern for many, but for others, they can cause discomfort and lead to more serious health problems.

2. The Invisible Variants:

While the classic image of varicose veins is that of dark, protruding lines across the legs, not all varicose veins are visible. In some cases, deeper veins in the legs can become varicose, but because they are beneath layers of muscle and fat, they aren’t visible on the skin’s surface. These ‘invisible’ varicose veins can still cause symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and discomfort in the legs, especially after standing for long periods.

3. Symptoms to Watch For:

Even if you don’t see any veins bulging out, you might still be experiencing the symptoms of varicose veins. These include:

  • Leg heaviness or fatigue
  • Aching or throbbing in your legs
  • Swelling in your legs, particularly at the end of the day
  • Restless legs or cramps at night
  • Changes in skin color around the affected area

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth discussing them with a healthcare provider, as they could be indicative of underlying varicose veins.

4. Risk Factors:

Several factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, visible or not. These include age, gender (women are more prone), family history, obesity, pregnancy, and occupations that require long periods of standing.

5. Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosing hidden varicose veins usually involves an ultrasound examination, which allows doctors to see the structure of your veins and the flow of blood. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, or medical procedures like sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or surgery.

6. Prevention Tips:

Even if you don’t have visible signs of varicose veins, it’s important to take steps to prevent them, especially if you have risk factors. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when resting, and not standing or sitting for extended periods can all help.

Varicose veins aren’t always a visible problem. ‘Invisible’ varicose veins can exist beneath the surface, causing discomfort and potential health issues. Being aware of the symptoms and risk factors is crucial in identifying and managing this hidden condition. If you suspect you might have varicose veins, regardless of their visibility, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Remember, just because you can’t see a problem, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Taking care of your vein health is an important aspect of maintaining overall well-being.

Weight gain & varicose veins: what’s the link?

Varicose veins, those twisted, enlarged veins that often appear on the legs, are a common concern for many individuals. While they are often associated with aging or a genetic predisposition, there’s another contributing factor that’s increasingly relevant in our modern lifestyle: weight gain. In this article, we’ll explore how weight gain can lead to varicose veins and what steps you can take to mitigate this risk.

  1. The Impact of Excess Weight on Veins:

Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can put additional pressure on the veins in your lower body. This is because the extra weight increases the pressure in your abdomen, making it harder for the blood to flow upwards towards the heart. Over time, this increased pressure can weaken the valves in the veins that help regulate blood flow. When these valves become weak, blood can pool in the veins, leading to the swollen and twisted appearance characteristic of varicose veins.

  1. Inflammation and Varicose Veins:

Obesity is often associated with a state of chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation can damage the veins and their valves, exacerbating the risk of developing varicose veins. Furthermore, inflammation can also contribute to the formation of blood clots in the veins (thrombophlebitis), which can further complicate the condition.

  1. Limited Mobility and Its Effects:

Weight gain can sometimes limit mobility. Reduced physical activity means less muscle contractions in the legs, which are essential for pumping blood back to the heart. This can result in poor circulation, another risk factor for varicose veins.

  1. Hormonal Factors:

In some cases, weight gain can be associated with hormonal imbalances, which can also impact vein health. For example, increased levels of estrogen from certain obesity-related conditions can weaken vein walls, contributing to the development of varicose veins.

Prevention and Management:

The good news is that there are several steps you can take to prevent or manage varicose veins, especially if you are concerned about weight-related risk factors:

Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, especially exercises that work your legs, can improve circulation and vein strength. Walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent choices.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet that helps manage weight can also support vein health. Focus on a diet rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

Elevate Your Legs: Elevating your legs when resting can help reduce the pressure on your leg veins and improve blood flow.

Compression Stockings: These can provide relief from the discomfort of varicose veins and also help in managing the condition.

Seeking Medical Advice:

If you’re concerned about varicose veins, especially if they are causing discomfort or affecting your quality of life, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer treatments ranging from lifestyle changes to medical procedures like sclerotherapy or laser treatment.

There Is a clear link between weight gain and the development of varicose veins. By understanding this connection, you can take proactive steps to protect your vein health. Remember, it’s not just about aesthetics; varicose veins can impact your overall vascular health and quality of life. Staying active, managing your weight, and seeking appropriate medical advice are key to keeping your veins healthy and reducing the risk of varicose veins.

Thyroid nodules, should you worry?

Thyroid nodules are lumps or growths within the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck. While most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), they can sometimes lead to complications, depending on their size, the underlying cause, and whether they produce thyroid hormones.

The likelihood of a thyroid nodule disappearing on its own depends on several factors, including its type, size, and underlying cause. Here’s a general overview:

  • Cystic Nodules: These are filled with fluid and are more likely to resolve without treatment. Some cystic nodules may require drainage but can then resolve.
  • Inflammatory Nodules: Caused by thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), these nodules may decrease in size or resolve as the inflammation subsides.
  • Small, Benign Nodules: Smaller nodules, especially those less than 1 cm in size, may not require treatment and could remain stable or decrease in size over time.

Complications of Thyroid Nodules

Goiter: Large nodules or multiple nodules can lead to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, known as goiter. This can cause cosmetic concerns and also potentially compress nearby structures in the neck, leading to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, coughing, or breathing difficulties.

Hyperthyroidism: Some nodules produce excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, and irritability.

Hypothyroidism: In some cases, nodules can interfere with thyroid function, leading to hypothyroidism, where the gland underproduces hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression.

Thyroid Cancer: A small percentage of thyroid nodules are malignant. Thyroid cancer is generally treatable, but it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Bleeding and Pain: Rarely, a nodule may bleed or cause pain.

Cosmetic and Psychological Impact: Visible nodules or those causing a noticeable goiter can affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem.

New Ablation Treatment for Thyroid Nodules

In recent years, minimally invasive procedures for treating thyroid nodules have been developed, including various forms of ablation therapy. These techniques are particularly valuable for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery or who prefer a less invasive approach.

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This technique uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy abnormal thyroid tissue. A small needle electrode is inserted into the nodule under ultrasound guidance, and radiofrequency energy is then applied to heat and destroy the targeted cells. RFA is mainly used for benign nodules and nodules causing hyperthyroidism.
  • Laser Ablation: Similar to RFA, laser ablation involves using laser energy to heat and destroy nodule tissue. A laser fiber is inserted into the nodule, and the emitted laser energy causes thermal damage to the nodule cells.
  • Ethanol Ablation: This procedure involves injecting alcohol (ethanol) into the thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance. The ethanol causes the nodule cells to dehydrate and die. Ethanol ablation is particularly effective for cystic thyroid nodules.

These ablation techniques offer several benefits:

  • Minimally Invasive: They require only local anesthesia and a small incision or needle puncture.
  • Reduced Recovery Time: Patients can usually return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
  • Less Risk of Scarring and Voice Changes: Unlike surgery, these procedures pose a lower risk of scarring and damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which could affect the voice.
  • Effectiveness: Ablation can effectively reduce nodule size and related symptoms.

To know more about Ablation treatment call Avis Vascular center and talk to our doctors.

Do Spider Veins lead to Potentially Deadly Blood Clots?

Spider veins, medically known as telangiectasias, are small, dilated blood vessels visible on the skin’s surface. They are commonly red, purple, or blue and resemble thin lines, branches, or a spider’s web. Spider veins are most frequently seen on the legs and face and affect a substantial portion of the adult population.

These veins are generally superficial, measuring between 0.5 to 1 millimeter in diameter. They arise from a variety of causes, including genetics, aging, hormonal changes (common in pregnancy and menopause), obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and prolonged standing or sitting. Sun exposure can also contribute, especially on the face.

While spider veins are usually not a health concern, they can sometimes cause minor discomfort, such as itching or burning. Aesthetically, they can be a source of distress for some individuals, leading them to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

In contrast to spider veins, varicose veins are larger, swollen blood vessels that are also visible through the skin. They are more likely than spider veins to cause discomfort, including aching, throbbing, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Varicose veins can sometimes lead to complications like skin changes, ulcers, or, rarely, blood clots.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition involving blood clots in deeper veins, usually presents with swelling, pain, redness, and warmth in one leg. DVT can be life-threatening if a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. However, spider veins themselves are not direct indicators of DVT or other severe blood clot disorders.

Available treatment options

Spider veins and varicose veins can be managed or eliminated through various interventional methods. These treatments not only address cosmetic concerns but also alleviate discomfort associated with the condition.

  • Sclerotherapy: This is a common treatment for both spider veins and small varicose veins. A solution is injected into the vein, causing it to scar and collapse. The treated vein is then reabsorbed by the body over time, and blood is rerouted through healthier veins. Sclerotherapy is often effective after a few treatments and does not require anesthesia.
  • Laser Treatments: Laser therapy can effectively treat spider veins and small varicose veins. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that generates heat, damaging the vein and causing it to gradually disappear. This procedure is non-invasive and particularly useful for veins that are too small to inject.
  • Endovenous Thermal Ablation: This technique uses heat from lasers or radio waves to close off varicose veins. It’s minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia, and typically involves less discomfort and quicker recovery compared to surgery.
  • Surgery: For large varicose veins, surgical options such as vein stripping or ligation might be considered. These procedures are less common now due to the effectiveness and reduced recovery time associated with newer, less invasive techniques.
  • Compression Therapy: While not a treatment for removing spider or varicose veins, wearing compression stockings can help reduce discomfort and prevent worsening of the condition. They work by gently squeezing the legs to improve blood flow.

It is important for individuals considering treatment to consult with a healthcare provider, ideally a phlebologist, to determine the most appropriate method based on the condition’s severity, location, and personal health status.

The Hidden Impact: How Vein Issues Affect Mental Health

Prasad’s varicose veins worsened over time, making him self-conscious about his legs. He began avoiding gatherings with friends and family, fearing judgment. Loneliness consumed him, leading to deepening depression. Fortunately, a supportive friend noticed his isolation, encouraging him to seek medical help and reconnect with loved ones, offering a lifeline to recovery.

While vein problems are primarily viewed as physical health concerns, their impact on mental health should not be underestimated. The toll on self-esteem, pain, and lifestyle limitations can complicate mental well-being significantly.

This blog aims to shed light on this crucial aspect, exploring how conditions like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency impact psychological well-being.

Understanding Vein Issues

Vein problems, prevalent across various demographics, manifest as pain, swelling, and visible changes in the veins. These conditions, while physically debilitating, also serve as a source of psychological distress. Chronic venous insufficiency, for instance, not only causes discomfort but can also limit mobility, affecting daily life.

The Physical-Psychological Connection

The link between chronic physical conditions and mental health is well-established in scientific research. Persistent pain and discomfort, common in vein issues, can lead to significant psychological stress. This stress often evolves into mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Research has consistently shown a correlation between long-term physical health issues and psychological disorders.

Social and Emotional Impact

One of the most significant ways vein problems can complicate mental health is by affecting self-esteem and body image. Varicose veins, in particular, can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many individuals. This can lead to decreased self-esteem and a negative body image, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Stress and Vein Issues

Chronic health conditions like vein issues can trigger a prolonged stress response. This constant state of stress exacerbates mental health problems, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. The ongoing physiological impact of stress from chronic illness underscores the need for comprehensive care.

Coping and Support

Addressing the mental health aspects of vein issues calls for a holistic approach. Access to mental health support, including counseling and support groups, is crucial. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress management techniques, are beneficial in managing both physical and mental health aspects of vein conditions.

Holistic Care and Awareness

Awareness about the mental health impacts of vein issues is essential for comprehensive patient care. Healthcare providers should consider both psychological and physical symptoms. Integrating mental health care into the treatment of vein conditions can lead to better management and enhanced quality of life for patients.

Hence, the relationship between vein issues and mental health is a critical area requiring more attention and research. Recognizing this connection is key to offering comprehensive care and improving patient outcomes.

By seeking medical treatment, connecting with support groups, practicing stress reduction techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and consulting mental health professionals when needed, individuals can better navigate the challenges of vein problems and protect their mental health along the way. Remember, you don’t have to face these challenges alone, and there is help available to improve both your physical and mental well-being.

What Happens When the Lymphatic System Fails

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, filtering waste products, and supporting immune function. When this intricate network fails, the consequences can be debilitating, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. This blog aims to provide a medically informative overview of lymphatic system failure, focusing on its effects and potential dangers.

What is Lymphatic System Failure?

Imagine a clogged drain in your kitchen. Water backs up, leading to overflows and potential damage. Similarly, lymphatic system failure occurs when the vessels responsible for transporting fluid become blocked or damaged. This leads to fluid buildup in tissues, resulting in a condition known as lymphedema. 

The stagnant fluid in lymphedema creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. This significantly increases the risk of infections, including:

Cellulitis: This bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues can be painful, require antibiotic treatment, and even lead to hospitalization.

Lymphangitis: This inflammation of the lymphatic vessels can cause fever, chills, and streaking redness along the affected limb.

Fungal infections: These can cause skin problems like itching, scaling, and cracking, further compromising the already fragile skin.

Dangers of Lymphedema:

While lymphedema primarily causes swelling, particularly in the arms and legs, its consequences can be more serious than simply cosmetic concerns. The stagnant fluid creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infections such as cellulitis and lymphangitis.

Furthermore, chronic swelling can lead to:

  • Skin hardening and fibrosis: The constant pressure from fluid buildup can thicken and harden the skin, making it less flexible and more susceptible to injury.
  • Impaired mobility: Swollen limbs can restrict movement and impact daily activities, significantly reducing quality of life.
  • Psychological distress: The visible swelling and functional limitations associated with lymphedema can cause anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Several factors can contribute to lymphatic system failure, including:

  • Damage to lymphatic vessels: This can occur due to surgery, radiation therapy, infections, or trauma.
  • Congenital abnormalities: Individuals born with malformations in their lymphatic system are predisposed to lymphedema.
  • Chronic conditions: Heart failure, kidney disease, and venous insufficiency can put additional strain on the lymphatic system, increasing the risk of failure.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can compress lymphatic vessels, hindering their function.

