Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins, in the legs, affect about 30% of adults at some point in their life. Varicose veins are a common condition in the United States, affecting up to 15 percent of men and up to 25 percent of women. Varicose veins are common in the superficial veins of the legs, which are subject to high pressure when standing. For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild and medically insignificant variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes the condition leads to more serious problems. Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.
Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in color and may appear twisted and bulging — like cords. Itching around one or more of your veins. Skin at the ankle discolored brown. They commonly appear on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. Causes varicose veins include congenitally defective valves, thrombophlebitis, and pregnancy. Prolonged standing and increased pressure within the abdomen may increase susceptibility to the development of varicose veins or aggravate the condition. If other family members had varicose veins, there’s a greater chance you will too. Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding long periods of standing can also help.
Exercising, losing weight, elevating your legs when resting and not crossing them when sitting can help keep varicose veins from getting worse. Avoid alcohol, which can cause the veins in your legs to dilate. Surgery such as vein stripping and ligation (removal of the varicose vein), or sclerotherapy of veins (injecting with a solution that causes scarring, which closes the vein) may be recommended. Vein stripping is a very extensive procedure, and it is usually reserved for patients who are experiencing a lot of pain or who have skin ulcers. If you are driving on a trip or working at a desk all day, try to get up and walk around every hour or so to allow the muscles to pump the blood out of the veins. Do not cross your legs when sitting.
Varicose Veins Treatment Tips:
1. Wear compression stockings.
2. Do not cross your legs when sitting.
3. Elevate your legs as much as possible.
4. Avoid wearing tight clothing such as girdles or belts.
5. Avoid alcohol, which can cause the veins in your legs to dilate.
6. Sclerotherapy has been used in the treatment of varicose veins.
7. Walking is good exercise. It can help the muscles force the blood out of the deeper vein system.
8. If you are overweight, try to lose weight. A healthy diet high in fiber and low in fat and salt can help.
9. Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be used as part of treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis.
