SPIDER VEINS

These are small dilated blood vessels in the leg, and can also occur on the chest, face and back. Contrary to popular belief, they can cause symptoms similar to larger varicose veins like pain and burning, heaviness and fatigue. They are mainly cosmetic, otherwise and do not lead to serious medical problems. They may be due to growth of pre-existing veins or new veins and are more common in pregnancy specially in women. In rare cases, they may be due to deep vein blockages and these need to be investigated and treated.

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VARICOSE VEINS

These are defined as a dilatation of superficial veins due to high pressure in the vein. It is often genetic and can happen in families usually among women. It affects as many as 10% of the population. Due to high pressure usually the valve between the superficial and the deep vein stops functioning and the blood stagnates in the superficial Veins instead of going back to the heart. They cause unslightly bulges in the legs, and present with swelling of the leg, pain eczema, heaviness and fatigue. These veins do not perform any effective function, and their removal or closure only helps the blood to flow through the normal deeper veins and the symptoms disappear.

These varicose veins should be treated before they produce complications which are often irreversible. The complications of varicose veins are

1. Eczema - The skin over the foot ankle and lower legs gets dark pigmentation with thickening of the skin, itching and oozing. This can be cosmetically unsightly and scratching can lead to bleeding and ulcer formation.
2. Bleeding - The walls of the varicose veins are very thin and the pressure in the vein is very high due to stagnation. Thus minimal injury like scratching or direct trauma can cause the veins to rupture, and, due to high pressure can lead to torrential bleeding. Direct pressure can control the bleeding but at times surgical Intervention is required to stop the blood flow. Thus varicose veins must be treated before these serious complications take place.
3. Varicose ulcers - often with long standing varicose veins the skin over the foot Or ankle can break down leading to ulcers which can increase in size and take a long time to heal. If the patient is diabetic this can further lead to infection, bleeding and even gangrene of the foot.

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DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

These are two systems of veins in the leg superficial and deep. In this condition a blood clot develops in the deep veins of the legs which causes pain heaviness and swelling of the leg and the bits of clots can Break off and travel in the blood to the lungs leading to a life threatening condition and pulmonary embolism.

Causes of DVT

1. Common in old people
2. Obesity
3. Old history of DVT
4. Prolonged bed rest
5. After accidents
6. Post surgical
7. Long distance air and road travel (Economy class syndrome)
8. Pregnancy and labour
9. Contraceptive pills
10. Replacement therapy in post menopausal women

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