Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly appear on the legs. For some people, they are mainly a cosmetic concern. For others, they can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, or skin changes that interfere with daily activities.
Treatment depends on the symptoms, the veins involved, and whether there is abnormal backward blood flow, known as venous reflux. Endovenous laser treatment is one minimally invasive option used to close affected superficial veins.
At SGVP Holistic Hospital, we assess varicose veins through clinical examination and appropriate vascular imaging before recommending treatment. Our vascular and endovascular surgery services include minimally invasive treatment options for venous disorders based on individual clinical findings.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop when veins near the skin become enlarged and twisted. They are most common in the legs because leg veins work against gravity to return blood to the heart.
Small valves inside healthy veins help keep blood moving upward. When these valves weaken or fail to close properly, blood can flow backwards and collect within the vein. Over time, increased pressure can cause the vein to stretch and become visibly enlarged. Varicose veins are different from small spider veins, although both may occur together.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins mainly develop because the valves within superficial veins do not function effectively. This allows blood to pool and increases pressure within the vein.
Factors associated with a higher likelihood of developing varicose veins include:
- Family history of venous disease
- Increasing age
- Pregnancy
- Excess body weight
- Long periods of standing or sitting
- Reduced physical activity
- Previous problems affecting the leg veins
Are Varicose Veins Genetic?
Genetics can influence the risk of varicose veins. People with close family members who have the condition may be more susceptible, although family history does not mean that varicose veins will definitely develop.
Varicose Veins Symptoms and Stages
Visible blue or purple veins are the most recognisable sign, but varicose veins can produce other symptoms.
These may include:
- Aching, heaviness or tiredness in the legs
- Burning or throbbing discomfort
- Swelling around the ankles
- Itching around affected veins
- Muscle cramps
- Symptoms that worsen after prolonged standing
- Skin discolouration or other skin changes in more established venous disease
Early-stage varicose veins symptoms may be relatively mild. A person may notice heaviness, aching or small visible veins before larger bulging veins develop.
Doctors can use the CEAP classification to describe the clinical severity of chronic venous disease.
| CEAP Clinical Class | General Finding |
| C0 | No visible or palpable signs |
| C1 | Spider or reticular veins |
| C2 | Varicose veins |
| C3 | Leg swelling |
| C4 | Skin changes related to venous disease |
| C5 | Healed venous ulcer |
| C6 | Active venous ulcer |
The classification helps describe disease severity but does not determine treatment by itself. Symptoms, ultrasound findings, and individual health also matter.
When Should You Worry About Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are not automatically dangerous. However, persistent venous reflux can sometimes lead to complications and should be assessed when symptoms become troublesome.
Possible complications of varicose veins include persistent swelling, skin pigmentation, venous eczema, superficial thrombophlebitis, bleeding and venous ulcers.
Medical assessment is particularly important if you develop:
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Skin darkening or inflammation around the ankle
- A hard, tender or inflamed vein
- Bleeding from a varicose vein
- A wound around the ankle or lower leg that does not heal
- Sudden swelling or significant pain in one leg
Sudden leg swelling or pain requires prompt assessment because several conditions, including deep vein thrombosis, can cause similar symptoms.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose varicose veins through a physical examination and vascular assessment. A duplex ultrasound is commonly used when symptoms, venous reflux, or treatment planning need further evaluation.
Physical Examination
- Visual assessment: The doctor examines the legs for enlarged, twisted veins, swelling, skin discolouration, or other visible changes.
- Standing examination: The legs may be examined while standing because varicose veins become more prominent when they fill with blood.
- Palpation: The affected areas may be checked for tenderness, swelling, hardened veins, or skin changes.
- Medical history: The doctor asks about pain, heaviness, swelling, previous vein problems, family history, pregnancy, and daily activities that involve prolonged standing or sitting.
Diagnostic Tests
- Duplex Ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to assess blood flow, check how well the vein valves are functioning, detect venous reflux, and identify the veins involved.
- Additional imaging: CT or MR venography may be considered in selected or complex cases when deeper venous obstruction or other vascular problems need further assessment.
At SGVP Holistic Hospital, patients with persistent or symptomatic varicose veins can consult a vascular surgeon in Ahmedabad for clinical evaluation and appropriate vascular imaging.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins treatment depends on symptoms, ultrasound findings, the location of venous reflux, and the patient’s overall health. Not every visible vein requires a procedure.
Treatment options can include:
| Treatment | What It Involves |
| Lifestyle measures | Activity, weight management and measures to reduce symptoms |
| Endovenous laser ablation | Laser energy closes an abnormal superficial vein |
| Radiofrequency ablation | Heat generated using radiofrequency energy closes the vein |
| Foam sclerotherapy | A sclerosant is injected to close the affected vein |
| Surgery | Affected veins may be tied off or removed in selected patients |
Compression stockings may be recommended in particular situations, but they do not correct the underlying valve failure.
The appropriate approach is selected after vascular assessment rather than simply according to how prominent the veins appear.
Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
Endovascular laser treatment for varicose veins is more commonly called endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). It is a catheter-based procedure used to close an incompetent superficial vein from inside.