Early Detection and Management:

Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial for managing lymphedema effectively. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms, include:

  • Swelling in one or both limbs, typically the arms or legs
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness
  • Skin changes, such as thickening, discoloration, or scaling
  • Reduced range of motion in the affected limbs

Early diagnosis allows for the implementation of appropriate management strategies, including:

  • Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): This specialized massage technique helps to manually move fluid away from swollen areas.
  • Compression therapy: Wearing compression garments can help to apply pressure and reduce swelling.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity encourages lymphatic flow and promotes overall health.
  • Skin care: Maintaining proper skin hygiene and hydration can help prevent infections.
  • Medications: In some cases, medications such as diuretics may be prescribed to manage fluid buildup.

Lymphatic system failure can have significant consequences, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. However, early detection and proper management can significantly improve symptoms and prevent serious complications. By raising awareness about this condition and encouraging open communication between patients and healthcare professionals, we can work together to ensure optimal health outcomes for individuals affected by lymphedema.

Varicose Veins & Diabetes: Treatment Options

Living with diabetes requires careful management, and addressing additional health concerns like varicose veins becomes crucial for overall well-being. Avis Vascular Center offers specialized care, combining expertise in both diabetes and minimally invasive vein treatments.

Understanding Varicose Veins and their Impact on Diabetes:

Varicose veins, swollen and twisted veins often appearing on legs, are more prevalent in individuals with diabetes. 

Diabetes can worsen varicose veins in a few ways. First, diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the legs, which can make it harder for blood to flow properly. This can lead to pooling of blood in the veins, which can cause them to bulge and become visible. Second, diabetes can also weaken the valves in the veins, which are responsible for preventing blood from flowing backward. When these valves are weak, blood can flow back down the veins, which can further contribute to varicose veins. Finally, diabetes can also cause inflammation, which can irritate the veins and make them more likely to become varicose.

Minimally Invasive Solutions:

At Avis Vascular Center, our interventional radiologists prioritize your comfort and safety through minimally invasive treatments like:

  • Sclerotherapy: A simple yet effective procedure, sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the varicose vein, causing it to shrink and fade away. Ideal for smaller veins, it requires minimal recovery time.
  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): This advanced technique uses laser energy to heat and seal the varicose vein from within, resulting in its closure and disappearance. It offers a minimally invasive and effective solution for larger veins.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures:

Reduced discomfort and downtime: Compared to traditional surgery, these procedures require minimal incisions, leading to quicker recovery and reduced pain.

Preserved healthy veins: Unlike surgery, these techniques focus on treating the affected veins, preserving healthy tissue and minimizing the risk of complications.

Improved blood flow: Treatment promotes better blood flow in your legs, alleviating pain, swelling, and fatigue associated with varicose veins.

Enhanced quality of life: By addressing both the physical and aesthetic concerns of varicose veins, these procedures can significantly improve your quality of life.

Personalized Care at Avis Vascular Center:

Our dedicated team understands the unique needs of patients with diabetes and tailors treatment plans accordingly. We offer:

Comprehensive consultations: Our experienced interventional radiologists assess your individual case, taking into account your diabetes management and overall health.

We liaise with your existing healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care and seamless integration of vein treatment into your diabetes management plan.

Holistic approach: We prioritize not only treating the varicose veins but also providing comprehensive support for your diabetes management, including education, nutrition counseling, and weight management guidance.

Empowering You to Take Control:

At Avis Vascular Center, we believe in empowering our patients to make informed decisions about their health. We provide clear explanations of all treatment options, answer your questions, and address your concerns. We are committed to partnering with you every step of the way to achieve optimal results and improve your quality of life.

Don’t let diabetes and varicose veins hold you back. Contact Avis Vascular Center today to schedule a consultation and explore how our minimally invasive treatments can help you regain control of your health and well-being.

Thyroid and Women’s Health: What You Should Know

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, and mood. For women, healthy thyroid function is crucial throughout their lives, impacting fertility, pregnancy, and overall well-being.

Thyroid Disorders in Women: Common Issues and Consequences

Thyroid disorders are particularly prevalent among women, with conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) affecting millions worldwide. Symptoms can vary depending on the specific disorder but often include fatigue, weight changes, menstrual irregularities, and mood swings.

Untreated thyroid imbalances can lead to various complications, including:

  • Infertility and pregnancy problems: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Additionally, these imbalances can increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.
  • Bone health issues: Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can contribute to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures.
  • Cardiovascular problems: Both underactive and overactive thyroid can affect cholesterol levels and blood pressure, potentially leading to heart disease.

Why Surgery is Not Always the Answer: Exploring Alternative Treatment Options

Traditionally, surgery has been used to treat thyroid disorders, particularly in cases of thyroid nodules or cancer. However, surgery can come with risks and complications, including:

Hypoparathyroidism: This condition can occur after surgery and lead to low calcium levels, causing numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps.

Vocal cord paralysis: Damage to the nerves controlling the vocal cords during surgery can result in voice changes.

Scarring: Surgical incisions can leave visible scars on the neck.

Thyroid Ablation: A Promising Alternative with Minimal Invasive Effect

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are emerging as minimally invasive alternatives to surgery for treating thyroid nodules. These techniques involve using heat energy to destroy the abnormal thyroid tissue without incisions or general anesthesia.

A recently published study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of RFA in treating benign thyroid nodules. The study found that RFA effectively reduced nodule size and volume in over 90% of patients, with minimal side effects and sustained results over five years.

Benefits of Ablation for Women:

Minimal invasiveness: No need for incisions or general anesthesia, reducing recovery time and minimizing discomfort.

Preserves thyroid function: Unlike surgery, ablation aims to preserve healthy thyroid tissue, minimizing the risk of hypothyroidism and its associated complications.

Reduced risk of complications: Ablation carries a significantly lower risk of complications compared to surgery, making it a safer option for many women.

Cosmetically appealing: No visible scars, leaving minimal evidence of the procedure.

While traditional treatment options like surgery exist, advancements in medical technology offer women with thyroid disorders minimally invasive and more effective solutions. RFA and MWA ablation present promising alternatives worth discussing with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

Remember, early diagnosis and appropriate management of thyroid disorders are crucial for long-term health and well-being. By exploring all available options and making informed decisions, women can take control of their thyroid health and lead fulfilling lives.

Are Your Varicose Veins Affecting Your Sleep?

Do you face trouble in falling asleep? Occasional discomfort while trying to go to bed is not uncommon but regular night time inconvenience that hinders with your sleep must never be ignored.

For a majority of the people, the bluish-purple varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue and do not cause any other discomfort. But for most others, these damaged veins cause irritation and itching in the affected area along with a feeling of heaviness and a continuous throbbing sensation.

Varicose veins also lead to extreme swelling and unbearable cramping in the legs and feet. Patients often complain of excessive pressure in the leg veins due to large amounts of pooled blood. All these symptoms are quite likely to intensify at night.

During the day, patients are usually too busy to notice or complain about these discomforting symptoms. It is only at night that most patients feel the intensity of the symptoms and complain about the rising uneasiness.

The night time varicose veins symptoms can interfere with the patients’ sleep and make it extremely difficult for them to either fall asleep or go into a deep sleep. Over time, the patient’s sleep quality can get deteriorated which in-turn can lead to degradation of the patient’s overall health.

Varicose Veins Keeping You Up At Night?

Varicose veins have also been linked to another medical disorder named RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) which is also known to make it difficult for the patients to enjoy a restful night of sleep.

In this health complication, patients experience itching and a feeling of pinpricks on their legs and feet, mostly when they are trying to sleep. In order to get relief from these symptoms, the RLS patients witness a strong urge to move their legs but to no avail.

According to reports from numerous medical studies, varicose veins have been strongly linked to RLS. In recent medical research, all 174 RLS patients also had varicose veins. These two medical conditions are very similar in their symptoms as well.

Varicose veins along with RLS make it nearly impossible for the patient to sleep at night and take rest. The patient remains disturbed and unable to sleep. These conditions can further progress to other health complications and thus you must seek timely medical assistance.

If you are unable to fall asleep at night due to leg cramps and itching or swelling, do not delay seeing a renowned healthcare practitioner who will help you identify the exact cause of discomfort and uneasiness. It is only after pinpoint diagnosis can the doctors help you with genuine medical treatment for relief from symptoms and peaceful sleep.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a knowledgeable and highly experienced healthcare practitioner. He is a trained vascular surgeon and a skilled interventional radiologist. He has completed 40,000+ laparoscopic procedures with a cent percent success rate.

He begins with a detailed physical examination of the patients and also makes a note of their symptoms along with their medical history. Dr. Rajah V Koppala does confirm details about the patient’s family history of medical ailments as varicose veins are also a genetic disorder.

He might recommend a duplex ultrasound scan to find out the severity of varicose veins and identify their precise location. Dr. Rajah will suggest the ideal treatment process only after a thorough medical examination.

You need not be scared of going under the knife to get rid of varicose veins. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is trained to offer laparoscopic laser treatment of varicose veins which is not only painless but also minimally invasive and totally safe.

In the laser ablation process, Dr. Rajah V Koppala uses laser heat to burn off and close the damaged varicose veins. The body re-routes the blood to other neighbouring healthy veins and the closed veins get reabsorbed in the body.

This process is fairly quick and offers faster healing. The patient can perform everyday activities and join the office the next day. This process requires only minimal post-operative care and there are negligible chances of varicose veins recurrence after their laser removal.

Avis Vascular Centre has the most modern infrastructure and the latest medical equipment to ensure a hassle-free medical experience for all its patients. It also has tie-ups with all leading national insurance providers and offers the best patient support for the fastest Mediclaim assistance.

For world-class medical care and to cure your discomforting varicose veins, look nowhere else as the choicest medical aid is available at the most affordable prices from Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre. Schedule your consultation visit and do not forget to claim your free duplex ultrasound scan! Book now!

Why Do Young, Healthy People Sometimes Get DVT?

It is a known fact that DVT i.e. Deep Vein Thrombosis is common amongst the obese and old age people who have a sedentary lifestyle and do not move around much. People who consume large amounts of fatty food, alcohol, and caffeine, and do not have an exercise routine are highly likely to suffer from deteriorated blood flow.

This compromised blood flow from the limbs back to the heart causes excessive blood pooling and leads to undue pressure on the vein walls thus resulting in severe swelling and unbearable pain. In scenario of delay or lack in treatment, this condition can further progress to the medical disorder called DVT.

DVT is symbolized by the development of blood clots in the deep veins that can break free and travel to other body parts. These blood clots can lead to numerous other health complications and their presence in the heart or lungs is life-threatening for the patient.

DVT has always been associated with inactivity. Patients who have to remain seated for extended durations either on their desk job or on long flights are highly likely to suffer from DVT.

While it is undeniable that overweight people with an unhealthy lifestyle are more probable of developing varicose veins and complain of DVT, it is no longer a rare phenomenon for the young and physically fit people to also be diagnosed with blood clots in their deep veins.

In the recent times, a large number of athletic people who follow a strict fitness regime and are not over 30 years have complained of discomfort that was later on diagnosed to be due to the presence of blood clots in the deep veins.

The popular basketball player Brandon Ingram is no different. He is merely 21 years old and in good shape but had to skip an important basketball tournament due to the extreme pain that he felt on lifting up his arm. The doctors later confirmed it to be because of a blood clot in his arm.

Effort-induced Thrombosis, TOS Explained

DVT is becoming a surprisingly common medical condition among young athletes who play sports that require repeated overhead motions. They are at an alarming risk of “effort-induced thrombosis”.

Although DVT for obese and inactive people is common in the lower body, the upper body DVT is usually associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) which is also largely linked with repeated arm movements. TOS compresses the blood vessels in the upper chest which are mainly responsible for supplying blood to the arms.

The basketball player Ingram’s DVT condition was classified as Paget-Schroetter Disease. This is a prevalent medical disorder in young male athletes who perform strenuous activities. This is usually caused by a congenital defect in the collarbone or clavicle.

Due to this abnormality, there is limited blood flow in the upper body and this leads to DVT. TOS can also occur due to repeated sports injury, trauma from a car accident, or an anatomical issue. Patients usually experience swelling and weakness in the arm.

Prevention and Treatment of DVT

As DVT can occur to the young as well as the old, it is necessary for people of all age groups to take the necessary precautions to prevent blood clots and related medical disorders.

The only home remedy to DVT is a healthy lifestyle. You must eat healthy food and exercise every day. Cut down on your caffeine and alcohol intake. Limit the consumption of fatty foods and drink sufficient water throughout the day.

Ensure to take frequent breaks when undertaking long flights or road trips. Always find time to get up, stretch your limbs and walk a little before taking your seat again.

If you have a medical history or family background of DVT, you are more likely of developing DVT than others. Ensure to speak to your vein specialist regarding the precautionary usage of compression stockings that also help ease the early symptoms of mild swelling and pain.

DVT can be easily cured through painless and minimally invasive laser ablation treatment. It is a brief process performed as an outpatient treatment under the influence of local anaesthesia. Patient need not take admission in the hospital and can go back home on the same day.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a vascular specialist with over two decades of medical experience and a proven history of successful treatment procedures. He is an internationally qualified and extensively trained laparoscopic surgeon and excels in the laser treatment of varicose veins and DVT.

Patient comfort and satisfaction are his highest priority. He ensures to offer a seamless medical experience to all patients. He only performs the USFDA approved procedures in full compliance with all protocols from the American College of Phlebology.

For the best-in-class medical assistance for DVT and the most genuine laser treatment along with facilities of free duplex ultrasound scan, schedule your appointment with distinguished vascular surgeon Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Hyderabad’s best medical institute Avis Vascular Centre. Book now!

