Facts And Information About Varicose Veins

By Ruthie Calderon


Nearly all veins can be varicose but the ones that are most commonly affected are those in the legs and feet. Varicose veins refer to large, gnarled veins. Legs and feet are the most affected because of the fact that walking or standing upright increases the pressure that is in the veins. It is not a condition that is too serious and for the majority of people, it is merely a cosmetic concern. It however causes pain and discomfort in others. It may be a sign of more serious circulatory problems.

The condition does not usually cause any pain. There are however symptoms that may indicate one is suffering from it. The affected veins will be purple or blue in color, they will appear twisted and bulging and they are likely to appear like cords on the legs. In case there is pain, it will be felt after standing for long periods of time. There is also likely to be itching.

In order to ease the pain, there are self care recommendations that will be of help. They include elevation of the legs and exercising. Over time, the use of compression stockings has also become popular. These will prevent the condition from worsening. If one does not get relief after using these, or they want an improvement of their appearance, they may have to see a doctor.

The condition can be attributed to various causes. One of them is aging. As one gets older, veins will lose their elasticity and stretch as a result. This causes valves within them to weaken and allow blood which should move to the heart to flow backward. The effect of this is blood pooling within the vessels, enlarging them in the process. The blue or purple color is because it is blood that has no oxygen. It is blood that was to be transported to the lungs for oxygenation.

Pregnant women are also at risk. During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing through the body will increase. In the process, there will be decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from legs. The circulatory change is meant to improve growth of the fetus. However, it leads to enlarging of blood vessels. Luckily, the condition improves within three months of giving birth.

When it comes to treatment, you should be a cautious consumer. There are many misleading advertisements which come with a promise of painless and permanent treatment methods. The doctor should be consulted prior to considering any treatments. They will advise on side effects or health risks of the procedure being considered. It is also important to find out the treatment costs and find out if they are covered by insurance.

Self care works in most of the cases. If by any chance they do not, other procedures may be considered. These procedures are less invasive and therefore are done on an outpatient basis. Vein stripping, endoscopic vein surgery and laser surgery are some of the options.

The treatments options are effective and relief comes after just some months. It is however possible that the condition will recur. If that be the case, another form of treatment may be considered.




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