How Endovenous Laser Treatment Works
The affected vein is first identified using ultrasound. After preparing and anaesthetising the treatment area, the doctor introduces a fine catheter and laser fibre into the vein through a small puncture.
The laser fibre is positioned under ultrasound guidance. Local or tumescent anaesthesia is placed around the vein, and controlled laser energy is delivered as the fibre is withdrawn.
The heat causes the treated vein to close. Blood is then redirected through healthier veins, while the closed vein gradually undergoes natural changes within the body.
At SGVP Holistic Hospital, patients being considered for endo-vascular surgery in Ahmedabad are evaluated to determine whether endovenous treatment is suitable based on their venous anatomy and pattern of reflux.
Endovenous Laser Treatment vs Varicose Vein Surgery
Both endovenous treatment and surgery can be used to treat varicose veins, but they use different approaches.
| Endovenous Laser Treatment | Conventional Surgery |
| Uses a catheter and laser fibre | May involve ligating or removing affected veins |
| Requires small puncture sites | Surgical incisions may be required |
| Commonly performed using local/tumescent anaesthesia | Anaesthesia depends on the operation |
| Patients may resume normal activity relatively quickly | Recovery depends on the extent of surgery |
| Suitable only for appropriate venous anatomy | May be appropriate when other treatments are unsuitable |
Endovenous laser treatment is not automatically the right option for every patient. Ultrasound findings and clinical assessment determine suitability.
Recovery and Possible Risks
Walking is generally encouraged soon after treatment, although the treating team will provide individual instructions. Mild bruising, tenderness or a feeling of tightness along the treated vein can occur during recovery.
Recognised complications can include inflammation, temporary sensory changes, infection and, less commonly, blood clots. Patients should follow their prescribed aftercare and attend follow-up assessment when advised.
How Much Does Varicose Veins Laser Treatment Cost?
Varicose veins laser treatment cost varies because treatment requirements are not identical for every patient.
The final cost may depend on:
- Whether one or both legs require treatment
- Number and extent of affected veins
- Ultrasound and other investigations
- Procedure selected
- Need for additional vein treatment
- Anaesthesia and hospital requirements
A vascular assessment is therefore necessary before an individual treatment plan and corresponding cost can be determined.
Self-Care, Exercise and Prevention for Varicose Veins
Regular walking and low-impact leg exercises can support circulation and help reduce symptoms such as heaviness, aching and swelling.
Helpful Exercises
- Walking: Activates the calf muscles, which help push blood from the legs back towards the heart.
- Calf Raises: Strengthen the calf muscles and support the natural pumping action of the lower legs.
- Leg Raises: Gentle leg-raising exercises may support circulation and reduce discomfort in some people.
- Swimming: Provides low-impact exercise while reducing weight-bearing pressure on the legs.
Self-Care and Prevention Tips
- Leg Elevation: Raising the legs when resting may help reduce swelling and venous pooling.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Take regular movement breaks if work requires staying in one position for long periods.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess pressure on the leg veins may help lower symptoms and venous strain.
- Compression Stockings: These may help control swelling and discomfort when recommended by a doctor, but they do not repair damaged vein valves.
Varicose Veins Treatment at SGVP Holistic Hospital, Ahmedabad
At SGVP Holistic Hospital, our Department of Endovascular Surgery manages arterial and venous conditions, including varicose veins.
Our approach begins with clinical assessment and appropriate vascular imaging to understand the underlying problem before treatment is selected. Our department provides minimally invasive endovascular procedures alongside vascular surgical care, allowing treatment to be planned according to the patient’s symptoms, venous anatomy, and clinical requirements.
Dr. Vishal Sheth, Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon at SGVP Holistic Hospital, treats vascular conditions including varicose veins. He works with patients to assess the underlying venous problem and determine an appropriate treatment approach based on clinical and imaging findings.
Our vascular and endovascular surgery team includes specialists experienced in the assessment and management of vascular disorders. Follow-up recommendations are provided according to the procedure and individual recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Affected veins can be successfully closed or removed using treatments such as endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy or surgery when appropriate. However, treatment does not prevent every future varicose vein, as venous disease can develop in other veins over time.
Established varicose veins generally do not disappear on their own because the underlying valve dysfunction remains. Lifestyle measures may reduce aching, swelling or heaviness, but persistent symptomatic veins may require medical assessment and targeted treatment.
Regular walking, weight management, avoiding prolonged immobility and elevating the legs may help relieve symptoms. These measures do not repair damaged venous valves, so pain, swelling, skin changes or worsening veins should be medically assessed.
Varicose vein pain may feel like aching, heaviness, burning, throbbing or tiredness in the legs. Discomfort may become more noticeable after standing for long periods and can sometimes occur with swelling, itching or muscle cramps.
Endovenous laser treatment is generally performed with local or tumescent anaesthesia to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience temporary tenderness, bruising or tightness afterwards. The amount of discomfort varies between individuals and with treatment extent.
The treated vein is intended to remain closed after successful endovenous laser ablation. However, venous disease can progress and new varicose veins may appear elsewhere over time, so recurrence does not necessarily mean the treated vein has reopened.