Why Womens Are More Prone to Varicose Veins

There is no denying the fact that being a housewife and taking care of the home is still the most under-rated job in the world. Most working professionals tend to undervalue the multitude of efforts that the housewives make every single day to keep their homes neat and tidy.

Housewives neither have defined job roles nor receive any salary at the end of the month but still continue to work selflessly to ensure that everything is in place. The everyday chores are extremely tiring both physically and mentally. Women working all day at home find no time for relaxation and leisure.

Shopping for groceries, cooking meals for everyone, washing and ironing the clothes, doing the dishes, and sweeping the floor are just some of the everyday tasks of the housewives who try to manage all their duties by multi-tasking and forget to take rest in between.

Whether it is standing in queues for milk and grocery, working in the kitchen, or getting things done from the house help, women have to remain standing for extended times at a stretch all throughout the day.

Most housewives do not get much time for themselves during the day. They hardly ever go out for a walk and do not generally have a workout routine either. They are busy and always on the go which makes them ignore their own health and even unsee the early symptoms of the common health complications.

Needless to say, the everyday routine is harsher for housewives who are also mothers to new-borns, toddlers or even grown-ups. Apart from the household chores, a mother also has additional responsibilities of taking care of the baby. They manage their food, exercise, studies, school, and even play.

Most of them get up even before the sunrise to be able to pack freshly cooked home-made meals for their children for lunch. During the children’s school time, mothers prioritize the household chores to ensure that they can give all their time to the children when they are back from their school.

The job duties of a mother do not end at school time. All most all mothers remain occupied in taking their children to the park for playtime and to evening classes for homework. They do feel exhausted but sacrifice their life for the well-being and the right upbringing of their children.

In the quest to be the ideal housewife and the best mother, women pay little to no attention to their own health. The everyday tiring schedule tends to take a toll on their health and they do not pay any attention to the pains and body aches.

Most women have agreed that by the end of the day, they are left with little to no energy to be able to get up and serve dinner. They often complain of cramping in the legs accompanied by extreme swelling and severe discomfort.

A large number of them may not know that these are the early signs of varicose veins. Due to malfunctioning valves, certain veins primarily in the legs and feet restrict the blood flow of deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

These damaged veins may or may not be visible to the naked eyes but cause intense pain in the affected area and lead to blood pooling which eventually results in enlarged veins that can be seen protruding from the skin surface.

Varicose veins, when left untreated, can result in numerous other health complications of the vascular system such as chronic venous insufficiency, active venous ulcers, blood clots, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), and even the life-threatening condition named pulmonary embolism.

Instead of consulting to a specialist, women keep giving the home-remedies a try in hope of relief but are unaware of the fact the delay in the right treatment not only progresses the disease but also makes it difficult for the doctors to cure the medical condition.

All housewives and mothers must prioritize their own health and visit a vein specialist in case of repeated discomfort in the legs. In case of any early signs, book a consultation visit with Hyderabad’s renowned doctor for painless treatment of varicose veins, Dr. Rajah V Koppala.

He is an internationally qualified healthcare practitioner with more than two decades of medical experience and a history of 40,000+ successful laparoscopic procedures. He is a trained vascular surgeon and a highly acclaimed laparoscopic surgeon.

His expertise and success rate have made him a top-rated doctor for the painless, minimally invasive, and zero downtime laser treatment of varicose veins. This procedure does not require the patient to get admission to the hospital and is performed under the influence of local anaesthesia.

The laser ablation procedure is totally safe and ensures reduced chances of varicose veins recurrence. Patients can perform their daily activities and join the office on the next day after the treatment.

Do not think twice before opting to get treatment for varicose veins from Dr. Rajah V Koppala, he is the leading laparoscopic surgeon with the highest success rate for painless treatment of varicose veins. Book your appointment today!

How your IT job puts you at a high risk of Varicose Veins?

As you would already know by now, varicose veins are not only genetic but also a lifestyle disorder. People who stand for more than four hours every day, such as those employed as teachers, doctors, traffic police officers, and security guards are at a relatively higher risk of varicose veins.

Not only this, professionals working in jobs where they have to sit for long hours at work are even more likely to develop varicose veins at a relatively younger age. For instance, people working at front office desk jobs, reception, and especially the IT professionals suffer from restricted blood flow due to limited physical activity and this is known to be the leading cause of varicose vein development.

Information Technology (IT) has been and is still a booming industry since the advent of computers. More and more people are eager to work as IT professionals due to better salary packages and an improved lifestyle.

In their pursuit of a prosperous life, IT professionals often tend to ignore their health which is anyway compromised due to their desk job and stressful work environment characterized by immense pressure to meet deadlines and regular competition to be better than the peers.

Working on the computer/laptop, preparing presentations, attending meetings, conducting seminars, and undertaking long flights for international conferences are some of the many instances where IT professionals have to spend hours sitting on the desk without any movement.

Apart from these scenarios of limited physical activity, IT professionals often encounter challenging tasks and have a lot of last-minute hassles before project deliveries and client meetings. The soaring competition at work, the pressure to always perform better, and job risk due to regular job cuts at major IT firms have made it even more stressful for the IT professionals.

What makes it even worse for them is the common but unsaid work culture of drinking coffee and tea at regular intervals. Most people working in the IT sector have confirmed that they consume a minimum of 4-5 cups of coffee every day as they feel that it helps them perform better at their job.

If you are also working as an IT professional or employed in a desk job, never ignore your health. A job that requires you to sit for an extended duration at a stretch increases your risk of numerous medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and off course varicose veins.

Varicose veins are formed when the valves of these damaged veins find it difficult to prevent the backward flow of blood. The blood does not move back to the heart and tends to remain pooled in the legs and feet. This causes extreme pain, discomfort, and itching in the affected area.

In extreme cases, patients may even find it difficult to stand or move. Varicose veins deteriorate the patient’s lifestyle and even slight delay in treatment can progress the medical condition to lead to other health conditions namely chronic venous insufficiency, active venous ulcers (open sores on the skin surface), and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT – where a blood clot develops in the deep veins).

DVT can further lead to another life-threatening health condition known as pulmonary embolism where the blood clot breaks free from the legs and travels to the lungs. This leads to blockage in oxygen supply and eventually death.

For the treatment of varicose veins, you no longer need to undergo open surgeries as new and advanced minimally invasive treatment procedures are now feasible and also have a high success rate. The laser ablation technique is a painless procedure performed under the influence of local anaesthesia. This process uses a laser fibre to burn and close-off the damaged varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an advanced laparoscopic surgeon and a highly trained vascular surgeon. He practices at the Avis Hospitals in Hyderabad and is the best surgeon for the treatment of varicose veins in Hyderabad. He has performed over 12000 surgeries and has a cent percent success rate for painless treatment of varicose veins.

Avis Hospitals has world-class medical equipment and modern infrastructure to support ease of treatment and faster patient recovery. With quick and friendly medical assistance available round the clock, Avis Hospitals ranks at the top for the highest patient satisfaction ratio and seamless patient experience before, during and after treatment.

Look no further for the best-in-class treatment of varicose veins, simply visit Avis Hospitals, Hyderabad. Dr. Rajah V Koppala and his team of qualified doctors will assist you with complete details about the procedure and also help you understand the post-treatment care methods. Schedule your appointment today!

Risk Assessment of Varicose Veins on Traffic Police

Our jobs and the everyday work environment have a major impact on our lifestyle and overall health. There is no denying the fact that varicose veins are a common medical disorder among professionals whose job nature is such that it requires continuous standing or sitting in the same posture for long durations at a stretch.

For instance, people employed as teachers, traffic policemen/women, nurses, shopkeepers, salesmen, bus conductors, drivers, and others in similar professions are highly likely to develop varicose veins at an early age due to their job roles that lead them to have low physical activity levels.

What puts the traffic police personnel at high risk of varicose veins?

Of all those people in demanding jobs and professions, the ones working as traffic police personnel are at the greatest risk as their job requires standing for 8-10 hours at a stretch without any breaks in between. They spend their working hours out on the roads in an environment polluted by vehicle exhaust, blows of dust, and fumes.

The traffic policemen and women undergo extreme physical strain and work amidst noisy and polluting vehicles throughout the day. Owing to rapid urbanization and exponential growth in the number of vehicles, especially in the metro cities, the jobs of the traffic personnel have got all the more exhausting and back-breaking in recent times.

Traffic police officers usually have constant workload, long and unpredictable working hours, and encounter unexpected situations every day. Their intense working conditions have adverse effects on their health and the health hazards of their job get severe with an increase in the duration of their working hours.

All these factors contribute to the increasing probability of traffic police officers developing varicose veins. These malfunctioning veins are formed when the valves of these veins do not function normally and rather prevent the blood flow back to the heart instead of promoting it.

Varicose veins cause extreme swelling and pain in the affected area, usually the lower region of the legs and feet. They cause discomfort and can lead to other health complications such as venous ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and even pulmonary embolism.

How can the traffic police staff prevent the development of varicose veins?

In a recent study done to assess the risk of varicose veins in traffic police officers, it was revealed that as many as 12% of all traffic police personnel were at risk of developing varicose veins sooner or later.

Although varicose veins have also been linked to genetics and it is true that if anyone in your immediate family has as a venous disorder, you have a greater probability of developing varicose veins, it is still very important for you to learn about the causes and symptoms of vascular diseases.

All traffic policemen and women must become aware of the possible health complications that may arise due to their hectic job routine and extreme work environment, and take all necessary precautions to prevent any serious ailments.

You must ensure to take breaks in between and sit down every once in a while during your working hours. Ensure to move your ankles and perform mild foot exercises even while standing on the job to regulate blood flow and prevent pooling of blood in the legs and feet.

It is advised for all traffic police officers to undergo regular screening from time to time to be able to detect any venous disorders as timely medical aid can prevent the condition from getting severe. Traffic police personnel are also suggested to adapt a healthy lifestyle which includes eating nutritious meals at regular intervals, engaging in mild exercises, and completely giving up on alcohol and tobacco.

Conclusion

You must never ignore your health and ensure you see a vascular expert at the time when you begin to see early signs or experience discomfort. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a vascular expert with over 20 years of experience. He has completed his education and training from international universities and is a highly acclaimed vascular surgeon and advanced laparoscopic surgeon.

Dr. Rajah specializes in the minimally invasive and painless treatment of varicose veins. This procedure removes all blockage in a single sitting and you get immediate relief from swelling and pain in the affected limbs.

This procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under the influence of local anaesthesia and has zero downtime. Patients can go back home on the same day and resume office from the next day itself.

Avis Vascular Centre has state-of-the-art medical facilities and tie-ups with all national insurance agencies to offer quick friendly Mediclaim assistance to one and all. We also have special arrangements for non-local patients and take complete care of their travel and accommodation.

Always remember, like precaution is better than cure, timely treatment is vital to faster recovery. Do not hesitate in seeing a vascular expert, schedule your appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre today!

The Relationship between DVT and Cancer

The statistics from numerous medical studies have confirmed that cancer patients are more likely to develop varicose veins and complain of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) as compared to their counterparts.

There is an increased risk of DVT for the stomach, lung, liver, and pancreatic cancer patients. Also, patients with leukemia and lymphoma are also highly probable for developing blood clots sooner or later.

There are scientific explanations and medical reasons that have linked cancer to increased chances of venous disorders, especially blood clots in the deep veins. Let us understand them below:

  1. Cancer cells interfere with the blood clotting process that is necessary to prevent unusually high bleeding from wounds. These often lead to abnormal or excessive clotting.
  2. Many chemotherapy drugs are also known to hinder the usual clotting process and cause damage to the veins.
  3. Cancer patients who undergo surgery also have low levels of physical activity and thus poor blood circulation.

These are the primary reasons that increase the chances of blood clotting and DVT in cancer patients. It is essential for all cancer patients and even cancer survivors to learn about the symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DVT as it usually requires immediate medical care.

Also, being aware of DVT will help in avoiding its side-effects such as restricted blood flow, enlarged veins caused due to pooling of blood, excessive swelling, never-ending pain, itching in the affected area, feeling of heaviness, and DVT complications such as pulmonary embolism.

Although DVT can be life-threatening for cancer patients, there is no need to panic. Healthcare practitioners and vascular experts have found ways to achieve the righteous blood flow in cancer patients thus preventing blood clots in the deep veins.

Knowing the Relationship between DVT and Cancer

Usually, before even starting treatment for cancer, your doctor will ask you questions about the family history and your own medical history of blood clots or related venous disorder. The healthcare practitioner may also advise you to undergo blood tests to check for protein deficiencies that are likely to promote unusual blood clotting. For a few patients, the doctors may suggest an ultrasound of the legs to check the veins for the presence of any blood clots.

It is essential for you to know that like cancer patients are at an enhanced risk of DVT, DVT patients are also highly likely to develop cancer cells. This is why doctors always suggest people who had DVT earlier to undergo cancer screenings from time to time.

Preventing DVT in Cancer Patients

There are numerous ways in which doctors treating cancer patients help them in the prevention of DVT :

  1. Doctors prescribe blood thinners, also called as anti-coagulants to prevent the formation of blood clots.
  2. Healthcare practitioners may also advice certain drugs that help break down the clots for patients who have already developed blood clots.
  3. For some patients, doctors may choose to place a filter in the inferior vena cava (the large vein that is responsible for moving blood from the legs to the heart). This filter helps catch any clots and prevents their movement to the heart or lungs.
  4. If a blood clot is developed and it is not getting dissolved from medicines, surgical removal becomes necessary.

With the above-mentioned therapies to prevent blood clots in cancer patients, there are increased chances of excessive bleeding and thus doctors carefully regulate the dosage of the medications based on the patient’s medical history and response to treatment.

