Getting Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins? Read This First!

If you have varicose veins and have decided to get them removed through the painless and minimally invasive endovenous laser ablation treatment procedure, it is best to know the preparations that you must do before undergoing the procedure and the steps that you must follow after the treatment process as well.

In this blog, we will recommend the best practices that will help you get optimal results from the varicose vein painless laser treatment and also share post-treatment protocols that will not only assist in faster recovery but also ensure the least chances of varicose vein recurrence. Stay with us till the end.

Preparations before the Treatment

During the physical examination in your consultation visit, if the vein specialist suspects that you have varicose veins, he/she will recommend a few examination checks to confirm the presence of varicose veins and check for their exact count and precise location.

The doctor will also ask for your medical history and check if you consume any blood thinners which will probably have to be stopped a few days before the laser treatment of varicose veins.

Before the endovenous laser treatment process, you must be hydrated so it is a good idea to drink plenty of fluids especially water. It is advised that you wear loose-fitting clothes to the hospital on the day of the procedure and carry your compression stockings along.

After the preliminary examination, the vein specialist will use injection for local anaesthesia in the affected area. You will remain awake during the procedure but not feel any pain or discomfort in the area that is being treated. As it might be a little tough for you to drive back home, it is advised to bring a companion (friend or relative) along.

Post-Treatment Care Instructions

Your vein specialist will explain all after-treatment guidelines to you in detail. Below is a summary of the post-laser surgery precautions:

  1. Monitor the incision – A few of you may experience minor bleeding and bruising from the incision. If you notice blood stains on the bandages, raise your legs and apply pressure on the incision. If this does not stop the excessive bleeding, contact your doctor.

    If you also witness minor swelling, apply ice on the incision for 15 minutes. A painkiller may be taken to reduce the discomfort. You may wash the incision with soap and water. Never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to clean the wound.

  2. Avoid strenuous activities – Do not lift heavy weights or perform any strenuous exercise for at least two weeks from the date of the laser treatment. You may go out for a brisk walk, 20 minute every day is good to ensure proper blood flow and fast-track the healing process.
  3. Take showers – Instead of soaking your legs in hot water, take showers in the first week after the treatment procedure. The water that you bathe with must only be warm and not hot.
  4. Do not sit or stand for long durations – Although you can do your everyday chores, join office, and get back to work soon after your laser surgery, you must avoid sitting or standing for long durations at a stretch. Moving around at frequent intervals aids in improving blood flow.
  5. Wear compression stockings – Compression stockings are support stockings that put additional pressure on the leg veins and thus promote blood flow back to the heart. You must wear compression stockings continuously for at least three days after the laser treatment or as recommended by your vein expert.
  6. Do not miss follow-up appointments – You must never miss your follow-up appointments with your vein specialist. He/She may call you over for ultrasounds checks to monitor the healing progress and to review your medications in a few days after the procedure, ensure to get your check-ups done in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Laser treatment is a quick procedure that is 100% safe and offers a faster recovery rate. To be able to achieve excellent results, always follow the above tips and tricks. Do not forget to speak to your vein specialist for any other precautions that you must take before and after the laser surgery of varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is the best interventional radiologist in Hyderabad, India and is renowned for his whopping high success rate of endovenous laser ablation procedures on varicose veins patients. In his more than two decades of medical practice as a vascular surgeon, he has completed over 12000 laser procedures. His patients are happy with his professionalism and totally satisfied with his unmatched medical assistance.

At Avis Vascular Centre, Dr. Rajah V Koppala and his team of vein specialists employ only the USFDA approved treatment procedures of laser treatment and follow all protocols of the American College of Phlebology. Dr. Rajah V Koppala and his team prioritize patient health and focus primarily on their satisfaction. They ensure the highest levels of comfort for patients of all age groups and have made special provisions for non-local patients with round-the-clock assistance for Mediclaim approvals from all leading national insurance agencies.

If you are worried about those swollen and enlarged veins that are visible to be bulging out from the skin surface and experience immense pain and discomfort from them, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre. We begin with a physical examination along with ultrasound scans to know if you will benefit from the laser treatment. For a thorough analysis and best-in-class laser treatment, book your consultation 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!

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!

Can varicose veins be treated painlessly or without Anaesthesia?

The very thought of undergoing the knife often sends chills down the spine for most people. Surgery is definitely scary but what is worse is the pain that remains for days after the surgical procedure has been successfully concluded. A majority of the patients are also fearful that although the surgery may cure their varicose veins, they may still continue to suffer from surgical discomfort.

