All veins can become varicose but those that are affected most are those in the feet and legs. Varicose veins are those which are large and gnarled. Feet and legs are affected because standing upright or walking tends to increase the pressure in veins. For the majority of people, this condition poses only a cosmetic challenge. There however are those that feel pain and discomfort. The condition in some cases signals higher risk of problems with the circulatory system.
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.
In order to ease the pain, there are self care recommendations that will be of help. They include elevation of the legs and exercising. Over time, the use of compression stockings has also become popular. These will prevent the condition from worsening. If one does not get relief after using these, or they want an improvement of their appearance, they may have to see a doctor.
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 of the condition, it will help to be a cautious consumer. You should not be misled by advertisements that promise painless and permanent methods of treatment. Before considering any procedure, the doctor should be consulted. They will advise on any health risks and side effects of the procedure in question. It will also be important to find out about costs of treatment. When doing so, you will need to find out if the treatment is covered by insurance.
Self care works in most of the cases. If by any chance they do not, other procedures may be considered. These procedures are less invasive and therefore are done on an outpatient basis. Vein stripping, endoscopic vein surgery and laser surgery are some of the options.
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.
In order to ease the pain, there are self care recommendations that will be of help. They include elevation of the legs and exercising. Over time, the use of compression stockings has also become popular. These will prevent the condition from worsening. If one does not get relief after using these, or they want an improvement of their appearance, they may have to see a doctor.
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 of the condition, it will help to be a cautious consumer. You should not be misled by advertisements that promise painless and permanent methods of treatment. Before considering any procedure, the doctor should be consulted. They will advise on any health risks and side effects of the procedure in question. It will also be important to find out about costs of treatment. When doing so, you will need to find out if the treatment is covered by insurance.
Self care works in most of the cases. If by any chance they do not, other procedures may be considered. These procedures are less invasive and therefore are done on an outpatient basis. Vein stripping, endoscopic vein surgery and laser surgery are some of the options.
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.