In addition to the above methods, all cancer patients must maintain a healthy lifestyle to do their bit in limiting the chances of DVT. Ensure to remain physically active, avoid eating fatty food, give-up on alcohol, caffeine, and smoking. You can also consult your doctor about the recommended usage of compression stockings to ensure righteous blood flow from legs back to the heart.

If you still face challenges in treating your blood clots and reducing the chances of DVT or have already been diagnosed with DVT and are looking for expert medical advice to manage this life-threatening medical disorder, look no further as the best-in-class medical cure and care is offered by the distinguished healthcare practitioner Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre.

Avis Vascular Centre has world-class infrastructure and advanced medical equipment for unmatched medical assistance for all venous disorders such as spider veins, varicose veins, blood clots, DVT, choric venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified and highly acclaimed vascular expert and laparoscopic surgeon with more than two decades of experience.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala stresses on the need for patient satisfaction and ensures seamless treatment procedures for a hassle-free medical experience for all his patients. He is a thorough professional at his job and leaves no stone unturned to offer nothing but the best medical advice and treatment for patients of all age groups. Book your consultation to get rid of your venous disorders!

Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Genetic?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) commonly occurs to people who are obese, smoke and consume alcohol, are unable to move due to confinement to bed after surgery or have a poor lifestyle with no physical movement at all.

Apart from the above-listed causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis, another popular risk factor for a venous disorder such as DVT is hereditary. Numerous scientific studies and medical researches conducted in the past decade have confirmed the strong connection between genetics and DVT.

Family history plays a major role in determining the probability of the development of blood clots in the deep veins of the lower extremities (DVT). If either of your immediate family members such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or first-cousins have known to complain of DVT in the past, you too are at a high risk of a venous disorder.

Also, there are certain genetic mutations that have been found out to promote the development of DVT. If genetic testing helps reveal all these factors that promote the occurrence of DVT, patients can take all necessary steps to reduce its likelihood.

DVT can even turn fatal if the blood clot breaks free and travels to other body parts especially the lungs or the heart. Knowing that you are at a greater risk of DVT can help you take all the desired precautionary measures to prevent it.

Family and Genes

As per the reports from a 2009 study that was published in the “Archives of Internal Medicine”, it was revealed that a history of a close family member suffering from DVT increases the chances of DVT development in the subject by 2.5 times.

The risk of DVT rose by 2.3 times when only the genetic factors were considered. However, when both genetic causes and family history of DVT were taken together into account, they boosted the likelihood of DVT in the subject by a whopping 6.3 times.

Also, if the subject was confirmed to have a family history of DVT and genetic mutations that are linked to DVT, other factors such as obesity, pregnancy, and smoking were reported to exponentially increase the risk of DVT by 64 times.

Know Your Risks

If you have been diagnosed to be at a high risk of developing DVT, you must be extra cautious and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of DVT to a minimum.

  1. Avoid smoking and give-up on alcohol
  2. Maintain a healthy weight with a BMI between 25 and 30
  3. Make an exercise routine and ensure to have good physical activity levels
  4. During long airplane journeys, try to get up and walk around as frequently as possible

All of the above actions will improve blood circulation and prevent the pooling of blood. This will limit the chances of occurrence of DVT for patients who are highly likely of complaining of a venous disorder due to family history and genetics.

If you have a family history of DVT or have had blood clots in the past, you must not ignore your vascular health and seek medical advice from trained healthcare practitioners. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a vascular expert with international qualifications and more than two decades of medical experience.

Currently practicing at Avis Vascular Centre, he aptly analyses the patient for the development of varicose veins and examines the probability of occurrence of DVT. He recommends preventive measures along with the need for regular check-up or immediate treatment based on the patient’s medical condition.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala excels in the painless and minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins. Avis Vascular Centre offers a single package price for the treatment at the time of admission along with cashless Mediclaim assistance from leading national insurance agencies.

What are you waiting for? Take charge of your venous health and schedule your appointment with the vascular expert Dr. Rajah V Koppala today!

Women Are More Likely to Develop Varicose Veins. Here’s Why.

All studies have unanimously revealed that women are more prone to varicose veins than men. As many as 55% of the women suffer from a venous disorder at some point in their lifetime. These figures clearly mean that as opposed to the men, women are at least four times more likely to develop varicose veins and other related disorders of the circulatory system.

What factors put women at a greater risk of developing varicose veins? Although the leading causes of varicose veins such as genetics, age, obesity, poor lifestyle, long stretches of being inactive, and standing or sitting in the same posture continuously for long- duration are known to equally affect both men and women, it is the women hormones that affect the large veins in the body and thus increase the probability of women developing these swollen and painful varicose veins.

What are Varicose Veins?

The circulatory system of the body comprises of arteries and veins. The arteries are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to all body parts. The deep veins are used to send de-oxygenated blood from various organs back to the heart.

Valves of the veins in the lower body help the blood travel up to the heart against the gravitational pull of the Earth. When these valves do not function as normal, blood fails to move back to the heart and gets pooled up in the lower extremities. The pooled blood causes the veins to swell up and bulge out from the skin surface.

These enlarged veins, called varicose veins become rope-like strings and are extremely painful. Varicose veins also cause excessive itching in the affected area. Patients often experience a feeling of heaviness in the legs and complain of their inability to stand or move around.

Why Women Develop Varicose Veins?

Progesterone is the hormone that regulates menstrual cycles in women. This hormone is also known to relax the vein walls and valves. This hormone is present in large amounts in women.

Progesterone leads to weakened valves that find it difficult to push blood back to the heart. This increases the chances of the development of varicose veins in women.

During pregnancy, the progesterone levels in the female body increase to significantly higher levels. Not just this, the volume of blood circulating in the body also increases along with additional pressure from a large abdomen. All these factors together lead to the formation of varicose veins.

For most women, the varicose veins formed during pregnancy get vanished in roughly 3 months after childbirth. But for women who have successive pregnancies and more than one child, the veins become inflated and there is an increased probability of development of varicose veins after multiple deliveries.

How Women Can Prevent Varicose Veins?

There is nothing that the women can do to stop the natural hormones from developing in their bodies. But there are some precautionary steps that definitely help reduce the likelihood of development of varicose veins.

  1. Staying Active – Physical activity ensures proper blood circulation and is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. Any form of exercise such as swimming, cycling, walking, etc helps tone the leg muscles.

    If your job requires you to sit or stand for long intervals, ensure to take breaks in between and either sit to relax your legs or walk around to enhance blood circulation. This helps prevent blood from pooling in the veins.

  2. Wearing Compression Stockings – Compression stockings are made up of strong elastic and help squeeze the leg veins. This in turn improves the blood flow from the lower extremities back to the heart.

    Available in a variety of sizes and styles, not every product is suitable for all. You must consult your doctor to understand your size and the recommended usage of these support stockings.

  3. Elevating your Legs – As the malfunctioning valves find it difficult to pump blood against the gravitational pull, lifting your legs above the level of the heart ensures easy blood circulation back to the heart.

    Ensure to elevate your legs above the level of your heart, whenever you lie down, for no more than 15-20 minutes at a stretch.

  4. Maintaining proper weight – Additional body weight causes undue pressure on the leg veins and does not promote proper blood circulation. All women must maintain a healthy weight with an ideal BMI between 25 to 30.

Shedding the extra kilos helps remove the excessive pressure and eases the strain on the leg veins. This prevents the blood from pooling and reduces the chances of varicose vein development.

Although women are at a greater risk of varicose veins, with a healthy lifestyle and correct medical guidance, the likelihood of development of varicose veins can be considerably reduced.

If you are seeking expert medical advice from a qualified vascular expert and an experienced interventional radiologist, schedule your appointment with the highly acclaimed Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala will help you take all the necessary precautionary steps to alleviate the venous disorders or suggest painless and minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous laser ablation to close-off and remove all damaged veins.

Do not delay, gift yourself an abundance of good health. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Can a cream treat varicose veins?

If not all, a majority of the people who are diagnosed with a vascular disorder, have at some point or the other thought about trying either of the numerous home remedies in hope of getting relief from the ever-increasing pain and irritation of the spider veins and/or varicose veins. One of the most widely popular quick fixes for varicose veins is believed to be the drugstore creams that promise instant relief from the varicose vein discomfort on an application in the affected area.

Every now and then, a new variety of these ointments can be found at the local chemist and drugstore. A large number of people feel tempted to give these creams a try in order to avoid surgical treatment for the removal of the malfunctioning veins.

As disappointing as it may sound, these creams and the so-called medicated ointments are of no use. These may just offer temporary relief from the itching and pain but are surely not a permanent cure for the underlying health issue that is the real cause of swollen varicose veins and pooling of blood.

These drugstore creams help to temporarily mask-off the ugly looking spider veins and varicose veins and offer immediate relief from the irritation but only for a short while. None of these have ever been known to fix the health scare that leads to these enlarged veins that can also be seen as bulging out from the skin surface in patients with extreme discomfort.

Varicose veins occur due to faulty valves of the veins that are situated deep under the skin. The topical creams are applied on the skin surface and do not penetrate deep enough to get to the source of the problem. These creams neither help repair the valves nor assist in closing-off the malfunctioning veins.

Most of these drugstore creams contain Vitamin K that helps to temporarily fade the appearance of spider veins but does not treat them as a long-term remedy. The damaged veins may look like they have become faintly visible but they are still there even if you cease to see them. The other ingredients of the creams are anti-inflammatory in nature and thus help reduce the swelling in the affected area.

Thus, the drugstore creams that claim to help ease the symptoms of varicose veins offer temporary relief for only as long as they are generously applied and massaged on the affected area. As soon as you stop applying these creams, you experience the same signs and symptoms. Also, it is important to note that these creams in no way prevent the formation of new varicose veins. As the blood continues to pool, there are high chances of swelling and pain getting worse over time along with the new development of varicose veins.

Like most other home remedies for varicose veins, the medicated creams do not address the root cause. Thus, instead of wasting money on creams and ointments that make false claims of curing varicose veins, it is advised to seek medical advice from vein specialists and explore treatment options such as surgical removal and minimally invasive procedures.

Back in the older days, surgical procedures to cut-off and remove the varicose veins were the only feasible treatment option for varicose veins. Now, with the advent of laparoscopic procedures, minimally invasive treatment methods such as sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation have become popular due to their higher success rate and negligible chances of any major side-effects.

In the endovenous laser treatment process, a thin laser fibre along with a catheter is inserted into the damaged area through a small incision. The heat from the laser fibre is used to burn-off and close the damaged veins. This procedure is monitored through the live duplex ultrasound scan. The endovenous laser treatment is popular for being the painless and no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment for varicose veins.

The laser treatment for varicose veins is totally safe and suitable for people of all age groups. This procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under the influence of local anaesthesia. It has zero downtime and most people can resume their everyday work from the next day itself. There are no side-effects such as infection or bleeding associated with the laser treatment. Patients do not need to perform any major post-operative care procedures.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a highly acclaimed interventional radiologist and vascular surgeon. He excels in the minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and has over two decades of medical experience with a large number of happy and satisfied patients who have been totally cured of varicose veins. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is available for a medical check-up, diagnosis, and treatment at Avis Vascular Centre, Hyderabad. Schedule your appointment to bid farewell to your varicose veins!

Varicose Veins and Hair Removal

Summers are just around the corner and it is time to get out from the multiple layers of winter clothing! We are sure you want to look your best in the summer outfits and have already booked your salon appointments to get rid of the unwanted body hair.

But wait, do you have varicose veins and are confused about the hair removal process that you should opt for the best results and least damage to the varicose veins? Do not worry, we are here to discuss the pros and cons of different hair removal methods and help you overcome your hair removal blues!

Hair Removal Methods for Varicose Veins

Today, there is a multitude of choices available for hair removal but not all are suitable for varicose veins patients. It is tricky yet extremely important for people complaining of varicose veins to choose a safe hair removal method as you would not want to harm your sensitive veins in your attempt to look good.

In general, hair removal methods that use excessive heart or sharp razors can cause accidental cuts to the protruding veins, worsen your present medical condition, and even give rise to conditions that can lead to the formation of new varicose veins.

In this blog today, let us review some common hair removal methods and help you make the right choice.

  1. Waxing – This is the most popular hair removal method in which a heated-up wax-like substance is applied on the skin surface. A fabric strip is then used to remove the wax along with the undesired hair. For best results, this process is usually repeated at least twice on the same area.

    Waxing is harmful for varicose veins patients. The excessive heat can result in further enlargement of the already swollen varicose veins and cause extreme stress. Also, abruptly pulling off the wax strips can damage the sensitive skin in the varicose veins affected area. This can lead to irritation and bleeding.

    If you still prefer waxing, prepare sugar-based waxing substance by mixing sugar, lemon juice, and oil or water. Although, the method of waxing remains the same, sugar-based waxes are not heated up to extreme temperatures and are thus less harmful to the varicose veins affected area.

  2. Epilator – Epilator is an electronic device that is passed over the skin to extract the hair from its roots. The strong pulling action of this device can lead to inflammation in the varicose veins affected area and harm the delicate skin and tissues.

    A great alternative to using an epilator is depilatory cream. Simply apply this cream to the desired skin surface and let it be there for a few minutes before removing it with a cloth. This cream is gentler on the skin and chemically causes the hair to dissolve.

  3. Shaving – When using a razor, it is common to get a few cuts and bruises here and there. For varicose veins patients, even a small laceration is risky. Varicose veins are highly susceptible to bleeding especially in warm temperatures. It is, thus, even trickier for women who shave in warm showers.

    If you still prefer to shave the varicose veins affected area, choose a razor that is meant to work on dry skin. Avoid shaving in warm and humid weather conditions. This is comparatively less damaging to the varicose veins.

  4. Laser Hair Removal – In the laser hair removal process, heat from a laser beam is used to eliminate hair and prevent them from re-growing. For permanent results, most patients require 8 to 10 laser sessions.

