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What are varicose veins?
Leg veins carry blood back up to the heart against gravity. Tiny one-way valves inside them stop blood from falling back. When these valves weaken, blood pools in the veins, which stretch, bulge and twist. These are varicose veins, most often seen on the calf and inner thigh.
Because blood is not flowing up efficiently, pressure in the lower leg stays high, especially after long hours on your feet. Over years, this raised pressure can damage the skin around the ankle, which is why some people develop darkening, hardening and eventually ulcers. Treating the leaking veins lowers this pressure.
Smaller, thread-like red or blue veins are called spider veins. They are usually harmless but can be treated for cosmetic reasons.
Symptoms
- Visible, bulging, twisted veins, blue or purple
- Aching, heaviness or tiredness in the legs, worse by evening or after standing
- Swelling of the ankles and feet
- Night cramps, itching or burning over the veins
- Skin changes: darkening around the ankles, dry or eczema-like skin, hardening
- A sore that won't heal near the ankle (venous ulcer)
Causes and risk factors
- Long hours of standing: shopkeepers, security staff, teachers, cooks, traffic police, nurses
- Family history
- Pregnancy and female hormones
- Age and excess weight
- Previous deep vein thrombosis (clot) or leg injury
- Inactivity and long periods of sitting
When to see a doctor
See a surgeon if veins cause pain, swelling or skin changes, or if you want advice on treatment. Seek urgent care if:
- A leg becomes suddenly swollen, painful, warm or red (possible clot)
- A varicose vein bleeds: lie down, raise the leg and press firmly on the spot, then come in
- You have sudden breathlessness or chest pain (call emergency help)
- A sore develops near the ankle
How varicose veins are assessed at Samrijo
- Examination while standing, looking at the pattern of veins and the skin.
- Venous Doppler (duplex) ultrasound: the key test. It shows which valves are leaking and checks for clots in deep veins.
- Blood tests and, if needed, tests for clotting problems or diabetes.
Treatment options
Samrijo lists laser vein closure (EVLA) among its services.
What to expect with laser treatment
Before
Doppler mapping of the veins, blood tests and a discussion of options. Bring loose trousers and your stockings.
During
Local anaesthetic is injected along the vein; the laser fibre is placed under ultrasound. Usually about an hour per leg.
After
You walk immediately and usually go home the same day. Wear compression stockings as advised, walk daily, and avoid long sitting or heavy exercise for a short time.
Follow-up
An ultrasound check within a few weeks confirms the vein is closed. Bruising and a pulling sensation fade over weeks. Recovery varies.
Everyday leg care
- Move regularly: walk for a few minutes every hour if your job keeps you standing or sitting.
- Calf exercises: rise on your toes 20 times, several times a day. The calf muscle pumps blood upward.
- Raise your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes in the evening.
- Wear stockings correctly: put them on in the morning before swelling builds up.
- Moisturise dry skin around the ankles and protect it from scratches.
- Keep a healthy weight and avoid tight belts or clothing around the waist and thighs.
Myths and facts
- "Varicose veins are only a cosmetic problem." For some people, yes, but they can also cause pain, swelling, skin damage and ulcers.
- "Crossing your legs causes varicose veins." There is no good evidence for this. Long standing, genetics and pregnancy matter far more.
- "Removing a vein will harm blood flow." The faulty vein isn't working properly; blood reroutes through healthy deep veins after treatment.
- "Massage or oils will cure them." These may soothe the skin, but they cannot repair faulty valves.
- "Only older people get them." Varicose veins can start in the 20s and 30s, especially with a family history or standing jobs.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- What did my Doppler test show: which veins are leaking, and are the deep veins healthy?
- Am I suitable for laser treatment, or would another option work better?
- Will both legs need treatment, and in one sitting or two?
- How long should I wear stockings afterwards, and when can I return to standing work?
Why choose Samrijo Hospital
- Surgeon-led assessment by Dr. Arun Kumar Patel (MBBS, MS General Surgery).
- Minimally invasive options, with day-care treatment where suitable.
- Close to home for the many people in North Delhi whose jobs keep them on their feet.
Cost
Cost depends on one or both legs, the technique, number of veins, Doppler tests and stockings. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
वैरिकोज़ वेन्स (नसों के फूलने) का इलाज, बुराड़ी
पैरों की नसों में छोटे वाल्व होते हैं जो ख़ून को वापस नीचे गिरने से रोकते हैं। इनके कमज़ोर होने पर ख़ून जमा होकर नसें फूल जाती हैं और टेढ़ी-मेढ़ी, नीली दिखने लगती हैं। लंबे समय तक खड़े रहकर काम करना, परिवार में इतिहास, गर्भावस्था, उम्र और मोटापा इसके आम कारण हैं। पैरों में भारीपन, दर्द, सूजन, रात को ऐंठन, टखनों के पास त्वचा का काला पड़ना और न भरने वाला घाव इसके लक्षण हैं।
Samrijo Hospital, बुराड़ी में डॉपलर अल्ट्रासाउंड से ख़राब नसों की पहचान की जाती है। इलाज में कम्प्रेशन स्टॉकिंग, लेज़र (EVLA), स्क्लेरोथेरेपी या सर्जरी शामिल है। लेज़र आम तौर पर लोकल एनेस्थीसिया में होता है और मरीज़ उसी दिन चलकर घर जाता है। पैर में अचानक तेज़ सूजन और दर्द हो तो तुरंत दिखाएँ।
अपॉइंटमेंट के लिए कॉल करें: 93196 62944।
Frequently asked questions
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Many varicose veins are mainly a cosmetic concern or cause mild aching. In some people they lead to swelling, skin darkening, eczema, bleeding or leg ulcers. A sudden painful, swollen leg can signal a clot and needs urgent attention.
Can compression stockings cure varicose veins?
Stockings relieve aching and swelling and can slow skin changes, but they do not remove the faulty veins. They are often used alone for mild cases or while waiting for treatment.
What is laser treatment for varicose veins (EVLA)?
Endovenous laser ablation seals the main faulty vein from inside using a thin laser fibre passed through a needle puncture, guided by ultrasound. Blood then flows through healthy veins instead.
Will the veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins usually stay closed, but new varicose veins can develop over the years because the tendency remains. Staying active, keeping a healthy weight and using stockings when advised help.
Is EVLA done under general anaesthesia?
Usually not. It is typically done under local (tumescent) anaesthesia, sometimes with light sedation, and you walk out the same day.
What does varicose vein treatment cost?
It depends on one or both legs, the technique, number of veins treated and Doppler tests. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
वैरिकोज़ वेन्स क्या होती हैं?
पैरों की नसों के वाल्व कमज़ोर होने पर ख़ून नीचे जमा होने लगता है और नसें फूलकर टेढ़ी-मेढ़ी, नीली दिखने लगती हैं। इसमें पैरों में भारीपन, दर्द, सूजन और खुजली हो सकती है।
क्या वैरिकोज़ वेन्स का लेज़र इलाज होता है?
हाँ, EVLA (लेज़र) में अल्ट्रासाउंड की मदद से एक पतले फ़ाइबर से ख़राब नस को अंदर से बंद किया जाता है। आम तौर पर मरीज़ उसी दिन चलकर घर जा सकते हैं।
Related treatments
This page is for general health information only. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Every patient is different, so please consult a qualified doctor about your own condition and treatment. Medical disclaimer.