Varicose veins are the result of normal veins being exposed to high pressure over a prolonged period of time. Varicose veins develop when you have faulty valves in your veins and weakened vein walls. When these valves do not function properly, the blood cannot overcome gravity's effects and begins to flow backward and pool in the veins. Because of that pressure builds up and the veins become enlarged, weakened and twisted. As a result the veins become more visible under the skin. Varicose Veins become more prevalent with age and have been reported to affect from 30-60% of the adult population. Varicose veins primarily affecting women.
Signs and symptoms of varicose veins
* Aching pain
* Legs that tire easily
* Leg swelling (usually feet and ancles)
* Redness and heat in the irritated area
* Heaviness in legs
* Skin darkening
* Tingling or burning sensations
* Muscle cramps
* Itching skin
Causes of varicose veins
* heredity
* hormonal factors
* pregnancy
* ageing
* obeseness
* leg injury
People who are overweight or people who are working while standing for a longer time might get varicose veins. Pregnancy,pre menstruation, and menopause are some of the factors in women that influence varicose veins. During pregnancy, hormones relax the veins and more blood travels through the veins. Varicose veins often develop during pregnancy and resolve shortly after childbirth. Lack of exercise, prolonged constipation, and sitting with legs crossed can compound the problem.
Varicose veins treatment
The treatment of varicose veins varies per patient. The most common surgical treatment includes stripping of the long and/or short saphenous veins. Treatment programs such as sclerotherapy, laser surgery, surgical vein stripping,ambulatory phlebectomy and endoscopic vein surgery are tailored to each individual. Patients may receive a combination of treatments, and most patients participate in some self-care therapies as well. Self-help measures - such as wearing elasticised compression stockings, regular exercising, controlling and if necessary your losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing - can ease pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse.
What can be done to prevent varicose veins?
Prevention for varicose veins initially begins with the wearing of support hosieryor compression stockings. They can significant improve circulation of blood. Wearing properly fitted therapeutic compression hosiery, especially during pregnancy, may help lower the risk of thromboembolic disease. Healthy diet is also appreciated if you like to avoid the occurrence of varicose veins. Weight reduction in patients with obesity may reduce valvular incompetence by reducing intra-abdominal pressure. Regular exercising such as walking, bicycling, and swimming are recommended for varicose veins. Limiting excessive standing or sitting may be helpful in alleviating symptoms. Since the above measures do not treat the underlying cause of the disease, varicose veins will usually enlarge and worsen over time.
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The author Rados S. writes articles about
vein treatment,
spider veins and
varicose veins.
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