Since varicose veins are a condition that the general public may feel is not very dangerous, people often neglect it and leave the condition untreated, causing the disease to progress and worsen quality of life. Besides symptoms of aching and swollen legs that make daily life difficult, it can also lead to chronic ulcers in the late stages of the disease. Both the wounds and the twisted varicose veins become harder to heal the longer they are left untreated. Therefore, early treatment is a better option to regain a better quality of life along with confidence in legs free from scars and bulging twisted veins.
How to diagnose and plan treatment when having varicose veins?
Normally, if symptoms are visible to the naked eye, such as visible veins on the legs along with aching or swelling, the doctor will diagnose using ultrasound to examine the area causing the twisted varicose veins. This helps to clearly identify the location, leading to a treatment plan. Treatment methods can vary, including lifestyle adjustments, injections, or surgery. The choice depends on the severity of the condition and the doctor’s discretion.
How to treat after diagnosis of varicose veins?
Regarding treatment for varicose veins, Dr. Pongtawan Kalyapruk, a general surgeon and vascular surgeon, explained the treatment process in an overview for easier understanding:
“Basically, the main method at the initial stage is to advise patients to take care of their daily life first. For those whose jobs require standing or walking for long periods, we recommend adjusting daily habits. If the patient is overweight or above the standard weight, we also advise weight loss.
The next step may involve using compression devices for the leg veins, called ‘varicose vein stockings.’ In cases where it is found that
varicose veins are severe, meaning in the late stage of the disease, and large varicose veins are detected, surgery is recommended using a special device with high-frequency radio wave catheters. This replaces traditional surgery, offering more efficiency and benefits to patients, such as smaller wounds, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Patients can usually go home the same day and return to normal life and work within two days.
Old Method VS New Method: Which surgery treats varicose veins better?
Currently, varicose vein surgery has advanced significantly with medical technology progress and increased specialized knowledge of doctors, making treatment more effective and reducing possible complications. In traditional surgery, doctors must cut and tie off the veins causing the problem, usually at the groin area, which is one of the most painful areas for patients. It also carries a high risk of wound infection due to the groin’s tendency to become moist. The surgery involves pulling the problematic vein from the groin down to below the knee, which is quite a long distance, inevitably causing tissue trauma in the thigh area. This results in more pain, longer recovery time, and slower healing compared to the new method used at Phyathai 3 Hospital. The new method uses a high-frequency radio wave device, inserting a needle into the lower leg area below the knee, similar to an IV needle. Then, under ultrasound guidance, the device is inserted to the vein’s origin and closes the problematic vein from the inside. Therefore, the wound is only a small puncture on the lower leg, resulting in a small wound, quick recovery, minimal pain, and a fast return to normal life and work. The large varicose veins gradually shrink, and the leg returns to a normal appearance.
Can varicose veins recur after surgery?
After varicose vein surgery, patients receive lifestyle advice to reduce the risk of recurrence, along with wearing special compression stockings designed for varicose vein treatment. Wearing these stockings prevents the branches of the main veins from enlarging. Varicose veins indicate overall deterioration of the venous system, so new varicose veins may develop in other veins over time. Therefore, patients should continue wearing varicose vein stockings after surgery. These stockings are tighter than regular socks and must be purchased at the hospital or specialized stores. It is important to ensure they are genuine varicose vein stockings because if not, the compression may not meet standards and will not be effective in treatment or prevention.
If not surgery, varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections
Since varicose veins vary in severity, in cases where the condition is mild, such as small spider veins resembling a web or small spider veins, surgery may not be necessary. Treatment can be done by injecting medication directly into the varicose veins to irritate the inner lining, causing the veins to fade. This injection treatment does not require hospitalization; after the injection, the area is wrapped with an elastic bandage to keep the medication in contact with the vein, and the patient can go home immediately. Within 2-3 days, the varicose veins gradually fade. However, the extent of improvement depends on the severity and stage of the disease.
If you know you have it, come quickly and get treated to heal your legs
Generally, if varicose veins are not visible, people may not realize they have the condition. Therefore, it is important to observe yourself carefully. If you experience aching legs, frequent leg swelling, cramps, frequent calf tightness, or fatigue after standing for a long time, you should see a doctor for diagnosis to confirm if it is varicose veins. Early diagnosis allows early treatment and faster recovery. If left untreated until the veins become visibly twisted and bulging, surgery will be required, and treatment becomes more difficult. If left even longer, the disease progresses, leading to chronic ulcers, darkened and hardened skin on the legs, making treatment even harder and increasing the risk of complications. The most severe and undesirable complication is a blood clot forming near the varicose veins that can extend into the deep veins, potentially traveling to the heart or lungs, causing life-threatening conditions. Although rare, no one wants this to happen.
“Observe varicose vein symptoms carefully. Don’t wait. Once you know, seek treatment immediately because the longer you wait, the harder it is to heal and the longer it takes. Don’t be complacent; small marks on your legs can ruin your life.”
Dr. Pongtawan Kalyapruk
General Surgeon and Vascular Surgeon
Advanced Surgery Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
