WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins are bulging, enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin’s surface, called superficial, can become varicosed. Varicose veins most often affect the veins in the legs. That’s because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body. For many people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. So are spider veins, a common, mild form of varicose veins. But varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes they lead to more-serious health problems. Treatment involves exercising, raising legs when sitting or lying down, or wearing compression stockings. A procedure may be done to close or remove veins.
Symptoms and Causes
- Bulging veins: Twisted, swollen, rope-like veins are often blue or purple. They appear just below the surface of the skin on your legs, ankles and feet. They can develop in clusters. Tiny red or blue lines (spider veins) may appear nearby.
- Itching:The area around a varicose vein may itch.
- Pain: Legs may be painful, achy or sore, especially behind your knees. You might have muscle cramps.
- Swelling: Your legs, ankles and feet can swell and throb.
- Skin discolorations and ulcers:Without treatment, varicose veins can cause discolorations on your skin.
What are the risk factors for varicose veins?
Anyone can develop varicose veins. Certain factors increase your chances of developing a varicose vein, including:
- Age: Because of the aging process, vein walls and valves don’t work as well as they once did. Veins lose elasticity and stiffen.
- Hormones: Female hormones can allow the walls of the veins to stretch. People who are pregnant, taking the birth control pill or going through menopause have a higher risk of varicose veins because of changes in hormone levels.
- Family history :You can inherit this condition if it runs in your family.
- Lifestyle: Standing or sitting for long periods decreases circulation.
- Overall health: Certain health conditions can increase pressure in your veins.
- Tobacco use: People who use tobacco products are more likely to develop varicose veins.
- Weight:Excess weight puts pressure on blood vessels.
COMPLICATIONS of Varicose veins
Complications of varicose veins are rare. They can include:
- Painful ulcers can form on the skin near varicose veins, mostly near the ankles. A discolored spot on the skin often begins before an ulcer forms. See your healthcare professional right away if you think you have a leg ulcer.
- Blood clots.Sometimes, veins deep within the legs get larger. They might cause leg pain and swelling. Seek medical help for ongoing leg pain or swelling. This can mean a blood clot.
- Rarely, veins close to the skin burst. This mostly causes only minor bleeding. But it needs medical help.
- Leg swelling. Longtime varicose veins can cause the legs to swell.
DIAGNOSIS of Varicose Veins
Physical Examination: A doctor can often diagnose varicose veins through a visual examination and by discussing symptoms.
Ultrasound: A non-invasive ultrasound can assess blood flow and check for valve function.
TREATMENT OPTIONS of Varicose Veins
Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, exercise, and leg elevation can alleviate symptoms.
Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution into the vein to close it.
Laser Treatment: Uses focused light to shrink and close varicose veins.
Vein Stripping: Removal of the varicose vein through small incisions.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): A catheter-based procedure to close off varicose veins.
PREVENTION of Varicose Veins
Getting better blood flow and muscle tone might lower the risk of having varicose veins. The same ways you treat the discomfort from varicose veins can help prevent them. Try the following:
- Don’t wear high heels or tight stockings, other than compression stockings.
- Change how you sit or stand often.
- Eat a high-fiber, low-salt diet.
- Raise your legs when sitting or lying down.
- Keep a healthy weight.
CONCLUSION
Varicose veins often cause problems for people affecting how they look and their health. Knowing what leads to them how to spot them, and ways to treat them helps folks handle this issue better. If you think you might have varicose veins or they’re causing you pain, it’s a good idea to check with a doctor. They can figure out what’s going on and come up with a plan that’s right for you.