APAKAH URAT VARIKOS?
Urat varikos
Urat varikos ialah urat yang diperbesarkan dan berpintal yang terbentuk tepat di bawah permukaan kulit, paling biasa di kaki dan buku lali.
Mereka berkembang apabila injap dalam urat lemah atau tidak berfungsi, menyebabkan darah berkumpul dan bukannya mengalir dengan cekap kembali ke jantung.
Apabila tekanan meningkat, urat menjadi meregang, bengkak, dan kelihatan herot.
Walaupun sering dianggap sebagai kebimbangan kosmetik, urat varikos kadangkala boleh menyebabkan ketidakselesaan, bengkak, dan, dalam beberapa kes, komplikasi peredaran darah yang lebih serius jika tidak dirawat.
Symptons of Varicose Vein
Urat varikos sering berlaku dalam keluarga, dan risikonya meningkat dengan usia. Faktor seperti obesiti, kehamilan, atau pekerjaan yang memerlukan berdiri berpanjangan boleh memberi tekanan tambahan pada urat kaki, menyumbang kepada perkembangannya.
Urat varikos biasanya kelihatan sebagai urat biru tua, bengkak dan berpintal tepat di bawah kulit. Walaupun sesetengah orang tidak mengalami gejala, yang lain mungkin menyedari ketidakselesaan ringan hingga teruk.
Gejala ringan:
- Rasa berat, terbakar, sakit, atau keletihan pada kaki, yang mungkin bertambah teruk selepas berdiri atau duduk berpanjangan.
- Bengkak di kaki dan buku lali.
- Gatal-gatal di sekeliling urat yang terjejas.
Gejala yang lebih serius:
- Bengkak kaki yang berterusan.
- Sakit betis dan peningkatan bengkak selepas tempoh duduk atau berdiri yang lama.
- Perubahan kulit, termasuk perubahan warna, kekeringan, penipisan atau keradangan.
- Penskalaan atau pembentukan luka terbuka.
- Pendarahan akibat kecederaan ringan akibat kulit yang lemah.
Urat varikos adalah perkara biasa dan, dalam kebanyakan kes, bukan kebimbangan perubatan yang serius. Walau bagaimanapun, menguruskan gejala awal boleh membantu mencegah komplikasi dan meningkatkan keselesaan.
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins
Diagnosing varicose veins typically involves a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging tests to assess the condition of the veins and blood flow.
1. Physical Examination
A doctor will begin by visually inspecting the affected veins while you are standing or sitting. They may ask about symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, or discomfort, and review your medical history, including risk factors like family history, pregnancy, or lifestyle habits.
2. Doppler Ultrasound
If further evaluation is needed, a Doppler ultrasound is commonly used. This non-invasive test utilizes sound waves to visualize blood flow in the veins and detect valve dysfunction, blockages, or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis – DVT).
3. Venous Duplex Ultrasound
A more detailed version of Doppler ultrasound, this test provides both structural and functional assessments of the veins. It helps identify reflux (backward blood flow) and determine the severity of varicose veins.
4. Additional Diagnostic Tests (If Necessary)
In rare cases, additional imaging tests such as venography (using contrast dye to highlight veins on X-rays) or MRI/CT scans may be used to evaluate more complex venous conditions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Varicose veins are often harmless, but if you experience persistent pain, swelling, skin ulcers, or signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), seeking medical evaluation is crucial to prevent complications. Early diagnosis can help determine the best treatment options and prevent worsening symptoms.
Treatments for Varicose Veins
Urat varikos adalah keadaan progresif, bermakna ia cenderung bertambah buruk dari semasa ke semasa jika tidak dirawat. Walaupun rawatan perubatan boleh menguruskan gejala dengan berkesan dan memperbaiki penampilan, pencegahan dan perubahan gaya hidup adalah aspek yang paling penting dalam pengurusan jangka panjang. Walaupun selepas rawatan, pesakit mesti mengamalkan tabiat yang sihat untuk mencegah berulang dan mengekalkan peredaran vena yang baik.
1. Pengubahsuaian Gaya Hidup: Kunci Pencegahan dan Kejayaan Jangka Panjang
ince varicose veins develop due to poor circulation and increased pressure in leg veins, modifying daily habits is essential to both prevention and post-treatment care. Even if you undergo medical treatment, failing to change your lifestyle may lead to recurrence.
Essential Lifestyle Changes for Varicose Veins
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Wear Compression Stockings
- Helps improve circulation by providing gentle pressure that supports vein function.
- Recommended for individuals who stand or sit for long hours.
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Elevate Your Legs Regularly
- Raising your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes several times a day reduces swelling and venous pressure.
- Especially important for those experiencing leg fatigue or swelling after long periods of standing.
