What are varicose veins?
Veins carry blood back to the heart, helped by one-way valves. When the valves weaken, blood pools and the veins stretch, becoming visible, bulging and twisted — most often in the calves and behind the knee.
Who gets them?
They are more common with age, in women, after pregnancies, with a family history, with excess weight and in jobs with long hours of standing.
Symptoms
Aching or heaviness by evening, swelling around the ankles, itching, night cramps, and over time darkening of the skin near the ankle and ulcers that are slow to heal.
The Doppler scan
Before treatment, a Doppler ultrasound shows which veins have faulty valves. It is painless and is what decides which veins are treated.
How laser treatment works
Under local anaesthesia, a thin laser fibre is passed into the faulty vein through a needle, guided by ultrasound. The laser seals the vein, and blood re-routes through healthy veins. Most patients walk the same day and wear compression stockings for a period afterwards.
When to seek urgent care
A leg that suddenly becomes painful, red, hot or swollen, or a varicose vein that bleeds heavily, needs prompt medical attention.
This guide is general information. It cannot replace an examination. If you have symptoms, please see a doctor. Medical disclaimer.
Treatment for this at Disha Hospital: Laser Varicose Veins department.