Veins are a network of blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. And all the veins in the body have valves. These valves ensure that your blood continues to flow towards the heart, and not in the opposite direction.
However, in up to 30% of the Indian population, these valves get damaged, turning the healthy veins into varicose veins.
Because of varicose veins, over 40 crore Indians experience symptoms like leg irritation, swelling and ulcers!
The good news is, modern medicine provides a minimally invasive solution to varicose veins in the form of Endovenous Laser Therapy.
In this blog, we will explore the devastating effects of varicose veins and what makes EVLT one of the best varicose veins treatments available.
Signs of Varicose Veins and Why They Appear
Varicose veins develop in stages, but once this disease develops, it continues growing until it is treated. The symptoms are mild in the early stages, ranging from pain in the legs to itching or burning sensations and leg cramps at night.
These symptoms are so common in the Indian population – especially in Indian women – that they think these symptoms are normal!
Most Indians believe that bulging veins and burning sensations are “just what happens” if you’re on your feet for too long.
But when you feel any of the varicose veins symptoms, there are two things happening to your body in that moment:
1. There is a high amount of pressure inside your veins, and
2. The excess pressure is actively damaging your healthy veins.
If you keep ignoring these signs and don’t take the right steps to maintain your vascular health, more severe symptoms will develop, such as:
· Swelling
· Vein bursts
· Skin changes (darkening of the legs)
· Painful ulcers
· Infections
· Blood clots
The earlier you seek treatment for varicose veins, the better it will be for your long-term health. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, consult India’s best varicose veins specialist, Dr. Rajah Koppala, at Avis Hospitals.
With 40,000+ happy patients and a success rate exceeding 98%, Dr. Koppala is one of the top varicose veins specialists in the world.
Remember:
Vein damage is permanent. No doctor or treatment can reverse the damage done to broken and damaged vein valves and walls.
However, you can get relief from symptoms and protect your healthy veins with the advanced varicose vein procedures at Avis Vascular Centre.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
The commonest reason for varicose veins is genetics.
In fact, a research article published in the American Heart Association Journals in 2014 stated that patients have a 90% risk of developing varicose veins if the parents had it.
But genetics are not the only culprit. Hormonal changes (due to medications or otherwise), pregnancy, sedentary lifestyles, standing for long periods, obesity and old age also cause damaged veins.
When a healthy vein becomes a varicose vein because of any of these reasons, it begins a disastrous cycle for your circulatory system.
Since the damaged valves in the varicosed vein no longer prevent the blood from flowing downwards, the valves in the healthy veins must bear the additional pressure.
Eventually, the pressure builds up to a point where the healthy valves also become damaged and varicosed. This is why varicose veins is a progressive disease – it keeps getting worse after developing.
What is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
The Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is a one of the most popular minimally invasive varicose vein treatments. It is also called the Endovenous Laser Ablation for varicose veins.
The procedure does not involve any cutting or stitching and is usually performed by an interventional radiologist. The operation begins by administering local anaesthesia to the patient.
Then, the varicose vein doctor inserts a catheter, which is like a thin wire, in a spot that makes it easy to access the damaged veins. It may be inserted around the knee or thigh, depending on where the varicose veins are situated.
The entire procedure is done under ultrasound guidance, and the doctor guides the catheter into the targeted varicose veins. When the catheter is appropriately placed, the laser at the tip of the catheter is activated, and the catheter is slowly pulled out.
The laser heats up and seals the damaged vein shut without damaging the skin or muscles. This process causes little to no pain and takes no longer than an hour. The patient is monitored for a few hours after the treatment, and can return home later in the day.
Since the blood no longer flows from the faulty veins, the patient experiences relief from the symptoms!
What Makes EVLT the Best Varicose Veins Treatment?
There are many reasons why EVLT is considered an excellent treatment option for varicose veins.
Doctors all over the world adopted this treatment soon after it was made available. These days, traditional surgery for varicose veins is only required in rare cases where there is no other alternative.
The advantages of EVLT include:
· High success rates
· Short procedure (1 hour maximum)
· Same-day discharge
· No scarring
· Quick relief from symptoms
· Better results than open surgery
· Affordable operation
· Minimal pain and discomfort during recovery
· Low risk of complications
· Can return to regular routine from next day
· Suitable for patients with BP problems or diabetes
What Happens After the EVLT Procedure
When the procedure is over, you will be asked to walk for 30 minutes or more. You may see minor bruising on your legs after the treatment, but it will disappear in about two weeks.
Note that you will need to be driven home, and you cannot drive right after the treatment.
Patients are usually asked to wear compression stockings daily until the follow-up consultation. At Avis Hospitals, patients are asked to visit the doctor 10 days after the treatment.
Further use of compression stockings may be recommended depending on how well the patient is recovering. Our varicose veins experts also recommend limiting salt intake, exercising daily and reducing weight (if the patient is obese) after the procedure.
Conclusion: Take Your First Step Towards Varicose Veins Recovery
Varicose veins is a common and often overlooked health problem that can cause a patient a lot of pain and trouble.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of varicose veins and are considering treatment, make sure you consult a correctly qualified and highly-experienced doctor.
Avis Hospitals has a track record of over 40,000 happy patients and was named India’s best varicose veins hospital by Times Network at the India Health Awards 2024.
For complete relief from the most experienced specialists anywhere in India, book your appointment at Avis Hospitals today.