Varicose veins are swollen veins that lie just under the skin. They are enlarged, twisted veins in the legs that can be seen under the skin. These veins are caused by a buildup of blood owing to malfunctioning valves in the veins. This typically prevents the blood from flowing backward. Standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body. Varicose veins can cause aching and discomfort and they lead to serious health problems.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Following are the symptoms of varicose veins-
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Veins that are dark purple, blue or of the same colour as the skin.
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Veins that look bulgy and twisted and they look like cords on the legs.
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One might get an achy or heavy feeling in the legs.
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Muscle cramping, throbbing and burning in the lower legs.
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Changes in the skin colour around veins.
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Itching around one or more of the veins.
What are the causes of varicose veins?
Damaged or weak valves can potentially lead to varicose veins. The arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The veins return blood from the rest of the body to the heart. For returning blood to the heart, the veins in the legs must work against gravity.
The muscles in the lower legs tighten to act as pumps. The walls of the vein help blood return to the heart. Tiny valves in the veins tend to open as blood flows toward the heart. After the blood flows toward the heart, then it closes to stop blood flow from flowing backward. If the valves are damaged, the blood can also flow backward and pool in the veins. This causes the veins to twist or stretch.
What are the complications associated with varicose veins?
Some of the complications associated with varicose veins are as follows-
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Ulcers
Painful ulcers tend to form on the skin near the ankles and hence it is important to see a healthcare professional.
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Blood clots
Veins that are deep within the legs get larger. They also cause leg pain and swelling.
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Bleeding
It happens rarely but veins close to the skin burst. This causes minor bleeding.
Varicose veins treatment in India.
Following are the factors one must take into consideration for treating varicose veins-
| Treatment | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle Changes | Weight loss, leg elevation, walking, avoiding prolonged standing | Early-stage varicose veins |
| Compression Stockings | Applies gradient pressure to legs, improves blood flow | Managing symptoms daily |
| Ayurvedic Medicines | Kaishore Guggulu, Triphala, Sahacharadi Thailam, Gotu Kola | Chronic venous issues, holistic care |
| Open Surgery | Tying off veins and removing them via incisions | Severe or large bulging veins |
| Ligation & Stripping | Vein is tied and stripped using a wire via incision | Recurrent or painful varicose veins |
| Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) | Minimally invasive laser treatment; closes faulty veins | Modern, outpatient treatment |
1. Lifestyle modifications
One can undergo certain self-help measures to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. One can make certain modifications such as losing any excess weight and doing exercise consistently. One should also refrain from standing for prolonged periods of time. This causes pooling of blood in the veins. While sleeping one should keep the legs elevated by placing two pillows under the feet.
2. Compression stocking
This widely recommended and non-invasive treatment is used for managing varicose veins. Compression stockings are designed to apply graduated pressure to the legs. The highest pressure is applied to the ankle. The pressure then gradually decreases towards the thigh or knee. It helps a great deal in blood circulation and also alleviates discomfort associated with varicose veins. Regular use of the technique reduces swelling and fatigue in the legs and also provides a relief from discomfort.
Stockings are worn during the day and they are taken off before going to bed at night.
3. Medication
Ayurveda offers certain herbal remedies to manage varicose veins by improving blood circulation and strengthening blood vessels. Following are some important ayurvedic medicines for varicose veins-
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Kaishore Guggulu
The key herbs in the drug are Guduchi, Triphala and Guggul. The drug acts as a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory agent and also supports vascular health.
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Sahacharadi Thailam
The oil is used as an external application and it improves blood flow and reduces swelling. The key herbs in the drug are Bala, Devadaru and Sahachara.
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Punarnava Mandur
It comes in the form of a tablet and the key herbs in the drug are Mandur Bhasma, Trivrit, Triphala and Punarnava. The drug reduces swelling and also improves blood circulation.
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Gotu Kola
Also known as Centella Asiatica, the drug is available in the form of a tablet. It improves vein strength and elasticity and also boosts collagen production.
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Triphala
The drug acts as a mild laxative and it also prevents constipation.
4. Open surgery
If in the ultrasound scan, the vein junction where the varicose vein originates has been shown to be incompetent, then a surgical treatment is carried out when the varicose vein is tied off behind the knee. The surgical procedure involves making a small incision in the leg.
5. Litigation and stripping in varicose veins
This is a surgical procedure that is used to treat varicose veins. The procedure involves tying off the affected veins. The procedure prevents the backward blood flow that causes vein bulging.
After the litigation is done, the vein is stripped or physically removed through small incisions.
A flexible wire is inserted in the varicose vein and withdrawn, removing the vein in the process.
Procedure overview
Type- A minor surgery takes place.
Anesthesia- Local anesthesia is given.
Duration- The duration of the treatment is 30-90 minutes.
Recovery time- The recovery time of the treatment is 1-2 weeks.
Are there any risks and complications associated with the treatment?
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Bruising or scarring
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Nerve injury
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Deep veins
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Recurrence
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Bleeding at the incision site
6. Endovenous laser ablation
The varicose veins surgeries with ELVeS radial fibers are effective. Endovenous Laser Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used for treating varicose veins. It is considered one of the gold-standard treatments.
What is the procedure?
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Ultrasound mapping.
The affected vein is mapped using duplex ultrasound.
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Local anesthesia.
A local anesthesia is injected around the thumb for numbing the area and protecting the surrounding tissue.
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Laser fiber insertion.
A catheter is inserted in the vein via a needle in the lower leg.
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Laser activation.
The laser energy is delivered as the fiber is withdrawn. The vein wall is heated and collapsed.
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Compression banding.
After the completion of the procedure, the leg is fitted with a compression stocking.
These are some of the Varicose veins treatment in India.
SAQs on Varicose Veins
Q1. Can varicose veins be cured permanently?
Yes, through surgical options like EVLA or stripping. Ayurveda and lifestyle changes can manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
Q2. Are Ayurvedic treatments effective?
They help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and support vascular health—ideal in early stages or alongside modern treatments.
Q3. Do compression stockings really help?
Yes. They’re one of the most effective non-surgical methods for controlling pain, swelling, and fatigue.
Q4. Is laser surgery painful?
Endovenous laser treatment is minimally painful due to local anesthesia and has a faster recovery.
Q5. What worsens varicose veins?
Prolonged standing, obesity, lack of exercise, and constipation can all worsen vein health.