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.

In most cases however, there will be no pain. It is important to therefore know the symptoms that could indicate one is suffering from it. Veins that are affected have a blue or purple color, appear twisted and bulging and are likely to look like cords in the legs. More often than not the pain that is felt is experienced after one stands or walks for a long time. Itching will also be experienced in the legs.

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.

Pregnancy is also attributed to the condition. It causes an increase in the volume of blood that flows through the body. With this increase in blood flow, there will be a decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from the legs. This circulatory change is supposed to support fetal growth. It however leads to enlarging of blood vessels. It is a condition that improves after birth. One should expect to heal after about three months.

When it comes to treatment of the condition, it will help to be a cautious consumer. You should not be misled by advertisements that promise painless and permanent methods of treatment. Before considering any procedure, the doctor should be consulted. They will advise on any health risks and side effects of the procedure in question. It will also be important to find out about costs of treatment. When doing so, you will need to find out if the treatment is 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.

These treatment options are very effective and recovery does not take too long. If however the condition recurs, which is possible, other treatment options are considered. One treatment option may not work for another person.




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