    This is a safer option of hair removal for varicose veins patients. You must, however, make a note that patients who undergo laser hair removal are asked to avoid direct sunlight for a few days after every session. It is thus best, to begin with your laser hair removal sessions in cooler months and not winters.

Get your legs Summer Ready

All the above-mentioned hair removal options have their own benefits and risks. It is highly recommended for you to speak to your doctor about the hair removal method that will be best suited for your present health condition.

The only way to enjoy complete freedom of choosing your desired hair removal method is to bid a farewell to your varicose veins. With numerous advancements in medical science and technology, varicose veins can now be treated through the painless and minimally invasive laser ablation procedure. All damaged veins are closed off from the heat of laser fibre and the patient gets immediate relief from pain and swelling of varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified interventional radiologist and a highly experienced vascular surgeon with over two decades of medical experience where he has completed 40,000+ procedures with a high success rate. He specializes in the USFDA approved endovenous laser ablation treatment procedure for varicose veins and strictly works in accordance with all protocols from the American College of Phlebology.

Undoubtedly the best vascular surgeon for treatment of varicose veins in south India, he has been applauded for his medical excellence and professionalism by one and all. He prioritizes the comfort and satisfaction of his patients above everything else and ensures their complete recovery. Schedule your appointment for the best-in-class, painless, minimally invasive, totally safe, and zero downtime laser treatment of varicose veins by Dr. Rajah V Koppala!

Are Varicose Veins Causing Your RLS?

RLS is the synonym for Restless Legs Syndrome which is primarily a neurological disorder as opposed to varicose veins that signal towards a vascular disease.

Although these are two entirely different medical conditions, varicose veins and RLS are often confused and also linked with each other. In this blog, let us understand how are these two related to each other. Stay with us till the end.

What is RLS?

RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease causes discomfort in the form of unpleasant sensations in the legs. Patients with RLS experience an uncontrollable urge to move their legs especially in the evening and at night.

Patients do get relief by moving their legs. The urge to move the legs is known to get intense when the patient is trying to relax or sleep. Thus, one of the major concerns with RLS is its interference with sleep and everyday activities as patients usually witness sleepiness in the daytime along with fatigue.

RLS can happen to anyone at any age and the symptoms generally get worse with the growing age. RLS and sleep deprivation can lead to several other health problems including depression if treatment for RLS is delayed. Simple lifestyle modifications and self-care steps can help ease the symptoms but medications do become necessary for most patients.

Why are varicose veins being linked to RLS?

Painful itching and throbbing in the legs especially at the night time are two of the many other common symptoms of RLS and varicose veins. Also, it is known that both RLS and varicose veins patients experience relief from their symptoms on moving their legs.

These surprising similarities in the accompanying characteristics and actions that cause relief in symptoms of both these disorders have made the medical researchers keen on investigating if and how these two medical conditions are related to one another.

Could Varicose Veins Be Causing Your RLS?

RLS development has been linked with other health problems such as iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and kidney disorders. It is also known that certain medications for a few diseases namely hypertension, allergies, heart ailments, and even depression contribute to be a major source of RLS.

Although it is known that RLS can be caused by a number of other health conditions, numerous medical studies and reports from recent research have also concluded that varicose veins can be the underlying cause of RLS in a few patients.

The swollen and enlarged varicose veins fail to send blood back to the heart and result in blood pooling accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs. The extreme pressure in the veins makes them protrude out from the skin surface and appear all along the legs and feet.

The medical study conducted in 1995 and published in the Dermatological Surgery stated that out of 1300 patients with RLS and vascular disorder, as many as 113 were treated through the sclerotherapy procedure, a common treatment process for varicose veins where the sclerosant, a substance is injected into the damaged veins to permanently close them off.

It was reported that a whopping 98% of the patients confirmed having experienced immediate relief from RLS symptoms after undergoing sclerotherapy. Not only this, but the recurrence rate of RLS symptoms was also very low for these patients. Roughly 8% had RLS symptoms within the first year and approximately 28% in the second year after the sclerotherapy procedure.

The results from the 1995 study were reinforced by the findings of the medical study conducted in 2007 that we reported in Phlebology : The Journal of Venous Disease. Of the total 174 patients, 63 tested positive for RLS of which 62 were also diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.

Researchers have reconfirmed that RLS and varicose veins are overlapping medical disorders. They have also concluded that patients with RLS must first be examined for varicose veins and subsequently be treated for it instead of being prescribed medications for RLS.

Conclusion

If you have RLS, at-home remedies such as massaging your legs, walking, and stretching before going to bed are sure to help ease the symptoms. These are great relaxation techniques that also relieve symptoms of varicose veins as well.

Soaking your legs in warm and cold water will also help you feel relaxed and make your night time more restful. You must limit your caffeine and alcohol intake and eat nutritious meals at regular intervals to feel better.

If RLS is bothering you and you are yet to find out the root cause of it, it is best to see a vein specialist and get yourself medically examined for the presence of varicose veins or other venous disorders. You must know that not all varicose veins are visible. Hence, you may have no visible or protruding veins on the skin surface but still, be suffering from varicose veins.

It is best to let the vascular expert check for deep-lying damaged veins that may be making RLS even more troublesome for you. Diagnosis of the varicose vein can help in timely treatment and prevent RLS from progressing further.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified and highly experienced vascular surgeon. He specializes in the painless and minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins. Performed as an outpatient treatment, the laser ablation process has zero downtime and the patients can go back home on the same day.

Avis Vascular Centre offers free duplex ultrasound scans and quick friendly Mediclaim assistance to all patients along with special aid for travel and accommodation reservations of non-local patients. Call us to schedule your consultation visit today!

Why should you never ignore Spider Veins?

At least one-third of adults in India suffer from one or the other form of a venous disorder but are not necessarily aware of it. The most common vein disease is spider veins. These are not swollen and enlarged or painful and discomforting but are visible in the form of spider-web-like structures primarily on the legs and feet.

If your parents or siblings have a medical history of a vascular disorder, there are high chances of you developing spider veins or varicose veins at some point in your lifetime. Apart from genetics, lifestyle factors such as consumption of fatty foods, insufficient intake of water, excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate physical activity, and remaining in the same posture for long durations at a stretch are the other common causes of a venous disorder.

Spider veins not only cause cosmetic displeasure but also signal towards an underlying issue in the circulation of blood. It is tedious for an individual to differentiate between varicose veins and spider veins by just merely looking at them through the naked eye.

It is thus extremely important to take notice of the early signs and visit your vascular expert for thorough diagnosis and timely treatment before further progression of the vascular disorder as any delay in medical aid can worsen the condition and result in:

  1. Blood Clots – Pooling of blood due to spider veins and/or varicose veins can result in clotting. These blood clots, in turn, can further restrict blood flow and cause other life-long health issues.
  2. Ulcers – Additional pressure on the vein walls due to undue pooling of blood can lead to inflammation, swelling, and eventually open sores (ulcers) on the legs and feet. These are accompanied by fluid discharge and are quite difficult to heal.
  3. Cellulitis – Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by the bacteria that is naturally present on the skin. Cellulitis can result in tissue damage, organ damage, and other infections that prevent the body from healing itself.

    Spider veins are a warning sign that other tissue disorders such as cellulitis are likely to develop in incidences of lack or delay in treatment.

  4. DVTDeep Vein Thrombosis refers to the development of blood clots in the deep veins. These clots cause swelling, pain, and the skin around the affected area becomes discolored and is often warm to touch.

  5. Pulmonary Embolism – The blood clots in the deep veins can break free and travel to the lungs or heart, thus cutting off the oxygen supply. These can even cause death if immediate medical care is not made available.

What to do next?

If you are currently suffering from varicose veins or have a family history of a vascular disorder that places you at high risk of varicose veins, always keep a close eye on the symptoms and do not delay getting medical assistance from a vascular specialist on the occurrence of the primary signs.

Avis Vascular Centre is a well-equipped medical institute with state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and round-the-clock expert assistance for all patients. All our doctors are highly qualified and supremely experienced in laser treatment of varicose veins.

Laser treatment is a painless and minimally invasive treatment procedure for venous disorders. It is a quick process performed as an outpatient procedure and the patient can go back home on the same day. There are minimal chances of any side-effects or recurrence of varicose veins. Performed under the influence of local anaesthesia, this is a safe procedure for patients of all age groups.

At Avis Vascular Centre, the expert healthcare practitioners follow all protocols from the American College of Phlebology and perform only USFDA approved procedures for world-class treatment, higher chances of success, and faster recovery.

Free duplex ultrasound scan and specialist consultation visits are arranged for all deserving patients. Avis Vascular Centre has also tied up with all leading national insurance agencies of India to offer cashless Mediclaim assistance in a stress-free and hassle-free way. Our team also manages travel and accommodation bookings for all out-station patients.

We are your one-stop destination for the best treatment of venous diseases at the most affordable prices. Do not think twice, simply schedule your consultation with the renowned vascular experts at Avis Vascular Centre and say goodbye to your vascular disorder and discomfort! Book now!

What Type of Doctor will Treat my Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are formed when the valves of certain veins do not function as desired and prevent blood flow back to the heart. This leads to excessive pooling of blood and eventually causes extreme swelling and irritation in the affected area.

It is essential to get your varicose veins diagnosed and treated on time as any delay or lack in medical aid can result in other health complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers, blood clots in the deep veins (DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis), and even the life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (blood clot that travels to the lungs).

Varicose Veins Treatment Procedures

The treatment procedures for varicose veins are aimed at closing off or removing the damaged veins. There are two different treatment approaches as detailed below:

  1. Surgical Procedure – Until recently, surgery was the only way to treat varicose veins. In this process, the surgeon makes an incision to either ligate (tie-up) or remove the malfunctioning veins. This procedure is painful and thus performed under general anaesthesia.

    Surgical procedures also require a few weeks to months’ time for total healing. There is a 50% chance of varicose vein recurrence after 5 years of surgical treatment. Scarring, bleeding, infection, pain, and DVT are some common side-effects of surgical procedures.

  2. Minimally Invasive Treatment – These procedures are performed under the influence of local anaesthesia and require only a small incision to be made on the skin. These are usually performed as outpatient procedures in the doctor’s cabin. The minimally invasive treatment procedures usually require only local anaesthesia, are quick to perform, and heal even faster. The patient can resume work and perform routine tasks from the very next day itself.
    1. Sclerotherapy – This process involves injecting a scarring agent into the damaged veins. Sclerotherapy works well in the case of spider veins but is rare to give satisfactory results for patients complaining of severe varicose veins.
    2. Micro-phlebectomy – In this procedure, a small nick is made on the skin above the varicose veins. The damaged veins are then removed.
    3. Endovenous Ablation – In this procedure, a laser fibre along with a catheter is inserted into the varicose veins from a small incision. The heat from the laser is used to burn and close-off the damaged veins. This gives immediate relief from the swelling and pain. The success rate for this laser treatment ranges from 84% to 94%

Varicose Veins Treatment Specialists

During a routine examination, if your general physician suspects the development of varicose veins, he/she is most likely to recommend you to see a vascular specialist for diagnosis and treatment before further advancement in the disorder.

You may choose to visit healthcare practitioners with the following specialization:

  1. Vein Surgeon – A vein surgeon is an expert doctor who is trained to conduct surgical procedures for the removal of varicose veins. The vein surgeon uses general anaesthesia to make an incision in the damaged area and remove all damaged veins. This procedure usually requires a larger hospital stay.
  2. Interventional radiologist – An interventional radiologist is a healthcare practitioner who excels in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins. These specially trained doctors use a live duplex ultrasound scan to diagnose and treat the damaged veins. The minimally invasive laser treatment is not only painless but is also more efficient and has zero downtime.

Although a few other doctors such as phlebologists, cardiologists, dermatologist, plastic surgeons, and even general surgeons can also help you with the treatment of varicose veins, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists have complete additional training which makes them a better choice for diagnosis and treatment of even the critical cases of varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre is not only an internationally qualified vascular surgeon but also a highly trained interventional radiologist. He has more than two decades of medical experience and specializes in the endovenous laser ablation treatment process of varicose veins in patients of all age groups. With an array of 40,000+ completely cured, happy, and satisfied patients, he is renowned in Hyderabad and across India for his excellence in the treatment of varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala practices at Avis Vascular Centre which is a well-equipped medical institution with a modern infrastructure and all latest medical facilities. Avis Vascular Centre also offers Mediclaim assistance from all the leading national insurance agencies and complete support for non-local patients as well. Schedule your consultation for the best-in-class treatment of varicose veins today!

What are varicoceles and their link with infertility?

Introduction

Varicoceles refer to the swollen and enlarged veins of the scrotum, a pouch that contains the testicles. Varicoceles look similar to an enlargement above the testicles and can be easily identified as a bulge on the scrotum. There is, however, no discoloration on the skin but men complaining of varicoceles often suffer from the tenderness of the scrotum.

Like all other veins, the veins of the scrotum also have valves that prevent the blood from flowing backward. In a few men, these valves become faulty and fail to work as desired. Thus, the deoxygenated blood is unable to travel back to the heart and leads to blood pooling accompanied by extreme pain and swelling.

Although a large number of men who have varicoceles, do not have any visible signs, a few of them complain of difficulty in impregnating a woman. This is the primary reason behind varicoceles being linked to infertility in men. Certain research reports have even stated that treating varicoceles helps improve the likelihood of pregnancy.

What Causes Varicoceles?

Varicoceles are fairly common and reported to be affecting 10-15% of the men but doctors are yet to confirm the cause of these weakened valves. According to recent research studies, men who smoke are at a greater risk of developing varicose veins as smoking is known to damage the blood vessels and weaken the valves.

