Varicose Veins

The word “varicose” comes from the Latin word “varix” which means twisted. It is common in the legs and feet and refers to enlarged veins in these areas. They are most affected due to the fact that standing and walking increases pressure to the veins in your lower body.

For most people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern with no serious health implications. However, for some the condition can lead to more serious problems or may be a sign of a higher risk of other circulatory system disorders.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Veins carry blood back to your heart. The veins in your feet and legs have to fight against gravity to do this. They normally have to rely on using tiny one way valves to open as the blood flows toward your heart, then close to stop blood from flowing backward.

As one gets older, the veins may lose elasticity causing them to stretch. This may cause the valves to become weaker, allowing blood that should be moving to the heart to flow backward. Blood then pools in the veins, making them enlarged. The veins appear bluish mainly because of the deoxygenated blood that is flowing backward.

Pregnant women are especially affected due to the fact that the volume of blood increases during pregnancy. This is further aggravated due to the decrease of the blood flow from your legs to your pelvis. The varicose veins may surface when your uterus exerts greater pressure on the veins in your legs.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Most people with varicose veins do not experience pain or discomfort. However, for some, the symptoms include:

• Itching around one or more of your veins,
• A heavy feeling in your legs. Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs, and
• Skin ulcers near the ankles can be a sign of a severe form of vascular disease

The varicose veins will be dark purple or blue in color and may appear twisted and bulging. They will usually form on the back of the calves or the inside of the leg but can form anywhere from your groin to your ankles.

Treatment of Varicose Veins

You can try self help measures such as exercising, losing weight, nor wearing tight clothes, elevating your legs and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting. This can ease the pain and prevent the varicose veins from getting worse. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy usually improve without medical treatment.

If a physician is needed, some of the treatment may include:

• Laser surgeries,
• Vein stripping,
• Sclerotherapy,
• Catheter assisted procedures,
• Ambulatory phlebectomy, and
• Endoscopic vein surgery

There is no miracle varicose vein cure and one should look for qualified physicians before trying out any treatment.

Prevention of Varicose Veins

Improving your circulation and muscle tone may reduce your risk of developing varicose veins. Though you cannot completely eliminate them, you can improve your living conditions by:

• Elevating your legs to improve venous circulation.
• Avoid long periods of sitting or standing,
• Exercise often,
• Watch your weight and diet, and
• Watch what you wear

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