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.
Because the condition does not normally cause pain, it is important to know the signs and symptoms that signal its presence. The color of the affected vessels is purple or blue. In addition, they will appear twisted and bulging and resemble cords. Any pain is usually felt after one has stood, sat or walked for long periods of time. They may also experience some itching.
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.
This condition is attributed to various causes. Age is one such cause. As one ages, the veins lose their elasticity, stretching as a result. This will cause the valves inside them to become weak. When the valves weaken, blood that should be going to the heart will flow backward and pool within the vessels. This makes them to enlarge. The blue color in them is because they do not have oxygen. It is the blood that was to be oxygenated in the lungs.
Pregnancy is also attributed to the condition. It causes an increase in the volume of blood that flows through the body. With this increase in blood flow, there will be a decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from the legs. This circulatory change is supposed to support fetal growth. It however leads to enlarging of blood vessels. It is a condition that improves after birth. One should expect to heal after about three months.
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 majority of the cases, self care is enough to bring relief. If they however do not, other procedures will be used. Most of them are less invasive and thus are done on an outpatient basis. The forms of treatment include catheter-assisted procedures, laser surgery, endoscopic vein surgical operation and laser 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.
Because the condition does not normally cause pain, it is important to know the signs and symptoms that signal its presence. The color of the affected vessels is purple or blue. In addition, they will appear twisted and bulging and resemble cords. Any pain is usually felt after one has stood, sat or walked for long periods of time. They may also experience some itching.
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.
This condition is attributed to various causes. Age is one such cause. As one ages, the veins lose their elasticity, stretching as a result. This will cause the valves inside them to become weak. When the valves weaken, blood that should be going to the heart will flow backward and pool within the vessels. This makes them to enlarge. The blue color in them is because they do not have oxygen. It is the blood that was to be oxygenated in the lungs.
Pregnancy is also attributed to the condition. It causes an increase in the volume of blood that flows through the body. With this increase in blood flow, there will be a decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from the legs. This circulatory change is supposed to support fetal growth. It however leads to enlarging of blood vessels. It is a condition that improves after birth. One should expect to heal after about three months.
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 majority of the cases, self care is enough to bring relief. If they however do not, other procedures will be used. Most of them are less invasive and thus are done on an outpatient basis. The forms of treatment include catheter-assisted procedures, laser surgery, endoscopic vein surgical operation and laser 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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