In the 21st century, owing to the technological advancements of the medical field, painful surgeries are now a thing of the past! Laser treatment is a great alternative to the surgical cure for varicose veins. It is both non-invasive and painless. Before we share more details about the laser process, let us first understand what are varicose veins and why is it necessary for you to get them treated?

What are varicose veins?

As you know, the human body has multiple blood vessels. The arteries carry blood from the heart to all body parts, and the veins send the de-oxygenated blood from all body parts back to the heart. Varicose veins are caused when the valves of these veins dysfunction and fail to send the blood back to the heart. Though varicose veins can occur in any body part, they are most commonly found in the legs and feet.

Due to this condition, the blood pools in these varicose veins and the patients tend to have enlarged or swollen veins that are dark purple in colour and clearly visible right under the skin. Patients have a heavy feeling in the legs and may also have constant itching or a burning sensation accompanied by severe pain.

What are the treatment options for Varicose Veins?

Traditionally, varicose veins were treated by surgical procedures like sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, etc. Though these surgical methods were, and are successful even today, they lead to huge cuts on the skin, are very painful, and often force the patients to a few weeks of bed rest.

The new treatment options that employ the laser technique are minimally invasive, do not require bug cuts to be made and are almost painless! In most cases, the patients can go back to their home on the same day. Named as “Endovenous Laser Treatment”, this treatment has a whopping success rate of 98%.

Before the Endovenous Laser Treatment, the doctor asks the patient to get done a Duplex Ultrasound Scan as that helps the doctor to clearly mark out all weak veins that must be treated. Using the scan, the doctor also finds the best place to insert the catheter.

The area to be treated is numbed by local anaesthesia and a small cut is made to insert the catheter with the guide-wire. A laser fibre is then passed through the catheter which seals all affected veins. This entire procedure takes at most an hour.

How is Endovenous Laser Treatment better than the surgical treatments?

  1. The cut made for the laser process is very minute and hardly visible as compared to the big cut required for surgical procedures like vein stripping. The big cut made for surgical treatment, also often leaves a mark on the patient’s skin.

  2. The laser treatment is minimally invasive and negligibly painful as opposed to the surgical processes like sclerotherapy.

  3. The patient can walk and go home on the same day as the laser treatment but may be unable to walk and remain under medical care for a few weeks after the surgical procedure for varicose veins.

  4. The endovenous laser treatment is safer than surgical operations as it requires only local anaesthesia in which only the area to be treated is numbed and the patient is awake during the whole process. For surgical treatment, general anaesthesia is given to the patient who then remains unconscious during the entire duration of the surgery.

Post Laser Treatment Care

After the laser treatment, the patient is advised to intake some medicines to reduce pain and prevent infections. The patient must not skip any medicines and complete the course as prescribed by the doctor. The treated area may be tied with a bandage that the patients can remove it on their own in a day or so.

A few patients may also be advised to wear the compression stockings for a short period of time. These stockings are for use during the day only and must be removed at the night. While lying down on the bed or while sleeping, the patient must keep two pillows under the operated leg and feet.

The patient can resume daily activities in 2-3 days of the treatment and get back to work in a week or so. The patients must avoid long flights for at least 6 weeks and also prevent sitting or standing for long durations at a stretch.

Can Avis Hospitals help you with Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a trained vascular surgeon and has years of experience in treating varicose vein patients. For him, the patients’ satisfaction and comfort are of utmost importance. Dr. Rajah always ensures that the patients are well informed of the procedure and that they have to go through minimal pain during the laser treatment process.

Avis Hospitals has the most advanced medical equipment and a professional team of support staff that assists Dr. Rajah at each stage. Schedule your appointment for varicose veins check-up at Avis Hospitals today!

4 Dangers Associated With Varicose Veins

Most of us wrongly believe varicose veins to just be a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins, however, refer to a medical condition where malfunctioning valves of certain veins restrict the blood flow back to the heart and result in the undesired pooling of blood.

Characterized by swelling in the damaged area, pain, itching, and a feeling of heaviness, varicose veins do not only affect the elderly but are becoming increasingly popular in young adults as well.

Visible as swollen and enlarged bluish-purple veins, varicose veins can most often be seen as bulging out from the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are known to lead to other medical complications in cases where the treatment is delayed. Let us learn more about the dangers of varicose veins:

  1. Blood Clots – These are fairly common for all varicose veins patients. Although blood clots in the superficial veins do not pose a serious threat to life, blood clots in the deep veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT) can travel to other parts of the body such as the heart, brain, and even to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism which is a fatal medical condition.

    Blood clots can also lead to the health disorder called thrombophlebitis where the blood clots block one or more veins, usually in the legs. The affected area feels warm. The veins are painful and turn red in colour.

