Varicose Veins – What Are These Anyway?
Let’s take a closer look When blood begins to pool in the veins instead of moving upward it leads to varicose veins.
Varicose veins are the unsightly, bulged out veins that have lost their valve effectiveness. These veins become rope like, elongated, thickened and bulged under pressure.
Types of varicose veins Trunk varicose veins: They are thick and knobby in appearance. They are quite long and visible. Needless to say; they look quite unpleasant Reticular varicose veins: They are red and are typically grouped together in a network. Yes; they are unsightly. Thread veins or spider veins: These are basically the clusters of red and blue veins that may appear on your face or legs. They are usually harmless and unlike the trunk varicose veins, they don’t bulge under the skin’s surface of the skin.
Varicose veins may cause serious symptoms such as –
Aching pain Muscle cramping Tired legs Swelling in the lower part of the legs Stitching around the bulged out vein Pain when standing or walking
Risk Factors for varicose veins The following factors may increase your risk of developing varicose veins: Age: Increasing age may cause wear and tear on the veins Sex: statistical data clearly reveals women are more likely than men to develop this condition Genetics: If in case you have family members with varicose veins issues then there’s likelihood that you may inherit that Obesity: Yes; being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins Standing or walking for prolonged period: Your blood fails to flow well when you remain in the same position for long periods of time
Prevention of varicose veins Honestly; there is no 100% method, which may prevent spider or varicose veins. These guidelines may help you in reducing the risk of developing varicose veins Exercise: Of course; exercising stands as a great way in promoting increased blood circulation and muscle strength. Talk to your doctor to figure out the right exercise plan for muscle and vein strength. Losing weight: Losing some extra weight may help you take off the excess pressure from your legs. Also stick to a low salt, low fat diet for preventing swelling in your leg Keep your legs in an elevated position: Take short beaks throughout the day and also keep your leg in an elevated position to improve the venous circulation. Compression Stockings: Compression stockings help in squeezing your legs steadily thus helping the leg veins and the muscles move blood more efficiently
Varicose vein treatments There are a number of minimally invasive treatments for spider veins and varicose veins, which can be done outpatient basis. Sclerotherapy: This is a minimally invasive procedure, which can be performed in your doctor’s office. Your doctor will inject a solution to the vein which supports in scarring and closing the veins. Laser Ablation: Laser Vein Ablation is also a minimally invasive treatment, which can be also performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient setting. The doctor inserts a thin catheter into the vein and applies laser energy through it. This in turn heats the vein and closes it. Phlebectomy: This is yet another minimally invasive procedure, which is used to treat varicose veins that are not caused by vein reflux.
Worry not; varicose vein treatment procedure is minimally invasive and patients are able to return to normal activities within 24 hours with little to no pain.
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