How to Treat Varicose Veins18 May
Varicose veins also referred to as spider veins are those enlarged veins often seen on the legs and feet, but can affect any veins in the body. Spider veins are often nothing more than a cosmetic problem; however, some individuals have pain associated with their varicose veins. Not only are varicose veins unattractive, but they can lead to serous problems such as circulatory problems.
Causes of varicose veins
The actually cause of varicose veins is not known, however, a few cases have been known to be caused by weakness of the valves in the veins that is believed to cause poor circulation which leads to varicose veins. Another reason that varicose may occur is due to the weakness in the walls of the veins which may allow the blood to pool, this causes the walls of the blood vessels to become weak which increases the amount of blood in the veins and can lead to varicose veins. In rare cases, varicose veins can be caused by phlebitis, which is inflammation of the veins, blood clots, obstruction of blood flow, congenital abnormalities of the veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The majority of individuals with varicose veins do not have any symptoms besides the cosmetic appearance. However, some individuals have symptoms including aching, cramping, swelling, fatigue, and itching. A few individuals have noted a dull ache or pressure in the area of the varicose veins.
Rare symptoms of varicose veins
There are a few rare symptoms that have affected a few individuals including bleeding, ulceration of the skin that is over the veins, and thrombophlebitis, which is the formation of a blood clot in the varicose vein.
Treatment of varicose veins
Treatments available for varicose veins are dependent on the size of the varicose veins, the location, and what symptoms if any are present.
Treatment can include compression stockings, elevating the legs while sitting and sleeping, laser therapy, sclerotherapy that is an injection of a liquid directly into the affected vein, and surgery, which will remove the varicose vein.
For small spider veins, the most common treatment is laser surgery or sclerothearpy whereas for larger varicose veins it is recommended to have surgery either to remove the varicose vein or to strip the vein.
In most cases, treatment is not necessary, as varicose veins are not life threatening except in rare cases such as ulcers.
How to prevent varicose veins
In most cases, varicose veins can be prevented or at least the risk of developing varicose veins can be achieved. The simplest ways to prevent varicose veins is to elevate the legs when possible, avoid standing for long periods of time, and wear elastic support hose. Exercise has also helped many individuals prevent varicose veins as well as controlling weight. The more pressure you put on your legs and feet can actually bring on varicose veins much faster.
There are no true prevention methods for preventing varicose veins, but the above-mentioned options can slow down the progression and possibly prevent the problem from occurring. The most important thing to remember is to get up and move if you sit a lot and if you are on your feet all the time, when you sit down elevate your legs.
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