What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are twisted and distended veins. Although
any vein may actually turn varicose, most often, it’s the legs and feet which
are usually affected by this condition. This is due to the fact that these
bodily parts are subjected to greater pressure during standing and walking.
How an individual suffering from varicose veins views
this condition will differ. For some, it is simply a cosmetic issue. While for
others, it becomes painful and uncomfortable. In some cases, it may even lead
to more complicated medical problems. In fact, the presence of varicose veins
maybe an indication of circulatory issues.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
Varicose veins can be spotted through the following
symptoms:
·
blue
or purple colored veins
·
veins
appear as if twisted and bulgy and resembles cords
·
pain
is sometimes felt and becomes worse with extended time standing or sitting
·
muscle
cramps and a burning sensation is felt on the lower legs
·
veins
can be itchy
·
presence
of skin ulcers particularly close to the ankle area may imply a more serious
vascular disease
Varicose Veins Risk Factors
These factors increase the chances of having varicose
veins:
·
Age. The
risk of having varicose veins becomes worse as an individual age. Aging causes
the valves in the veins to deteriorate. These valves help normalize blood flow.
This deterioration will lead to the blood being trapped in the veins instead of
being ushered back to the heart.
·
Gender.
Women experience having varicose veins more than men do. This can be attributed
to hormonal changes which occur during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal
period. These hormones slow down vein walls. Hormone replacement therapy and
birth control pills will even add to the risk of having varicose veins.
Varicose veins developed during pregnancy normally disappear naturally within 3
to 12 months after delivery.
·
Obesity. Weight adds more pressure to the veins.
·
Standing or sitting for an extended period. Blood doesn’t flow when one is on a
stationary position for a lengthy time.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Varicose Veins
Aside from the aesthetic reasons behind seeking help
for varicose veins, medical reasons should also be considered. As mentioned
above, the presence of varicose veins may actually imply more serious medical
issues in the vascular or circulatory area. You need to seek medical attention
immediately when varicose veins are accompanied by skin ulcers and when pain is
no longer bearable.
How to Avoid Varicose Veins
Before we discuss about possible treatments for
varicose veins, how to avoid it must be talked about first. As they say,
prevention is better than cure. But there is actually no concrete method which
can be used to completely prevent varicose veins or avoid having it. But
through muscle tone and circulation improvements, you can at least lessen the
risk of having varicose veins or the tendency to develop more. Preventing or
avoiding varicose veins can be done through the same methods applied at home to
minimize associated discomfort.
·
Exercise
·
Watch
your weight or diet
·
Eat
plenty of high fiber and low salt containing foods
·
Stay away
from the use of high heeled shoes or tight leggings
·
Elevate
your legs
·
Change
your position from time to time and avoid standing or sitting for too long
Home Treatments for Varicose Veins
Since home remedies are mentioned, these methods are
explained further below:
·
Exercise
Engage in exercises which encourage leg movement. One
of such exercises includes walking. This promotes proper blood circulation in
the legs. A physical therapist or even a gym enthusiast alone can be able to
recommend more physical activities to get your legs moving regularly.
·
Watch
your weight or diet
Weight adds more pressure to the legs. Thus, gaining
weight won’t help but losing weight does. Being mindful of your diet is also
helpful. Eat foods that are high in fiber and/or low in salt content. Salty
foods cause water retention and leg swelling.
·
Watch what you’re wearing
Don’t always wear high heeled shoes if you can’t
completely avoid it. Shoes with low heels place pressure on calf muscles and
not on legs. High heeled shoes do the opposite. Also, lessen the use of tight
clothing strapped around your waist, groin, and legs such as tight-fitting
pantyhose or leggings. These types of clothing may obstruct proper blood flow.
·
Elevate
your legs
Elevating your legs above the level of your heart can help
improve blood circulation in the leg area. So spend a few minutes of your time
daily for this purpose. What you can do is to lie down flat but with your legs
elevated through a few pillows.
·
Avoid extended periods of sitting or standing
Avoid standing or sitting for too long and change your
position from time to time to promote blood flow. It’s recommended to stand up
when sitting down or sit down when standing up every 30 minutes.
·
Avoid crossing legs.
Some health professionals
believe that sitting with legs crossed can actually contribute to problems with
blood circulation.
Varicose Veins Treatment
Treatment for varicose veins doesn’t require
hospitalization or a lengthy recovery period. There are non-invasive procedures
which can be able to treat varicose veins as an outpatient.
Self care and home treatment for
varicose veins
Earlier, home treatments for varicose veins were
mentioned. These allow patients to apply self care through practical methods
which do not require you to spend money. Self care and home treatments can
lessen the pain associated with varicose veins and prevent it from getting
worse.
Compression stockings for
varicose veins
Compression stockings are the first method often
recommended for varicose veins. These are worn daily. What they do is to squeeze
your legs consistently to encourage effective blood flow. Compression applied
varies depending on the type of stockings and the brand. Prescription varieties
are also offered. Variations are also present in terms of strength, styles, and
colors. Differing features make the prices different too. But with numerous
options available, anyone can find compression stockings they will be most
comfortable with.
Compression stockings can be purchased in pharmacies
and medical stores. Aside from considering the features mentioned above, you
need to make sure that the stockings actually fit. Measure your legs with a
tape measure and compare it with the product’s size chart to get the perfect
size for you. These items must be strong but not necessarily tight. In case you
have issues wearing them due to arthritis or other problems, there are devices
which will make it easier for you to wear compression stockings.
In case self care or home treatments as well as
compression stockings do not work for you, there are additional recommendations
available. These include the following:
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins
In sclerotherapy, your
doctor injects a solution which will close the varicose veins. With sclerotherapy,
varicose veins can fade in a few weeks. Although it may require more than one
injection, the method is at least effective when properly applied. It doesn't need anesthesia and can be
accomplished right in the doctor's office.
Catheter aided procedures for
varicose veins
Catheter aided procedures
are normally applied for large varicose veins. In this procedure, a thin tube
or caterer is inserted into the vein and is heated. Heat seals and shuts the
vein.
Vein removal for varicose veins
Long varicose veins are
removed through small incisions. Vein removal won’t affect blood circulation
because veins found deep in the legs will continue the process. Vein removal is
applied as an outpatient procedure.
Ambulatory phlebectomy for varicose veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy is another outpatient procedure and is
applicable for smaller varicose veins. Here, the doctor removes veins through
small punctures. Expect minimal scars.
Surgery for varicose veins
So when is there a need for surgery when it comes to
varicose veins? It’s only advisable for worst case scenarios such as when there
is presence of skin ulcers. These are two of the surgical procedures which can
be applied for varicose veins:
Endoscopic vein surgery for
varicose veins
In endoscopic vein surgery,
your physician will close varicose veins and remove them through minor incisions. He will be aided by a thin video
camera for visual assistance. This is also performed as an outpatient
procedure.
Laser surgeries for varicose veins
Laser surgeries are
performed for small varicose veins. Here, no incisions will be required. Laser
surgery applies powerful laser light onto the veins which will make them
eventually fade and vanish.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, it pays to
be cautious when it comes to products being offered in the market for varicose
veins. Make intelligent researches before buying items including potential
dangers and side effects. It’s best to consult your doctor. Also, before
undergoing any procedure, confer with your insurance policy as most cosmetic
treatments are not covered not unless inflammation or bleeding is involved.
Lastly, although most current procedures and treatments are effective, there is
still a tendency that the varicose
veins may reoccur.
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