Varicose Veins Stages

6 Stages of Varicose Veins

First stage of Varicose Veins (Mild stage)

What does the first stage of Varicose Veins look like?

• At this stage, varicose veins may appear as small, thin, and faint blue or purple lines beneath the skin’s surface.
• They may resemble spider veins or reticular veins and are often more noticeable upon prolonged standing.

Signs and symptoms of the first stage of Varicose Veins

• Mild symptoms such as occasional aching, heaviness, or itching in the legs may be present.
• Swelling or discomfort is typically minimal, and individuals may not experience significant functional impairment.

The first stage of Varicose Veins treatment

• Regular exercise – Low-impact activities like walking or swimming can improve circulation.
• Elevating legs – Elevating legs above heart level for 15 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling.
• Weight management – Maintaining a healthy weight can ease pressure on veins.
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting -Changing positions frequently can improve circulation.
• Compression Stockings – Graduated compression stockings help improve blood flow and reduce discomfort.
• They should be worn during the day, and removed at night.
• Prescription-strength stockings may be recommended.

Second stage of Varicose Veins (Moderate stage)

What does the Second stage of Varicose Veins look like?

• Varicose veins become more prominent and may appear larger, bulging, or twisted under the skin.
• They may still be relatively superficial and primarily affect the cosmetic appearance of the legs.

Signs and symptoms of the Second stage of Varicose Veins

• Symptoms may include mild to moderate leg pain, cramping, or aching, particularly after prolonged standing or sitting.
• Some individuals may experience itching, burning, or throbbing sensations in the affected veins.

The second stage of Varicose Veins treatment

• Sclerotherapy – A common treatment where a solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and fade.
• Effective for small to medium-sized varicose veins.
• Usually done in a doctor’s office and requires little to no downtime.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) – A minimally invasive procedure where a laser fiber is inserted into the vein to deliver laser energy, sealing the vein shut.
• Effective for larger varicose veins.
• Typically done under local anesthesia and offers quick recovery.

Third stage of Varicose Veins (Severe stage)

What does the Third stage of Varicose Veins look like?

• Varicose veins become larger, and and more pronounced, and may protrude above the skin’s surface.
• They may appear rope-like or twisted and can be seen bulging under the skin, particularly when standing.

Signs and symptoms of the Third stage of Varicose Veins

• Increased discomfort, swelling, and heaviness in the legs are common symptoms.
• Some individuals may experience skin changes such as pigmentation or discoloration around the affected veins.

The Third stage of Varicose vein treatment

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Similar to EVLA, but uses radiofrequency energy to heat and close the vein.
• Suitable for larger varicose veins and can be performed under local anesthesia.
• Minimal downtime and low risk of complications.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy – Surgical removal of varicose veins through tiny incisions.
• Ideal for larger, more visible veins close to the surface of the skin.
• Usually performed under local anesthesia and may require a short recovery period.

Fourth stage of Varicose Veins (Advanced stage)

What does the Fourth stage of Varicose Veins look like?

• Varicose veins become markedly enlarged, protruding, and tortuous, with visible swelling and distortion of the affected veins.
• Skin changes such as eczema, inflammation, or thickening may be evident.

Signs and symptoms of the Fourth stage of Varicose Veins

• Symptoms worsen, with persistent leg pain, swelling, and discomfort, particularly after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
• Skin changes become more pronounced, with an increased risk of venous ulcers or open sores.

Fourth stage of Varicose Veins treatment

• Vein Stripping – A traditional surgical procedure where the affected vein is removed through small incisions.
• Often used for larger varicose veins that are not suitable for minimally invasive treatments.
• Requires general or regional anesthesia and a longer recovery period compared to other procedures.
• Foam Sclerotherapy – Similar to standard sclerotherapy but, involves injecting a foam solution into the vein, which covers a larger area.
• Effective for larger varicose veins and can be used for veins that are not suitable for laser or radiofrequency ablation.

Fifth stage of Varicose Veins (Severe and complicated)

What does the Fifth stage of Varicose Veins look like?

• Severe varicose veins are visibly enlarged, twisted, and distorted, with significant swelling and discolouration of the skin.
• Skin changes may include ulceration, scarring, or hardening (lipodermatosclerosis) of the tissues around the affected veins.

Signs and symptoms of the Fifth stage of Varicose Veins

• Chronic leg pain, swelling, and discomfort are prominent, often interfering with daily activities and quality of life.
• Skin changes may progress to venous ulcers or non-healing wounds, increasing the risk of infection and complications.

The Fifth stage of Varicose Veins treatment

• Ligation and Stripping – A surgical procedure where the affected vein is tied off (ligated) and then removed (stripped).
• Typically reserved for severe cases or when complications like ulcers are present.
• Endoscopic Vein Surgery – Involves using a small camera (endoscope) to visualize and surgically treat varicose veins deep within the leg.
• Used for complicated cases such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or severe venous ulcers.
• Venous Bypass Surgery – In rare cases where there is significant blockage or damage to the veins, a bypass surgery may be necessary to redirect blood flow around the affected area.

Sixth stage of Varicose Veins (Very Complicated)

What does the Sixth stage of Varicose Veins look like?

• At this advanced stage, varicose veins are severely enlarged, distorted, and may be accompanied by extensive skin changes and ulceration.
• Ulcers may be deep, non-healing, and prone to infection or other complications.

Signs and symptoms of the Sixth stage of Varicose Veins

• Chronic, debilitating leg pain, swelling, and discomfort are characteristic, often accompanied by significant functional impairment.
• Venous ulcers are persistent, and painful, and may require ongoing medical attention and wound care.

The Sixth stage of Varicose Veins treatment

• Surgical options may include vein ligation and stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, or vein bypass surgery.
• Endoscopic vein surgery involves using a small camera (endoscope) to visualize and surgically treat varicose veins deep within the leg.
• Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery, also known as EVLT uses laser heat to reduce varicose veins.