  2. Leg Ulcers – Varicose veins cause excessive swelling and hyperpigmentation where the skin around the affected area turns darker than the surrounding area. At this time, you will begin to notice open sores on the skin surface of the legs and these are commonly known as ulcers.

    The ulcers usually develop on the inner leg slightly above the ankle and are termed as the last stage of the venous disorder. Lack in treatment can cause chronic ulceration when while you try to heal one ulcer, another ulcer forms up at a different location on your legs.

  3. Bleeding – As varicose veins are usually the superficial veins, they are situated right under the surface of the skin. Even a small cut on the skin or a minor injury can cause excessive bleeding. Also, because the varicose veins result in the pooling of blood in the affected area, it can become very difficult to stop bleeding and there are high chances of it resulting in heavy blood loss!
  4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) – When blood remains pooled in the varicose veins and the surrounding tissues, the blood pressure in the affected area rises and stays elevated for longer periods. This leads to the medical conditioned known as CVI.

    Chronic venous insufficiency is common for people who have blood clots in the deep veins and suffer from DVT. The skin around the affected area becomes to look leathery. It looks flaky and there is a lot of itching. CVI can further lead to venous eczema and venous stasis ulcers.

Home Remedies

Varicose veins have been classified as a lifestyle disorder. There are certain precautionary steps that you can take to improve your lifestyle and thus decrease the chances of occurrence of varicose veins and also reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a nutritious diet that is low in fats and sugars
  • Make an exercise routine
  • Remain active throughout the day
  • Avoid sitting or standing for too long at a stretch
  • Use pillows to elevate your legs above the level of your heart while lying down on a bed
  • Wear compression stockings to improve the blood flow in your legs and prevent pooling of blood
  • Keep exercising your legs and ankles during long flights or car journeys

Treatment

Opposed to ancient times, today the varicose veins can be easily and efficiently treated by the painless and minimally invasive laser treatment process. In the endovenous laser ablation technique, the doctor makes a small incision in your skin and inserts a laser fiber along with a catheter to the damaged area.

The affected veins are then closed off and the body automatically re-routes the blood to the other neighbouring healthy veins. This procedure is performed with local anaesthesia and monitored with the help of a duplex ultrasound scan. It is a 100% safe procedure and does not lead to any major side-effects.

The endovenous laser treatment is a comparatively cost-effective and fairly quick procedure as compared to the surgical procedures and radio-frequency ablation techniques. Performed commonly as an outpatient procedure at the doctor’s clinic, it allows the patient to go back home on the same day and resume everyday work routine from the next day itself. The laser treatment for varicose veins is popular for being the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment.

Conclusion

At Avis Vascular Centre, our all treatment procedures are USFDA approved. We strictly adhere to the protocols of the American College of Phlebology and ensure that all patients have a convenient and satisfactory medical experience.

We offer 100% price assurance at the time of admission along with free duplex scan facility to all deserving patients with 100% assistance for Mediclaim approvals from all leading national insurance providers.

We treat over 40000+ patients every year and have a cent percent success rate. We ensure that the chances of recurrence of varicose veins are reduced to a negligible minimum. We have an array of satisfied patients who speak highly of our professionalism and medical care.

Our doctor panel is headed by the extremely qualified and supremely talented Dr. Rajah V Koppala who has 24+ years of experience as an interventional radiologist. Having successfully cured patients with the worst cases of varicose veins, he is the best medical care practitioner for varicose veins not just in Hyderabad but in Telangana as well as all of India.

We are eager to make India, a nation free of venous disorders. If you want to know more about our treatment services or are eager to get your medical check-up for varicose veins done from Dr. Rajah V Koppala, schedule a consultation at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Six Things to Know About Varicose Veins

Six Things to Know About Varicose Veins

In India, as many as 20% of the adults suffer from varicose veins. Although more prevalent in adults, especially women who are over 50 years of age, numerous cases of varicose veins have already been reported in youngsters as well.

For a few patients, varicose veins may just only be an ugly sight, but for most others, these turn out to be truly painful and extremely discomforting. Let us learn more about varicose veins below:

  1. All leg veins are not the same

    Veins are vascular structures that are responsible for carrying the used and deoxygenated blood from all different body parts back to the heart. When valves of certain veins deteriorate and do not promote, rather hinder, the blood flow back to the heart, it causes pooling of blood and results in varicose veins.

    Veins lose their elasticity and become dilated thus leading to swollen and painful veins that are often seen bulging out from the skin surface of the legs. These are clearly visible to the naked eye and are accompanied by irritation and itching in the damaged area.

