Varicose Veins… More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern
Many people think that varicose veins are simply enlarged veins visible beneath the skin and choose to live with them because they seem like a minor issue
In reality, varicose veins are a venous disease that may cause symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness, swelling, itching, muscle cramps, and skin discoloration. In some cases, if left untreated, they may lead to complications such as vein inflammation, bleeding from varicose veins, or chronic ulcers around the ankle.
#The Root Cause of Varicose Veins
Our leg veins contain small one-way valves that function like water gates. Their job is to allow blood to flow upward toward the heart while preventing it from flowing backward down the leg.
As we age, or due to genetic and other factors, these valves may become weakened or stop working properly. When this happens, the “gate” no longer closes completely, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the leg.
This backward flow, known as venous reflux, increases pressure within the veins. As a result, patients may develop symptoms such as leg heaviness, aching, swelling, fatigue, and visible varicose veins.
Over time, the persistent pooling of blood can interfere with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and surrounding tissues. This may lead to skin discoloration, itching, inflammation, hardening of the skin, and in severe cases, chronic leg ulcers.
Therefore, varicose veins are not simply a cosmetic problem involving the veins visible on the skin surface. The underlying issue is often a malfunctioning valve within the deeper vein system. Effective treatment aims to correct this underlying source of reflux, restoring normal blood flow and reducing venous pressure in the leg.
Importantly, the veins visible on the skin may only be the “surface manifestation” of the problem. The underlying cause is often malfunctioning venous valves within the major veins of the leg, which cannot be accurately assessed by visual inspection alone.
A Duplex Ultrasound examination allows physicians to evaluate the underlying cause in detail and develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient, regardless of the severity of the condition.
# A Common Treatment Choice:
Injecting Spider Veins to Make Them Less Visible
Case study
The injected solution causes irritation within the treated vein, leading to a controlled inflammatory response that encourages the vein to close and be naturally absorbed by the body.
However, this approach may not address the underlying cause when reflux is present in the major saphenous veins. Persistent venous reflux can continue to increase pressure within the venous system and contribute to the recurrence of visible veins on the skin.
Therefore, treating spider veins or visible varicose veins without first evaluating the major veins may be insufficient in patients with underlying venous reflux.
Within one to two years, spider veins or varicose veins may reappear and, in some cases, may become more pronounced.
When the underlying venous reflux is identified and treated first, such as with endovenous laser treatment, outcomes may be improved and the likelihood of recurrence may be reduced in selected patients.
#The Progression of Varicose Vein Disease
If varicose veins are left untreated, symptoms and disease severity may gradually progress over time.
# Get a Free Preliminary Consultation
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You may send:
1.1. A standing photograph of both legs (standing position only, as it best demonstrates varicose veins)
2. Clear photographs of the affected veins or any associated skin ulcers
3. Your contact telephone number
Our physician and team will contact you without charge.
#Treatment Costs
Because every patient presents with different symptoms, levels of severity, and treatment requirements, it is not possible to provide an accurate treatment cost without an individual assessment.
A private consultation allows us to recommend the most appropriate treatment options and provide a more accurate estimate of treatment costs.
#Specialist Experience at Leg Vein Clinic Thailand
#Personalized Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Every patient is unique. We provide individualized assessment and treatment recommendations based on each patient’s specific condition at Leg Vein Clinic Thailand
Operated by Kittipan–Amaraporn Medical Clinic
Disclaimer
Treatment outcomes may vary among individuals. The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your physician.