Varicose veins are very common and occur in 20-25% of adult women and men. Varicose veins are formed when the valves that are supposed to prevent blood from stopping and flowing the wrong way in the blood vessels do not work properly. Blood that stops in the veins on the way back to the heart causes the pressure in the veins to increase, which causes the veins to bulge out and varicose veins to form.
Varicose veins, also known as varicose veins, are dilated and fragile veins, especially in the legs. These veins are usually bluish or purple in color and may be curved, raised or twisted. Varicose veins develop when the valves in the veins, which help blood flow back to the heart, become weakened or damaged. This can cause the blood to pool in the veins, leading to their characteristic swelling and dilation. Varicose veins are quite common and can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, itching or a burning sensation in the legs. In addition to aesthetic concerns, they can sometimes lead to more serious health problems such as blood clots or inflammation. Risk factors for developing varicose veins include genetics (if close family members have varicose veins, the risk is higher), age, pregnancy, standing or sitting for long periods, obesity and lack of physical activity.
The causes of varicose veins can vary, but they may be due to the weakening of the vein walls or valves, which causes blood to pool in the veins and cause them to dilate. This can also be linked to genetic predisposition, pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, obesity or high blood pressure.
Varicose veins can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as pain, swelling, itching and fatigue in the legs. Severe cases can also lead to skin changes, such as ulcers or inflammation. A doctor or specialist can diagnose varicose veins by examining the legs and performing an ultrasound to look more closely at the veins.
The treatment of varicose veins can vary depending on the severity and extent of the condition. Her are some common treatment options:
Lifestyle Changes: Making simple lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms of varicose veins. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly to strengthen leg muscles and improve circulation, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Compression Stockings: Compression stockings or compression pantyhose can help improve blood circulation in the legs by applying even pressure. This can reduce swelling and discomfort.
Leg Elevation: Elevating the legs above heart level when resting can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
Sclerotherapy: This is a common treatment where a special liquid or foam is injected into the veins to irritate the walls of the varicose veins. This causes the veins to collapse and gradually disappear.
Laser or Radiofrequency Therapy: These methods use heat energy from lasers or radio waves to close off the varicose veins.
Surgical Interventions: In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary. Procedures could include vein ligation (removal of varicose veins), removal of damaged veins, or laser treatment.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) or Radiofrequency Ablation: These are minimally invasive procedures where a thin catheter is inserted into the veins through a small incision, and either laser or radiofrequency energy is used to heat and close the varicose veins.
Remember to consult your doctor to get advice on which treatment is best for you, based on your condition and medical history.
At Dr.Dropin, hospital physician Dr. Mehdi Sahba, a Swedish specialist in vascular surgery with over 10 years of experience in laser treatment of varicose veins, works. He has treated several hundred patients with good results.
At our clinic, the initial consultation costs 1,395 NOK, and laser treatment of varicose veins costs 15,000 NOK for one leg and 25,000 NOK for both.