However, alcohol consumption and the occupation of a person has been found to have no link with varicoceles. In some cases, the growth in the stomach has been determined as the cause of excessive additional pressure on the veins which further leads to varicoceles. This has been prominent in men over 45 years of age.

For a majority of the men, varicoceles are inexplainable and do not have an apparent cause. Also, varicoceles do not always point towards an underlying health issue.

How are Varicoceles diagnosed?

Most men do not have any discomforting symptoms of varicoceles. However, a few of them may have heavy sensation and occasional throbbing in the scrotum. A majority of the men discover about varicoceles only when they face infertility issues and visit a fertility expert for treatment.

Healthcare practitioners diagnose varicoceles by physical examination of the scrotum as they are able to feel lumps and unusual blood vessels. Doctors may also recommend an ultrasound scan to confirm the presence of varicoceles and check for the severity and location of the damaged veins.

What are the treatment options for Varicoceles?

Varicoceles that do not cause any symptoms do not require treatment. A varicocele may require treatment in the following cases:

  1. Varicocele is causing pain and swelling
  2. A man has a varicocele and is suffering from a low sperm count or other issues with the sperm
  3. A couple has unexplained infertility and the male partner has varicoceles

The treatment options for varicoceles include surgery and embolization:

  1. Surgery – The doctors block the blood flow to the damaged veins and then surgically remove the varicoceles. This process is called varicocelectomy and requires general anaesthesia. Patients may experience pain and tenderness for a few days after the surgery.
  2. Embolization – This procedure requires local anaesthesia and can be performed in the doctor’s clinic itself. In this process, the doctor makes a small incision to insert the needle into the damaged vein and cut off the blood supply to it.

Embolization is a safe procedure and has a high success rate. It is a painless and minimally invasive procedure that is quick and has a zero downtime. Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre specializes in the embolization treatment for varicoceles. He has over two decades of experience and an array of 12000+ happy patients who are totally satisfied with his treatment and post-treatment medical assistance.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala practices at Avis Vascular Centre that has state-of-the-art medical facilities along with the latest equipment and advanced infrastructure. Schedule an appointment for a medical check-up, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of varicoceles. Book now!

Surprising Facts about Varicose Veins

As you already know by now, varicose veins are not only a cosmetic issue but pinpoint to a serious venous disorder and must never be ignored. Painful or painless, varicose veins must be treated by experienced vascular experts to reduce the likelihood of extreme health complications that may pose a serious threat to life!

In this blog today, we will throw light on some of the lesser-known facts about varicose veins, their symptoms, causes, and treatment. Read till the end as awareness to varicose veins will help you diagnose and get them treated on time.

  1. Opposed to what most people believe, varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the legs and feet as the gravitational pull makes it difficult for the blood from the lower body to flow back to the heart.
  2. Varicose veins can lead to intense circulatory disorders and may result in loss of a limb or even death. Any vein that causes discomfort must be addressed by healthcare practitioners.
  3. Undiagnosed and untreated varicose veins can lead to chronic blood pooling and result in venous insufficiency and blood clots in deep veins known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  4. Hormonal changes, overexposure to the sun, and inherited factors can also cause varicose veins and spider veins.
  5. Doppler scan is used to examine the blood flow direction and thus helps to analyse if the valves of certain veins are working as desired or require treatment.
  6. A few patients with varicose veins or venous insufficiency are also reported to complain of Restless Leg Syndrome.
  7. You must avoid scratching varicose veins as doing so can lead to venous ulcers or open sores that are painful and cause extreme discomfort.
  8. Those who are at a high risk of varicose veins must avoid wearing tight clothes that hinder the blood flow at the waist, groin, or legs.
  9. Venous insufficiency can cause non-healing ulcers and excessive bleeding from varicose veins.

Of all the treatment methods, endovenous laser treatment is by far the best option. It is a type of minimal access surgery where an expert interventional radiologist makes a small incision to close-off the varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre specializes in the endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. He is a highly qualified and exceptionally trained interventional radiologist with over two decades of experience.

In the endovenous laser treatment process, the doctor places a laser fibre through a small incision. The laser fibre is directed to the affected area and the heat from it is used to burn off the varicose veins. The varicose veins are reabsorbed in the body which also re-routes the blood to the other neighbouring healthier veins.

This procedure is not only painless and 100% safe but also quick and requires only minimal post-surgical care. There are negligible chances of any complications or recurrence of varicose veins. The patient experiences immediate relief from the swelling, pain, and discomfort.

Avis Vascular Centre is well-equipped with the most advanced medical amenities and has a modern infrastructure for the utmost care and comfort of each patient. We make every possible effort to ensure that all our patients have a hassle-free and stress-free medical experience.

Book your consultation for a medical check-up, diagnosis, and minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins from expert healthcare practitioners at Avis Vascular Centre today!

7 Reasons Why Seniors Should Seek Varicose Veins Treatment

As per statistics from recent studies, varicose veins are more prevalent in old age people. As many as 16% of the adults over 60 years of age complain of visible and painful varicose veins. This is primarily because the valves of certain veins become weak as we age. This hinders the blood flow back to the heart and leads to pooling of blood in the legs.

The excessive pressure that is created due to pooled blood, causes the veins to twist and turn. The varicose veins are the swollen and enlarged veins that are prominently visible to be bulging out from the skin surface of the legs and feet. Varicose veins are not only painful but also cause itching in the affected area.

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic annoyance. They can worsen and lead to health complications that could have been easily prevented by timely diagnosis and treatment. Below mentioned are 7 reasons why the aged must consider treating their varicose veins:

  1. Discomfort – A feeling of heaviness or a burning sensation in the area affected by varicose veins causes extreme discomfort. Getting varicose veins treated will not only cure the underlying issue but also relieve the symptoms.
  2. Swelling – Blood pooling as a result of varicose veins causes severe swelling. Compression stockings may offer temporary relief but the swelling and pain can get worse due to delay or lack of treatment.
  3. Limiting Physical Activity – For a few people, varicose veins can get worse to the point that they may find it difficult to perform their everyday tasks or step out of the home. Treatment of varicose veins is indispensable for patients with extreme symptoms.
  4. Bleeding – As varicose veins are closer to the surface of the skin and full of blood, even minor cuts, and bruises and result in bleeding that it hard to stop. Treating varicose veins can prevent blood pooling and related health issues.
  5. Blood Clots – Restricted blood flow increases the chances of a blood clot. Blood clots in the deep veins can flow to different body parts and post a serious threat to life. It is wise to get timely treatment of varicose veins to prevent health scares such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
  6. Leg Ulcers – When varicose veins are left untreated for a long duration, these can result in open sores that are very painful and extremely tough to heal. Treating varicose veins can reduce the likelihood of leg ulcers.
  7. Skin Infections – The swelling due to varicose veins can also lead to skin infections such as cellulitis which is characterized by redness and in the surrounding area which also feels comparatively warmer.

Although it is essential for anyone and everyone to get treated for varicose veins but timely medications and genuine treatment is indispensable for the seniors. The pain and discomfort from the varicose veins deteriorate the quality of life and make it tedious for the aged to perform their daily routine tasks.

Varicose veins can be effectively treated in a painless and minimally invasive laser treatment procedure. This is a safe and quick treatment method that is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It is renowned to be the no-cut, no-scar, and no-stitch treatment.

Avis Vascular Centre excels in the endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. The distinguished interventional radiologist and doctors leave no stone unturned to ensure that all patients especially the senior citizens have a comfortable and stress-free treatment at Avis Vascular Centre.

All treatment procedures performed at Avis Vascular Centre are US-FDA approved. The doctors and staff follow strict protocols from the American College of Phlebology. The patients are offered a single price package at the time of admission and there are no any hidden charges at any stage of the treatment procedure.

Avis Vascular Centre has treated 40,000+ patients from different parts of the World. Even if you do not reside in Hyderabad, out out-patient team will take care of your doctor appointments. Schedule an appointment today!

Do Varicose Veins Indicated Heart Problems?

Needless to say, varicose veins are cosmetic displeasure. But are these thick and twisted veins also a sign of deeper trouble?

Varicose veins are not only unsightly and uncomforting but also a bit scary. It is not unusual for you to wonder if these swollen and enlarged veins are the cause of a potential cardiac disorder.

In this blog, let us understand if varicose veins have any effect on the heart and the cardiovascular system.

Varicose Veins and Heart Disease

Our bodies have two types of blood vessels – arteries and veins. The arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all other body parts. The veins are responsible for bringing used and de-oxygenated blood back to the heart from all different body organs.

Varicose veins are those damaged veins whose valves do not function as desired and prevent blood from flowing back to the heart. This is a venous disorder and indicates blood flow problems in the veins.

Cardiac disorders are related to the arterial system and not the venous system. Thus, even though the presence of varicose veins signals towards an unhealthy blood circulation, it does not necessarily point towards heart disease.

Varicose veins definitely put you at a higher risk of other venous complications but the development of varicose veins does neither cause nor indicate heart disease. In simple terms, there is no connection between varicose veins and a cardiac disorder. Having varicose veins does not at all increase the risk for a heart ailment.

However, in some cases, the vascular system can get affected by cardiac disease. A patient who has a heart ailment and has developed varicose veins is at a high probability of complaining of swelling in the legs and infection in the varicose veins affected area.

Varicose Veins Complications

For a majority of the people, varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern. Although varicose veins are not a potential risk for heart ailments, they do pose a serious risk to the overall health and well-being of the patient. Thus, it is extremely important to understand the medical conditions and complications related to varicose veins in order to prevent health loss in the long run.

As varicose veins prevent blood flow, there is excessive accumulation of blood in the affected area. This causes the veins to enlarge and leads to swelling which is usually accompanied by pain and a feeling of heaviness. Patients also complain of discomfort in the form of itching, a feeling of heaviness, and a constant sensation of throbbing.

This medical condition can worsen further and progress to other health issues in case of delay or lack of treatment. Blood pooling causes extreme pressure and can result in open sores known as active venous ulcers. Some patients can even develop blood clots in their deep veins (DVT i.e. Deep Vein Thrombosis) and chronic venous insufficiency.

In DVT, if the blood clot breaks free, it can travel to any body part like the heart, lungs, and others. A blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) can hinder oxygen supply to the vital body organs and even cause the untimely death of the patient. Thus, varicose veins must never be ignored as a mere cosmetic annoyance.

Conclusion

Even though varicose veins and heart diseases are not inter-related medical complications, both respond well to healthy lifestyle changes. In both these health conditions, patients have been known to benefit from eating a nutritional diet and having a daily exercise regime.

If you have varicose veins, you are also sure to experience relief from swelling and pain by raising your legs above the level of your heart while lying down. You must also speak to your vascular expert about the recommended usage of compression stockings that help improve the blood flow from the legs back to the heart.

However, if your varicose veins are causing extreme trouble, you must consider getting them removed or permanently closed through surgical procedures. In contrast to the open surgeries which were much painful and discomforting, these days the minimally invasive procedures have got popular due to their high success rate and faster healing.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a trained vascular interventional radiologist and an expert at performing the painless laser ablation treatment of varicose veins. He performs the laser ablation as an outpatient procedure and all varicose veins are treated in a single session. The patients can go back home on the same day and continue to perform their everyday activities from the very next day.

It is a painless, minimally invasive, scar-less, convenient, and safe treatment procedure for varicose veins. There is no need of general anaesthesia as doctors only use local anaesthesia in the affected area to make small incisions and check for the location of varicose veins through a live duplex ultrasound scan.

The heat from the laser fibre is used to close off and burn away the damaged veins which get reabsorbed in the body. The body also automatically re-routes the blood to neighbouring healthy veins. Patients get immediate relief from pain, swelling, and itching.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is internationally qualified and ranked as the best vascular surgeon in South India. He ensures patient comfort and satisfaction at all times before, during, and even after the procedure. If you are looking for the best treatment of varicose veins, do not look elsewhere, schedule your appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala today!

Is Varicose Vein Treatment Permanent?

In India, over 10 million varicose vein cases are reported every year. Varicose vein medical ailment is estimated to affect the legs and feet of nearly 30% of the adult Indians.

Also, most obese people have a tendency to develop one or more varicose veins as they age. Based on verified statistics, women are known to be somewhat more probable of suffering from varicose veins as compared to their male counterparts.

What are Varicose Veins?

In the case of a healthy person, the valves of the veins make the used and de-oxygenated blood flow back to the heart from all body parts. These valves also prevent the blood from staying stagnant at one place or flowing backward in the undesired direction.

But for patients who complain of varicose veins, the valves of the affected veins get damaged and hence restrict the blood flow back to the heart. This disturbs the circulatory system and causes the blood to pool around the impaired veins.

Varicose veins are those swollen and enlarged veins that are often seen bulging out from the skin surface of the legs. These twisted veins are bluish-purple in colour and are truly an ugly sight. The varicose vein patients often complain of pain, itching, burning, and mild cramping in the affected area.

You should never ignore any visible signs of varicose veins. Although not a very serious disorder, varicose veins may not require immediate treatment but genuine medical aid is vital to prevent the condition from getting worse.

In some critical scenarios, the delays in treating the varicose veins can further lead to other several other acute health hazards like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) i.e. clots in the superficial veins, acute Venous Ulcers, and even Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Why do Varicose Veins Re-appear?

By treating the varicose veins, patients not only get relief from the constant pain, and irritation, but also get rid of the unappealing sight of the varicose veins on their legs and feet.

The traditional treatment procedure of vein surgery, where the affected veins were stripped off, is definitely less efficient and has higher chances of making the varicose veins re-appear.

In the new era, with the invention of laser treatments for varicose veins, the swollen varicose veins are accurately identified with the help of the duplex ultrasound procedure and these are then permanently closed. This forces the body to re-route the blood to other neighbouring veins.