    Varicose veins are largely different from spider veins. Spider veins are smaller and tubular blood vessels that are usually seen in treelike or spiderweb like form on the legs. Spider veins do not have severe symptoms and do not usually lead to any medical complications.

  2. Some symptoms should not be ignored

    If your varicose veins are not causing any discomfort or pain, you may not necessarily get them treated immediately, but there are a few symptoms which must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible. Please make a note of them below:

    1. Itchy and dry skin around the affected area
    2. Redness on the damaged skin surface
    3. Hyperpigmentation on the lower leg and/or ankle
    4. Thickening and/or hardening of the skin of the affected area
    5. Skin ulcer that is an open sore and is not caused by an injury. It may or may not have pus fluid drainage.

All these are severe symptoms of varicose veins and you must seek medical care and treatment in a priority. In a few cases, varicose veins also develop due to Deep Vein Thrombosis (clots in the deep rooted veins) that may not have any symptoms for some people or may occur with severe leg pain and swelling in some other cases.

Another prominent symptom in cases of DVT is the pain in the calf of one leg that is usually accompanied by cramps and soreness. Your legs may also feel warm when you touch them. If you notice one or more of the above mentioned symptoms, you must not delay visiting a vascular expert.

  1. You will need an ultrasound

    If you have any early symptoms of varicose veins or doubt that you might be suffering from a venous disorder, you must visit a vascular expert and get an ultrasound done. The Doppler ultrasound scan will help the medical practitioner analyse and evaluate your condition and its severity.

    With the help of the doppler ultrasound scan, the vascular expert will be able to measure the amount of blood flow in your leg veins. These help the doctor to examine any abnormalities that may require treatment.


After the ultrasound scan reports, the vascular expert will suggest the best treatment option to cure the underlying medical condition.
The doctor will advise whether the affected veins can be treated by the latest laser ablation procedure or will necessarily require surgery.

  1. Painless treatment option is available

    About 15 years ago, the only way to treat varicose veins was a surgery where the patient was given general anaesthesia and operated in an operation theatre. The surgical procedures are quite painful and require massive post-operative care. The patient is usually advised complete bed rest after the surgery.

    With humungous advancements in medical technology, varicose veins can be effectively treated by the painless and minimally invasive laser technique. This process is quick and requires only local anaesthesia. Usually performed in the doctor’s office itself, there is minimal post-operative care and the patient can go back home on the very same day.

  2. Diet and exercise can help

    As we age, most of us will have ugly looking, prominently visible, abnormal, and enlarged veins on our legs and feet. Obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, and a job that requires you to sit or stand for longer durations at a stretch are the major risk factors of varicose veins.

    There is little that we can do to prevent venous disorders and diet and exercise play a major role in it. A nutritional diet and a moderate exercise routine may not be able to prevent varicose veins but can definitely assist in delaying its onset and reducing the probability of varicose veins turning into a critical condition.

  3. Varicose veins caused due to pregnancy may go away on their own

Some women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. The circulating blood volume increases in the woman’s body to take care of the foetus, hormonal changes also occur and cause dilation of the leg veins.

Women who suffer from varicose veins in their pregnancy term must wait for three to six months after delivery. If the varicose vein symptoms still persist, she must schedule an appointment with a vascular expert and seek expert medical assistance.

Varicose veins are not a very serious condition but can turn into a medical emergency if treatment is delayed. If you have visible but painless varicose veins in the lower leg region, immediate treatment may not be required but there are high chances of these varicose veins turning into highly painful and swollen veins in due course of time.

Thus, it is suggested to plan your medical check-up and treatment in a priority. Your search for a trusted and reliable vascular medical institution ends with Avis Hospitals. We have a team of internationally qualified and extensively trained interventional radiologists who specialize in the USFDA approved laser treatment of varicose veins.

The protocols that we follow are approved by the American College of Phlebology. We treat over 4500 patients every year and already have over 12,000 happy and satisfied patients with a whopping success rate of 95%

We also offer complete assistance to outstation patients with 100% price assurance at the time of admission itself. We have tie-ups with all leading insurance agencies of India and assist in quick Mediclaim clearance for one and all.

For the most trusted, reliable and efficient treatment of your varicose veins, schedule an appointment with us 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!

Could You Spot Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

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

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

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

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

What is Chronic Venous insufficiency?

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

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

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

What are the Root Causes of Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

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

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

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

What are the Main Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

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

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

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

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

Can Avis Hospitals treat your Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

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

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

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

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

Keep Your Veins Safe from Deep Vein Thrombosis While Travel

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

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

Introduction – What is DVT?

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

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

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

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

How to Prevent DVT?

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

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

Conclusion

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

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