What are varicose veins and how are they treated?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins — most commonly in the legs — caused by weakened or damaged valves that allow blood to pool rather than flow efficiently toward the heart. Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and compression therapy to minimally invasive procedures and vascular surgery. Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune, located at Shivajinagar, provides specialist vascular surgical care for patients across Western Maharashtra.
Note: Varicose veins affect both men and women and can progress to serious complications if left untreated. Early assessment by a vascular specialist is advisable.
What causes varicose veins in the legs?
Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves inside leg veins weaken or fail. Instead of pushing blood upward toward the heart, these faulty valves allow blood to flow backward and pool, causing the vein walls to stretch and bulge. Several factors increase this risk:
- Prolonged standing or sitting — occupations requiring long hours on the feet or at a desk reduce venous circulation efficiency.
- Pregnancy — increased blood volume and uterine pressure on pelvic veins raise venous pressure in the legs.
- Family history — a genetic predisposition to weak vein valves is a recognised risk factor.
- Age — vein walls and valves lose elasticity over time, increasing susceptibility.
- Obesity — excess body weight places additional pressure on leg veins.
- Prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — damage from a previous clot can impair valve function.
- Hormonal changes — oestrogen can relax vein walls, which is why varicose veins are more prevalent in women.
What are the signs and symptoms of varicose veins?
Symptoms vary from purely cosmetic concerns to significant physical discomfort. Recognising them early helps prevent progression to more serious complications.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Visible bulging veins | Dark blue or purple, rope-like veins visible beneath the skin surface |
| Leg aching or heaviness | Dull ache or feeling of heaviness, worsening after prolonged standing |
| Swelling | Ankle and lower leg swelling, particularly toward the end of the day |
| Itching or burning | Skin irritation around the affected vein, sometimes with a burning sensation |
| Skin discolouration | Brownish pigmentation near the ankle in advanced cases |
| Leg ulcers | Open sores near the ankle — a sign of advanced venous insufficiency requiring urgent care |
Are varicose veins dangerous if left untreated?
Varicose veins are not always medically urgent, but untreated cases can progress to serious complications over time. The following conditions may develop:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — persistent poor blood return leads to long-term swelling, skin changes, and ulceration.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis — inflammation and clot formation in a surface vein, causing redness, warmth, and tenderness.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot forming in a deeper vein, which carries a risk of pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.
- Venous leg ulcers — slow-healing wounds near the ankle that are prone to infection and significantly affect quality of life.
- Bleeding — varicose veins close to the skin surface can bleed with minor trauma.
Warning: Sudden leg swelling, redness, warmth, or chest pain alongside varicose veins may indicate deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Seek emergency care immediately.
Understanding the difference between varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis is important: varicose veins affect superficial veins and are visible under the skin, while DVT involves deeper veins and may not be visually apparent. DVT is generally the more immediately dangerous condition and requires urgent medical evaluation.
What vascular surgery and treatment options are available for varicose veins?
Treatment for varicose veins is selected based on the severity of the condition, the size and location of affected veins, and the patient's overall health. Options range from conservative management to surgical intervention.
- Compression therapy — graduated compression stockings improve venous return and reduce symptoms; typically the first-line approach for mild cases.
- Sclerotherapy — a chemical solution is injected into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and be gradually reabsorbed by the body. Suitable for smaller varicose and spider veins.
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) — a laser fibre is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance and delivers heat energy to close the vein. A minimally invasive option for larger varicose veins, often performed under local anaesthesia.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — similar to EVLT but uses radiofrequency energy to heat and seal the vein wall.
- Phlebectomy (vein stripping) — surgical removal of the affected vein through small incisions. Reserved for large or complex varicose veins not amenable to minimally invasive techniques.
- High ligation and stripping — the great saphenous vein is tied off and removed through small cuts; a conventional surgical option for extensive disease.
The general surgery team at Deccan Hardikar Hospital evaluates each patient individually to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway for varicose veins in Pune.
When should you see a vascular specialist for varicose veins?
Not every varicose vein requires immediate medical attention, but certain signs indicate that a specialist consultation should not be delayed. Seek assessment from a vein specialist in Pune if you experience any of the following:
- Leg pain, aching, or heaviness that persists for more than 4 weeks and does not improve with rest or elevation
- Visible swelling of the ankle or lower leg that worsens over the course of the day
- Skin changes around the ankle — including darkening, thickening, or eczema-like irritation
- An open sore or ulcer near the ankle that is slow to heal or recurs
- A varicose vein that bleeds, even with minor contact
- Sudden onset of redness, warmth, or hardness along a vein (possible thrombophlebitis)
- Leg swelling accompanied by calf pain, especially after a period of immobility (possible DVT — seek emergency care)
Note: A Doppler ultrasound scan is the standard diagnostic tool for assessing varicose veins and ruling out DVT. Your specialist will arrange this as part of the initial evaluation.
How does Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune approach varicose vein and vascular care?
Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune is a NABH Pre-Accredited superspeciality hospital located at Shivajinagar, serving as a referral centre for complex surgical and vascular cases across Western Maharashtra. The hospital brings together vascular surgery expertise within a broader surgical infrastructure that includes laparoscopic and general surgery, enabling coordinated care for patients with multiple conditions.
Patients presenting with varicose veins benefit from structured diagnostic evaluation, access to minimally invasive treatment options, and post-procedure follow-up — all within a single facility. The hospital's patient-centric approach prioritises transparent cost communication and a comfortable care environment.
For patients requiring additional orthopaedic or neurological assessment alongside vascular care — common in complex cases — Deccan Hardikar Hospital's multi-disciplinary structure supports integrated management. Patients may also explore joint care services if leg pain has a musculoskeletal component alongside venous disease.
Book a consultation at Deccan Hardikar Hospital
Use the booking form on this page to schedule a vascular surgery assessment at our Shivajinagar, Pune facility.