Although the advanced laser treatment massively reduces the chances of varicose veins coming back, it does not guarantee a permanent cure. In medical terms, varicose vein is a chronic ailment and the varicose veins may redevelop in the future for the patients who were successfully treated in the past.

A patient who has once had varicose veins always remains at high risk of redeveloping them. It is not usually the same vein, but different veins may get affected by the malfunctioning valves, thus causing the varicose veins to reoccur.

Some people are genetically more probable to develop varicose veins but all patients can reduce their chances of re-growing varicose veins by improving their lifestyle. Doing mild exercises every day, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a BMI (Body Mass Index) score under 25, is known to reduce the risk of varicose veins.

Also, you must avoid sitting or standing for long periods at a stretch as this can cause extreme pressure on your veins and breakdown the valves. In an unfortunate incidence of the varicose veins recurring for you, you can still get them eliminated by the painless endovenous laser treatment.

This laser treatment is minimally invasive and absolutely painless. It leaves no cuts or scar marks on the patient’s body and has quick recovery time. Except for a few critical cases, patients are generally discharged on the same day. They can go back home and resume their daily activities without any difficulties or outside support.

The endovenous laser treatment procedure has very little post-operative care and the patients can even undertake long flights without the fear of DVT or blood clots that may cause a medical emergency. To a few patients, the vascular surgeon may suggest the use of compression stockings for a few days after the laser treatment.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala, MD in Vascular Interventional Radiology, is a distinguished doctor offering his medical services at Avis Hospitals, Hyderabad. With over 24 years of experience and a record of treating 4000+ varicose vein patients every year, Dr. Rajah V Koppala is not only renowned but also trusted for his knowledge and medical practice.

Schedule your appointment for the medical check-up of your varicose veins and its painless endovenous laser treatment today from Dr. Rajah V Koppala today!

What is a good time to see a Vein Specialist?

Veins are the thin blood tubes that are located right underneath our skin. Spread throughout the body, the veins carry used and deoxygenated blood from the vital body organs, back to the heart. Most veins have valves that prevent backflow of the blood.

Healthy veins are essential to facilitate the proper functioning of the human body. Although most people believe that they will never have any vein related health issues, vein disorders like spider veins and varicose veins are quite common in both men and women who are over 50 years of age.

Vein diseases vary hugely in their signs and symptoms. Sometimes the vein disorders are silent and there are no visible signs, but in a few cases, a serious vein problem may cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort in the affected body part.

When left untreated for a long period of time, vein health issues can even lead to life-threatening ailments like venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and active venous ulcers. Thus, it is essential to not ignore any symptoms and visit a vein healthcare practitioner if you notice either of the below symptoms:

  1. Prominently Visible Signs – For some patients, the vein disorders are visible even by the naked eye. In such medical cases, there are visible bulges on the skin that can even be felt on touch. The affected veins turn dark blue or purplish in colour, are clearly visible right under the skin, and the patient may complain of itching, irritated skin, soreness, and a heavy feeling.
  2. Acute Leg Pain – Although vein disorders may occur in any body part, they are most commonly found in the legs. Patients with vein health issues may suffer from extreme pain that is usually felt in the legs after they sit, stand or remain in the same position for an extended time duration. Patients may also suffer from severe pains after undertaking a long flight or when they remain seated for long by getting stuck in a heavy traffic jam.
  3. Severe Swelling in Legs – If you have swelling in both legs that usually disappears in the morning, there is nothing to worry about, as this swelling has no connection to your vein health. But if you feel that the swelling gets worse when you exert yourself and keep moving or remain seated in the same position for long, it most probably is the case of varicose veins and you must take an appointment with a vein expert for accurate treatment of the same.
  4. No Relief from Home Remedies – To a few patients with some early signs of vein disorders, the vein specialists may advice regular use of compressions stockings that aid in regulating blood flow back to the heart from the leg and foot veins. Such patients may also be asked to elevate their legs while sleeping. But, even after doing these home remedies, if there are no signs of improvements and the patient still has pains and discomfort, he/she must see a vein healthcare expert and discuss all symptoms.

The patients may feel constant restlessness in the body part affected with a vein disorder. Although the vein disease symptoms vary in intensity, the pain and discomfort may increase when the patient is exerted, thus negatively affecting the patient’s quality of life.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you must not delay seeing a vascular expert. But, if you are over 50 years of age and still have no visible signs of vein disease, as a precautionary step you must still get an appointment with a vein expert for a physical examination to rule out any possibility of a vein health issue.

If you are in and around Hyderabad and are looking for a vein specialist, book an appointment with the renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals. Dr. Rajah is highly educated and has 24 years of experience in successfully treating the most severe cases of vein disorders. Avis Hospitals is equipped with the latest medical technology and has an army of the most caring medical staff. For absolute relief from your vein discomfort, get in touch with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals today!

4 Common Myths About Varicose Vein Treatment

There is an increasing number of varicose vein cases being reported every year. Although varicose veins have become relatively common in India, people are still unaware of the condition and its treatment process.

Most people also confuse spider veins with varicose veins but these two medical conditions are fairly different. In this internet era, patients often rely on Google and try to self-diagnose their diseases which is the leading cause of misconceptions.

Today, we are about to burst some of the most popular varicose vein myths in this informative post. Read till the very end to improve your varicose vein knowledge.

Myth #1 – Varicose vein treatment is a painful surgery

In ancient times, vein stripping was the only available treatment for varicose veins. In this process, the patient is sedated and the damaged veins are removed by a surgical process.

This process is highly invasive, truly painful, and leaves a huge cut on the patient’s body. It also has an extended recovery time and the patient generally continues to be in pain even after the surgery has been successfully completed.

With medical advancements, surgical procedures are now rarely recommended for only the critical cases where varicose veins lead to severe issues of venous disorders. There are new and minimally invasive procedures where laser fibre is used to cure the pain point.

The highly suggested cure of medical treatment, endovenous laser ablation is absolutely painless, performed with local anaesthesia, and the patients do not get any cuts or stitches on their body.

Myth #2 – Varicose veins come back after the treatment

The vein stripping procedure is not as effective and patients often complain of re-appearance of varicose veins after treatment. However, for the laser process, the affected vein is accurately identified with the Duplex Ultrasound Scan before being cured.

This special ultrasound helps the doctors to treat the problematic vein and close it permanently. This allows the body to re-route the blood from the damaged vein to other neighbouring healthy veins.

There are extremely low chances of the varicose veins coming back after the endovenous laser treatment. It surely has a quick recovery process and the patient in most cases can resume work and other daily activities almost immediately.

Myth #3 – Varicose veins need to be treated only for cosmetic reasons

Varicose veins are not only an unpleasant sight but also a painful condition that is accompanied by itching, insomnia, skin damage, blood clots and even bleeding ulcers. Thus, getting treated for varicose veins is not merely for a cosmetic purpose, it is most definitely to improve the patient’s overall health and quality of life.

Varicose veins, when left untreated for a longer duration can lead to serious health issues due to the blood that continues to remain pooled in the damaged veins. This can even lead to clots in the veins. It may further cause Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that is the medical condition where a clot develops in the deep veins and may require immediate medical care.

In some severe cases, the patient may suffer from a more serious disease called the chronic venous insufficiency where the patient’s skin turns brown around the calf and ankle due to leakage of the pooled blood into the tissues of the lower legs. This further leads to ulcers which are even more harder to cure and difficult to heal.

Myth #4 – Varicose veins are not covered under insurance

In the few not-so-critical cases of spider veins, most insurance companies do not offer a Mediclaim cover. But for varicose vein patients who are suffering from swelling, itching, pain, and the condition is negatively affecting their lifestyle, they must not shy away from contacting their insurance agency to know more about the insurance coverage.

As varicose vein treatment is not merely a cosmetic correction treatment, insurance agencies generally have this covered in their policies. Today, laser vein ablation and radiofrequency ablation treatment are offered with a cashless plan by almost all leading insurance agencies of India.

If you have any signs of varicose veins or have been already been diagnosed with them, schedule an appointment with the renowned and trusted vascular surgeon Dr. Rajah V Koppala to get an estimate of the treatment required and its expenses. After this, you can consult your insurance agencies to cross-check about the offered insurance cover.

Avis Hospitals has the latest equipment and a professional team of doctors who offer the most reliable medical advice under the guidance of Dr. Rajah V Koppala. Schedule a consultation today!

Do Sitting or Standing Jobs Raise Varicose Veins Risk?

Varicose veins are often caused due to inactivity. People who are employed at job roles that demand them to stand or sit in the same posture for longer durations at a stretch are at an enhanced risk of varicose veins.

In other words, professions such as teaching where teachers have to stand for more than four hours per day or desk jobs at MNCs where the corporate employees often remain seated for prolonged durations at a stretch are more likely to develop varicose veins at some point in their life than their counterparts.

Extended durations of lack of physical activity can cause the veins of the legs and feet to overwork, thus leading to blood pooling. The increased pressure in the veins eventually causes the valves to become weak. These valves do not promote the desired flow of blood back to the heart and thus lead to varicose veins.

Varicose veins are the enlarged and swollen veins that seem to be bulging out from the skin surface. Patients often complain of heaviness and irritation in the affected area accompanied by constant pain and discomfort. Patients may experience slight relief from symptoms on raising the legs above the level of the heart.

Let us understand a few professions and career options that significantly increase the risk factor of varicose veins:

  1. Education : University professors and school teachers spend hours on their feet in the classroom and then remain seated for long durations at a stretch to prepare the curriculum, set question papers, and also evaluate the answer sheets. This can take a toll on their venous heath and places them at a higher risk of varicose veins. Owing to pregnancy and wearing high heels, female teachers are more likely to develop varicose veins than their male counterparts.
  2. Hospitality, Beauty, Retail : According to the statistics from recent studies, hairdressers over 45 years of age who work for 10+ hours a day are more probable of developing varicose veins as compared to the youngsters in the profession.

    Most other similar job types such as hotel workers, retail employees, baggage checkers, restaurant reception, store greeters, etc are also at a serious threat of varicose veins.

  3. Medical : Doctors who perform lengthy surgeries and nurses, especially the ward nurses who spend hours on their feet have a significantly higher risk of complaining of varicose veins sooner or later in their lifetime.
  4. Office or Technical : Office workers, bankers, or those who are in the computer field have unusually long sitting durations. Those working in computer development, information technology, customer care, and related job roles often work in a competitive, time-bound, and stressful work environments, do not even break for lunch and have their meals at their desks only. These job roles affect vascular health and create additional risk of varicose veins.
  5. Transportation : Taxi drivers, bus drivers, truck operators, and other long-distance drivers who undertake long journeys and drive on bumpy roads without a break are definitely at a high risk of varicose veins. The drivers remain seated for 10 or more hours at a stretch and may even experience cramps.

Even if your job type is not listed above, we are sure there are similarities between the professions listed above and that you will be easily able to relate them to your own job role. Irrespective of your career, if your job profile where your work duties lead to increased duration of standing or sitting on your desk, you must be careful and take preventive measures to delay if not rule out the occurrence of varicose veins.

If you notice that your job is contributing to increasing the risk of developing varicose veins, you must take the below actions to reduce the likelihood.

  1. Always ensure to take frequent breaks from work. If you have a desk job, get up at regular intervals and take a stroll in the room. If, however, your profession makes you stand for too long, make it a habit to opt for small breaks to sit and move your ankles and feet.
  2. Whenever possible, elevate your legs above the level of the heart.
  3. Irrespective of your routine at work, make a habit of exercising daily. This will help the veins to work optimally and make blood in the legs to get going, thus reducing the chances of varicose veins.
  4. Speak to your doctor about compression stockings, also known as support stockings and its recommended size and usage for your age and health condition.
  5. Improve your lifestyle by eating nutritious meals over junk food and give up on smoking and alcohol.

These minor changes will definitely help improve your vascular health and lower the chances of developing varicose veins. If you have any signs of varicose veins, seek medical advice in a priority as certified healthcare practitioners can help prevent the health condition from getting complicated.

Avis Vascular Centre is renowned for its pinpoint diagnosis and painless treatment for varicose veins. Backed-up by modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art medical amenities, Avis Vascular Centre is Hyderabad’s leading medical institution for all venous disorders.

It is headed by Dr. Rajah V Koppala who is an internationally qualified and exceptional trained interventional radiologist. With over 24+ years of experience, he excels in the minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins. Dr. Rajah V Koppala has a proven track record of success and a large number of happy patients who are completely satisfied with his treatment and medical care.

If you are looking for a non-surgical and quick relief treatment for your venous disorders, trust none other than the vascular expert Dr. Rajah V Koppala, book your consultation today!

A Look at the Common Misconceptions Surrounding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are not uncommon. Every 1 in 4 adults suffers from varicose veins at some point in their lifetime. Awareness about the symptoms of varicose veins can lead to timely diagnosis and effective treatment, thus preventing a multitude of other venous disorders that have a high probability of occurrence in cases where the treatment for varicose veins is delayed.

In this blog today, we shall be addressing some of the most common misconceptions about varicose veins. We will burst all myths and share some relevant facts, stay with us till the end.

  1. Varicose veins are the same as spider veins – Although both varicose veins and spider veins are venous disorders that occur due to faulty valves of the veins and restrict the movement of the deoxygenated blood back to the heart, these are not the synonyms for the same medical condition.

    Spider veins appear in the form of web-like structures and may occur anywhere on the body including the face and the chest. Varicose veins usually form on the legs and result in bluish-purple swollen veins that ache and cause discomfort. Spider veins are much less likely to result in any serious complication but varicose veins must be treated to prevent critical venous disorders.

  2. Varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue – Varicose veins are ugly. They are not a pleasant sight but are definitely more than just a cosmetic annoyance. Varicose veins signal towards an underlying issue in the movement of the deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the legs.

    Resulting in pooling of blood which eventually causes extreme swelling, irritation, pain, and discomfort, varicose veins spoil the quality of life and may even lead to other venous disorders such as active venous ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), and the life-threatening disease pulmonary-embolism.

