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.
Self care involves doing certain exercises and elevation of the legs. These will ease pain. The use of compression stockings also brings positive results after a short time. There are instances when these methods will not work or the individual is concerned about their appearance. If this is the case, then a doctor will have to be consulted.
There are various causes of the condition. Age is one of them. As one gets older, their veins lose elasticity, making them to stretch. Valves within them may become weak, allowing blood that should be moving towards the heart to flow backwards. Blood will pool will within the blood vessels, making them to enlarge. They have the blue color because they have blood that is deoxygenated. It is blood that is in the process of going to the lungs for oxygenation.
Pregnant women are also at risk. During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing through the body will increase. In the process, there will be decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from legs. The circulatory change is meant to improve growth of the fetus. However, it leads to enlarging of blood vessels. Luckily, the condition improves within three months of giving birth.
When it comes to treatment, you should be a cautious consumer. There are many misleading advertisements which come with a promise of painless and permanent treatment methods. The doctor should be consulted prior to considering any treatments. They will advise on side effects or health risks of the procedure being considered. It is also important to find out the treatment costs and find out if they are covered by insurance.
In most cases, self care will be enough to bring some kind of relief. If they do not, there are other procedures that are used. They are less invasive and thus treatment will be done on an outpatient basis. Other forms of treatment include laser surgery, catheter-assisted procedures, vein stripping and endoscopic vein surgery.
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.
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.
Self care involves doing certain exercises and elevation of the legs. These will ease pain. The use of compression stockings also brings positive results after a short time. There are instances when these methods will not work or the individual is concerned about their appearance. If this is the case, then a doctor will have to be consulted.
There are various causes of the condition. Age is one of them. As one gets older, their veins lose elasticity, making them to stretch. Valves within them may become weak, allowing blood that should be moving towards the heart to flow backwards. Blood will pool will within the blood vessels, making them to enlarge. They have the blue color because they have blood that is deoxygenated. It is blood that is in the process of going to the lungs for oxygenation.
Pregnant women are also at risk. During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing through the body will increase. In the process, there will be decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from legs. The circulatory change is meant to improve growth of the fetus. However, it leads to enlarging of blood vessels. Luckily, the condition improves within three months of giving birth.
When it comes to treatment, you should be a cautious consumer. There are many misleading advertisements which come with a promise of painless and permanent treatment methods. The doctor should be consulted prior to considering any treatments. They will advise on side effects or health risks of the procedure being considered. It is also important to find out the treatment costs and find out if they are covered by insurance.
In most cases, self care will be enough to bring some kind of relief. If they do not, there are other procedures that are used. They are less invasive and thus treatment will be done on an outpatient basis. Other forms of treatment include laser surgery, catheter-assisted procedures, vein stripping and endoscopic vein surgery.
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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