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Stay Active & Exercise Regularly
- Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling strengthen calf muscles, which help pump blood back to the heart.
- Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods; incorporate movement into your daily routine.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Excess weight increases pressure on leg veins, worsening varicose veins and increasing the risk of recurrence.
- A balanced diet rich in fiber and antioxidants can support vascular health.
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Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing
- If your job requires standing for long hours, shift weight between legs and take breaks to move.
- If sitting for extended periods, flex and extend your feet or stand up periodically to promote circulation.
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Stay Hydrated & Eat a Vein-Friendly Diet
- Drinking plenty of water and consuming foods rich in flavonoids (citrus fruits, berries) can strengthen vein walls.
- Reduce salt intake to prevent fluid retention and leg swelling.
Prevention is key! Without lifestyle changes, even successfully treated varicose veins can return. Long-term commitment to these habits is essential for maintaining healthy legs.
2. Rawatan Perubatan untuk Urat Varikos
Jika urat varikos menyebabkan ketidakselesaan atau kebimbangan kosmetik, prosedur invasif minimum boleh merawat keadaan dengan berkesan. Prosedur ini biasanya dilakukan secara pesakit luar dengan masa pemulihan yang minimum.
Prosedur Bukan Pembedahan & Invasif Minimum
- Skleroterapi: Larutan kimia disuntik ke dalam urat varikos kecil, menyebabkan ia runtuh dan pudar dari semasa ke semasa.
- Ablasi Laser Endovenous (EVLA) & Ablasi Frekuensi Radio (RFA): Tenaga haba dihantar melalui kateter untuk menutup urat yang berpenyakit.
- Venaseal™ (Rawatan Pelekat Perubatan): Pelekat perubatan khusus disuntik ke dalam urat untuk menutupnya, menghapuskan keperluan untuk rawatan berasaskan haba atau stoking mampatan selepas prosedur.
Rawatan Pembedahan (Untuk Kes Teruk)
Dalam kes lanjutan, pembedahan mungkin diperlukan apabila rawatan invasif minimum tidak berkesan.
- Flebektomi: Urat varikos kecil dikeluarkan melalui hirisan kecil.
- Pelucutan Urat & Pengikatan: Urat varikos yang lebih besar diikat dan dikeluarkan melalui pembedahan.
Disebabkan kemajuan dalam rawatan yang kurang invasif seperti Venaseal™, EVLA, dan RFA, pembedahan tradisional jarang diperlukan hari ini.
Sistem Klasifikasi Komprehensif untuk Gangguan Vena Kronik (CEAP) & Rawatan
VARIABLE VARICOSE VEIN
Variable Treatments
VenaSeal
The Venaseal™ procedure utilizes a medical adhesive to effectively and permanently seal varicose veins without the need for heat-based energy.
- Minimally invasive with no need for tumescent anesthesia
- Suitable for various vein sizes, including the greater & lesser saphenous vein
- Immediate return to daily activities with minimal downtime
Before & After
Lelaki berusia 36 tahun, Selepas phlebectomy, 4 minggu kemudian
Wanita 62 tahun, Selepas EVLT, 11 minggu kemudian
Lelaki berumur 19 tahun, Selepas phlebectomy & sclerotherapy, 6 minggu kemudian
Wanita berusia 50 tahun, Selepas skleroterapi, 8 minggu kemudian
The Importance Of Compression Stocking
Compression Therapy for Varicose Veins and Lymphedema
Compression therapy involves the use of specialized compression stockings to effectively manage varicose veins and lymphedema, promoting better circulation and reducing swelling.
How Gradient Compression Works
Gradient elastic stockings, first developed in the early 1950s by an engineer and patient, remain the gold standard for managing chronic venous disease. These stockings apply graduated pressure, which is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg. This controlled compression helps:
- Prevent excessive expansion of superficial veins.
- Reduce blood pooling and backward flow, minimizing congestion.
- Alleviate symptoms such as leg discomfort, swelling, and varicose veins.
The Importance of Prevention
When it comes to varicose veins, prevention and recurrence prevention are just as important as treatment. Even after medical intervention, consistent use of compression stockings can help maintain healthy circulation and reduce the risk of future vein problems.
Where to Buy
To ensure the best quality and effectiveness, we recommend purchasing compression stockings from Evita Clinic or trusted online retailers.
Why Prevention & Lifestyle Changes Matter
✅ Varicose veins are progressive – early prevention is crucial.
✅ Even after treatment, recurrence is possible without lifestyle modifications.
✅ Simple habits like leg elevation, compression stockings, and exercise can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent new varicose veins.
Taking control of your vein health through lifestyle changes and early intervention is the best way to ensure long-term success in managing varicose veins. Treatment can help, but your daily habits will determine the long-term outcome!