  3. Varicose veins cannot be prevented – In a few cases, varicose veins are genetic and may occur due to the patient’s personal or family history of blood clots, varicose veins, or DVT. But in most cases, varicose veins occur to people who are overweight, consume junk food with high-fat percentage, do not have an exercise routine, have a sedentary lifestyle or a job that requires them to stand or sit in the same position for extended durations.

    Patients who are aware of their family history of venous disorders can prevent varicose veins by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, giving up on coffee, alcohol, and smoking, performing mild to moderate exercise every day, ensuring to change your posture once a while, and taking care of your overall health.

  4. Varicose veins do not affect the young – Most people assume that varicose veins only affects the elderly, but this is not true. Although the aged people are more probable of suffering from varicose veins, it can occur to the people of any age group, especially to those who do not perform any physical activity.

    Many young men and women have already been reported to be suffering from varicose veins. You can reduce the likelihood of varicose veins by performing one or the other form of exercise that is known to regulate the blood flow and prevent its pooling.

  5. Varicose veins are nothing to worry about – Varicose veins are not a medical emergency but can turn into one if you ignore the symptoms and delay the medical check-up or treatment. In the beginning, varicose veins may not even have severe symptoms but these do get worse with time.

    Delay or a total lack of treatment can exaggerate the symptoms. Blood pooling may make the affected area to swell and ache. The symptoms may include itching, enlarged veins bulging out from the skin surface, and discomfort. With time, these symptoms tend to get worse and you may develop ulcers or open sores around the ankle. Blood pooling can even lead to blood clots in the deep veins which can travel to other body parts and affect the heart, brain, and lungs.

  6. Pregnancy causes varicose veins – Pregnancy is not a cause of varicose veins but the hormonal changes, weight gain, and increased blood volume before childbirth may hinder the movement of blood from the legs to the heart.

    A few women develop varicose veins during pregnancy but these are temporary and tend to go away in 3 to 4 months after delivery. However, if you notice them getting worse after childbirth, do not delay seeking medical advice from a venous expert.

  7. Varicose veins require surgical treatment – This was true until a few years ago when surgical procedures like vein litigation and sclerotherapy were the only feasible methods to remove varicose veins. But today, interventional radiologists are efficiently able to close off the affected veins in a minimal and painless laser procedure.

    The endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins is a quick procedure with zero downtime. This process does not require general anaesthesia and can successfully treat all varicose veins in a single sitting. The laser treatment is popular for being the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar method that encourages the patient to resume everyday activities from the very next day of the treatment.

    It is performed under the influence of local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The patient need not get admitted or take many leaves from the job. Performed with accurate monitoring from a duplex ultrasound scan, a thin catheter along with a laser fibre is inserted into the affected area. This laser fibre helps close off the damaged veins and the body re-routes the blood to the neighbouring veins.

If you are eager to get your varicose veins treated in a painless and cost-effective non-surgical method, book an appointment with Avis Vascular Centre. It is a renowned medical institute with world-class amenities and qualified venous experts. Led by the distinguished vascular surgeon and experienced interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala, Avis Vascular Centre is your one-stop medical institution for top-rated treatment of varicose veins and related venous disorders.

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: 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!

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!

How Vein Specialists Classify Venous Diseases

Most people, especially women who are over 50 years of age often complain of vein issues in legs and feet. Venous diseases take different shapes and forms in different patients. While some may suffer from invisible yet painful venous insufficiency symptoms, a few others may have signs of painless but ugly looking varicose veins.

No matter the form, venous diseases not only point towards a serious health condition but are also highly progressive in nature which means that the patient’s condition may worsen in the absence of an effective treatment.

As all forms of venous diseases have more or less the same identical signs and symptoms, the doctors found it difficult to differentiate between the various stages and thus CEAP, the comprehensive classification system was used to clearly define distinctive boundaries between the various stages.

CEAP refers to the following :

  •   Clinical observation – What does the affected vein look like?
  •   Etiology – Is the venous disease inherited or there is some other underlying cause?
  •   Anatomy – Which veins are affected?
  •   Pathophysiology – What is the direction of blood flow (normal or abnormal)? Also, is the blood flow restricted ?

As per CEAP, the following is the official classification of venous insufficiency in 7 different stages, listed in increasing levels of severity:

  1. C0 : Asymptomatic : In this stage, there are no signs and symptoms of venous diseases and all veins are working normally. The veins are efficiently able to return the blood from the legs and the feet veins back to the heart.

     

  2. C1 : Spider Veins : Also called telangiectasia or reticular veins, these veins appear to be red, blue or purple in color and are tangled with one another, hence the names spider veins. These veins rise to the skin surface on the legs, upper thighs and around the ankles and hint towards underlying varicose veins.

     

  3. C2 : Varicose Veins : This is a condition where the valves of the leg and feet veins malfunction leading to severe difficulty in pumping the blood back to the heart. These veins force the blood to pool thus causing the patients to develop a heavy feeling and tiredness in the legs. Veins become enlarged and patients may complain of pain, cramps, itching or a burning sensation in the affected area.

     

  4. C3 : Edema : In this stage of venous insufficiency, there develops a prominently visible swelling in the legs around the affected veins. While daily use of compression stockings may offer extended support to the veins, it is vital to address the underlying cause of the symptoms for long term relief or the condition is bound to get worse over time.

     

  5. C4 : Skin Changes : By this stage of the venous disease, the skin around the affected veins tends to change its color, texture, and the overall look and feel. It some cases, patients have reported skin discoloration and eczema as well. 

     

  6. C5 : Healed venous ulcer : Excessive pressure on the varicose veins and highly restricted blood flow may cause the leg tissues to die thus forming an open ulcer. This is not a very serious condition as the ulcer generally heals on its own as soon as the blood flow is rectified and brought back to normal.

     

  7. C6 : Active venous ulcer : This is the final and the most severe stage of venous insufficiency. Although found in less than 1% of the total reported cases of venous diseases, this is a serious health hazard. Prolonged therapy is needed for an effective cure of this condition. Endovenous laser treatment with extended compression therapy sessions may be suggested for quick wound healing.

Treatments

Venous diseases hampers the patient’s overall quality of life. Owing to its progressive nature, a vein issue has a high tendency of getting worse with growing age. It is important to be able to differentiate between the various stages of venous insufficiency for pinpoint diagnosis and timely treatment.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals has international medical certifications and years of extensive experience in offering the most advanced treatments for the various different stages of venous insufficiency.

He always analyses each patient’s unique symptoms and thoroughly goes through his/her medical history before advising medications or therapies. With the most technologically advanced medical care provisions of non-invasive treatments like laser ablation for venous diseases, Avis Hospitals is the most reliable medical centre for any vein diseases. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajah V Koppala today, visit : http://www.avishospitals.com/

Does Exercise Really Help to Reduce Varicose Veins?

As you all would already know, a sedentary lifestyle is the biggest risk factor for varicose veins. This is because a lack of physical activity adversely affects blood circulation. Over time, poor blood flow can cause the pooling of blood in the lower limbs and lead to varicose veins.

Just like for any other medical condition, prevention is better than cure for varicose veins and other venous disorders as well. The best method to prevent varicose veins is to adapt to a healthy lifestyle.

Irrespective of your age, when you make a positive change in your lifestyle and slowly start doing mild to moderate exercises every day, you will begin to notice an improvement in your blood circulation.

Most working professionals spend 8 to 10 hours on their office desk and do not get to move around much during the day time. This can accelerate the issue of blood pooling and damage the vein valves.

Thus, it is extremely essential for you to perform some form of physical activity every day to ensure the pumping of blood from the legs to the heart. This is extremely helpful in preventing venous disorders and reducing their likelihood of worsening to severe health conditions.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the best forms of exercises that will help you maintain good vascular health:

  1. Walking – It might sound to be the most obvious form of physical activity but we often underestimate the benefits of walking. It is the simplest exercise, does not require any equipment, and can be done anywhere at any time.

    Walking is extremely helpful in preventing varicose veins. It helps the calf muscles to contract and relax which makes blood move up from the legs to the heart against the gravitational force.

  2. Calf Flexors – If you have a desk job and find it difficult to spare time to go for a walk, calf flexor is the best exercise option for you as it can be easily performed while sitting down on your office chair. Calf flexor is also helpful when you are undertaking a long car or plane journey and can not get down to move around.

    Simply put your feet flat on the ground and gently raise your toes to stretch the calf muscles. After a few seconds, lower down your toes and then raise your heels. Throughout your day, you can perform as many sets of calf flexors as you like.

  3. Running – This is the best form of a full-body workout. If your health allows, it is best to go running as it helps boost blood circulation from the legs to the heart. It also gives you a strong heart which is critical to your overall blood circulation.

  4. Yoga – If you do not like to run, yoga is a great alternative to a full-body workout. It helps stretch the muscles and works wonders for patients who feel stiffness in their legs after an idle day.

    Yoga helps improve blood circulation. Faster movements help in getting the blood moving in between the poses. Slower movements are useful as the legs get raised above the heart and this moves the blood from the legs back to the heart.

  5. Mountain Climbing – In this form of physical activity, you begin with a plank position, pull a knee up to the chest, and then return the leg to its original position to repeat these steps with the other leg. It is a great cardio workout that is also beneficial for the heart and helps improve blood circulation.

All the above-mentioned exercises are great forms of physical activity and extremely helpful in improving blood flow. These are best for patients who are at a high risk of varicose veins.

These exercises when performed regularly and combined with home remedies and a nutritional diet are useful in preventing blood circulation problems that are the leading cause of vascular disorders.

But these exercises are not remedial. If you have any early signs of spider veins or varicose veins, you must seek professional medical care from an experienced vascular specialist as any further delay can worsen the condition and cause blood clots in deep veins, venous ulcers, and even chronic venous insufficiency.

Have been contemplating seeing a vascular expert to get your varicose veins evaluated? Wait no more and visit Avis Vascular Centre, India’s only full-service medical institute for diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders.

Avis Vascular Centre has the state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and the latest medical equipment to offer the best-in-class non-surgical, minimally invasive, and painless laser treatment for venous diseases.

The team of doctors at Avis Vascular Centre is led by the highly qualified interventional radiologist, DR. Rajah V Koppala. He has over 25 years of experience and has treated 40000+ patients who have been completely cured and are highly satisfied with his treatment and care.

Avis Vascular Centre is on a mission to offer world-class treatment for venous diseases at the most affordable prices to patients from across the World. We are dedicated to serve one and all. We also offer free colour doppler scan to all deserving patients.

Avis Vascular Centre has a dedicated team to manage all reservations and appointments for non-local patients. We have also partnered with the leading insurance providers of India to offer seamless Mediclaim assistance to our patients.

Get the best available treatment for your varicose veins by Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre. Schedule your consultation visit today!

How does covid-19 impact the health of your legs?

The whole Covid-19 pandemic situation has changed the way we live. It has altered everything around us and we have no clue about how soon shall things begin to get back to normal.

Although a large number of studies have already pointed out the adverse effects on the mental well-being of Covid-19 patients, there are also other side-effects on the overall health of the patients and their family members.

Does being in quarantine affect my vascular health?

When you are in quarantine or isolation due to the coronavirus infection, you are bound to be in a restricted area and that leads to limited physical activity. In this situation, we tend to move a lot less than what we normally do on a daily basis.

The lack of physical activity hampers our blood flow. Due to inactivity for a long period of time, our muscles do not work properly as a result of which the deoxygenated blood from our legs and feet is not able to move back to the heart.

This undesired pooling of blood causes extreme swelling and pain in the legs. These are the early symptoms of varicose veins that you must keep an eye on and identify at an early stage.

Patients also complain of heaviness in the legs which usually gets better if they lie down and raise their legs above the level of their heart. Other common symptoms of varicose veins include a throbbing sensation in the legs, skin discoloration, and the appearance of difficult to heal open sores.

As a majority of people develop swelling in one leg at a time, it is relatively easy to identify varicose veins at the starting phase itself. Early diagnosis is important as varicose veins if ignored can get worse during the quarantine period.

Ignorance can lead to visibly enlarged varicose veins bulging out from the skin surface that are also hard to touch. Further delay to appropriate medical care can cause blood clots, chronic venous insufficiency, and even deep vein thrombosis.

When in quarantine, what can I do to prevent varicose veins?

If you are in quarantine and are fairly less active than before, it is important for you to do some basic stretching exercises at home to get the blood flowing. Even simple leg exercises like toe raises can make a huge difference and improve your blood circulation.

If you have a desk job or a sedentary lifestyle where you do not move around much, ensure to put alarms on your phone which can act as reminders for you to get up and move around for a while.

You must make conscious efforts to take the staircase multiple times a day and do household chores to make up for the loss of physical activity. It is a great idea to exercise your thigh muscles as well.

How to get treatment for varicose veins?

If you notice any early signs of venous disease, it is best to consult a vascular expert for guidance about diagnosis and treatment. These days, minimally invasive laser treatment options are available that ensure the painless removal of varicose veins in a single sitting.

Avis Vascular Centre specializes in the endovenous laser ablation treatment of varicose veins. We have an experienced team of interventional radiologists who have performed 13000+ procedures with a success rate of 95%.

We ensure a painless treatment that is performed as a daycare procedure without general anaesthesia. Patients can go back home on the same day and resume office from the next day itself. It is a safe procedure that does not have any major side-effects.

Your vascular health is important to your overall well-being. You must not neglect or delay treatment for varicose veins due to the coronavirus pandemic. Lack of treatment of venous disease can cause other health complications which can get difficult to treat and cure.

Get the best-in-class treatment for varicose veins at Avis Vascular Centre. We offer a single package treatment cost and free colour doppler scan for all deserving patients. Book your appointment for a consultation today!