Varicose veins commonly occur in the legs and feet when veins become visibly twisted and get enlarged & swollen. In this condition, the veins are visible with blue or dark purple color. Varicose veins are not a life-threatening condition; however, it may cause significant discomfort with some people. In a few cases, varicose veins have to lead to more serious problems like Skin Ulcers, Blood clots, and Bleeding. The condition is quite common in women, and around 23 % adult population in the United States is affected by varicose veins. There are several treatments available for varicose veins; it may involve self-care procedures, medication or surgery.
Symptoms of Varicose veins
Symptoms of varicose veins may include blue or dark purple twisted and swollen veins. In the majority of cases, the patient doesn’t feel any pain. In few cases some patients may also experience swollen ankles, venous eczema, lipodermatosclerosis, leg cramps, restless legs syndrome, atrophy Blanche, skin discoloration near the varicose veins, longer bleeding in a minor injury, or they may feel heavy legs after exercise or at night. In a few rare cases, the patient may have blood clots in the vein (Thrombophlebitis), and Chronic venous insufficiency.
Causes of Varicose veins
Varicose veins occur when blood fails to circulate in vain properly. The weakened valve in veins allow blood to leak backward and eventually flow in the opposite direction, this accumulates blood in the vein(s) and cause varicose veins. In the majority of cases overweight is the primary culprit behind varicose veins. In a female, high level of estrogen and progesterone hormones dilate the veins and cause varicose veins. Apart from this high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or injury may lead to varicose veins. People who remain in standing position for extended periods of time can also develop varicose veins.
Prevention of Varicose veins
There are many steps you can take to prevent varicose veins from becoming a more worst or serious case. Messaging legs after exercise or work reduce the chance of developing varicose veins by half. Stop standing for a long time if you have already developed varicose veins. Take a short break and let your legs relax from time to time. Correct your sitting and sleeping posture and never let your legs remain in one posture for a prolonged time. Include green vegetables in your diet, because they strengthen up veins. Wear loose trousers because tight jeans can make your varicose veins worst and reduce blood flow in veins.
Treatments of Varicose veins
In general, most doctors prefer not to try any aggressive treatments unless varicose veins cause any discomfort or pain. In most cases, they advise you to make changes in lifestyle and recommend you to use compression socks, lose weight, and avoid standing for a prolonged time. If these lifestyle changes fail to give you any benefit, then there are wide varieties of minimally invasive treatment options available for varicose veins. These methods are sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy, laser surgery, endovenous ablation therapy, and endoscopic vein surgery. Consult your doctor for treatment options and the risks before choosing a method.