Varicose Veins 101: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Have you ever noticed inflamed, twisted veins on your legs and wonder why they are there? These are varicose veins, and although you might think they are just a cosmetic issue, they might be symptoms of more serious health ailments. We will make it easy: what causes them, what is the treatment, and what is the process of recovery?

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that are blueish or purplish in color. They usually occur in the lower limbs and legs as a result of the pressure built up in the lower body veins from walking and standing. Inside your veins are tiny valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. The blood collects in the veins and causes them to stretch and swell when the valves are weak or damaged. That is what causes varicose veins.

Risk Factors

Age: As we get older, vein valves may not function as well.

Genetics: Do you have varicose veins in your family? Then you're also prone to having them.

Gender: Women are more likely to get varicose veins due to hormones, pregnancy, and birth control.

Standing or Sitting for Extended Periods: If your job requires this, it can increase your risk of varicose veins.

Obesity and Inactivity: These factors put extra pressure on the veins.

Common Symptoms

Not all varicose veins are painful, but the symptoms may include:

* Aching or heavy legs

* Swelling in the lower legs

* Burning, throbbing, or cramping pain

* Itchy skin around the veins

* Discoloration of the skin

Treatment Options

Compression Stockings: They are tight-fitting stockings that gently compress your legs, making it simpler for veins and leg muscles to move blood more efficiently.

Sclerotherapy: This is mostly done in the physician's office and is a non-surgical treatment. A special solution is injected directly into the affected vein using a needle. The solution irritates the inside of the vein, and the vein shrinks and sticks together. The treated vein is absorbed and gradually disappears over time in the body. The treatment typically takes 30 minutes or less, and the majority of people can resume normal activities the same day. You might need to wear compression stockings for a short while afterward to help the healing process.

Laser Treatment: A doctor applies a unique laser emitting brief bursts of light onto the vein. The heat from the laser damages the vein wall, causing it to slowly close and disappear over time. The body naturally reroutes the blood through healthier veins, and the treated vein fades away. Laser treatment is especially suited to small spider or varicose veins close to the skin's surface. Treatment takes 15–30 minutes, and you can go home right after. More than one treatment might be needed to achieve the very best result, but it is painless, quick, and a safe way to make your legs look and feel better without the need for surgery.

CLaCS: This is the latest, high-tech, minimally invasive treatment available for small varicose and spider veins. It incorporates laser treatment, injection, and cold air simultaneously to make the treatment more painless and more effective. A special laser is positioned over the target vessel through the skin and weakens the vessel making it simpler to treat. While this is being done, cold air is blown over the skin to eliminate pain and protect the skin from the laser temperature. After the laser treatment, a thin coating of solution is injected into the weakened vessel to close it off. The result? Clearer, smoother skin with less pain, no surgery, and minimal downtime. Most people go back to their normal activities right away.

Why Via Premium Travel?

Planning medical treatment in another country can feel overwhelming but with Via Premium Travel, you have peace of mind, expert assistance, and a seamless experience from the very beginning until the very end. Every detail is handled by us - trips and appointments, accommodation and translation services and after-care. Logistics and language are the last thing you need to worry about. We offer treatment plans with world-class medical care, experienced vascular surgeons, and modern technology such as laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and even CLaCS, without the high prices you'd find in many other countries. Many of our doctors are internationally trained and speak English fluently. With us, you can get top-tier treatment at a fraction of the cost compared to Europe, the UK, or the US. We offer full packages that include consultation, treatment, post-care, and even accommodation or transfers.

We can get you moving fast with Via Premium - no waiting lists are required. We can get you consultation and treatment within days, not months.