It is possible for any vein to become varicose but the most affected are those in the legs and the feet. Varicose veins are gnarled, large veins. The feet are the most commonly affected because walking and standing upright increases the pressure in the veins of the part body. For most people, this condition is merely a cosmetic concern. For others however, it causes pain and discomfort. They may also signal higher risk of 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 such as exercising and elevating the legs can help in easing the pain. There are also those who use compression stockings. These prevent the condition from getting worse. However, there are those that are concerned about appearance or have not gotten relief from using self care options. If this is the case, then seeing a doctor may be the next alternative.
The condition can be attributed to various causes. One of them is aging. As one gets older, veins will lose their elasticity and stretch as a result. This causes valves within them to weaken and allow blood which should move to the heart to flow backward. The effect of this is blood pooling within the vessels, enlarging them in the process. The blue or purple color is because it is blood that has no oxygen. It is blood that was to be transported to the lungs for oxygenation.
Pregnant women are also at risk. During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing through the body will increase. In the process, there will be decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from legs. The circulatory change is meant to improve growth of the fetus. However, it leads to enlarging of blood vessels. Luckily, the condition improves within three months of giving birth.
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.
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.
The treatments options are effective and relief comes after just some months. It is however possible that the condition will recur. If that be the case, another form of treatment may be considered.
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 such as exercising and elevating the legs can help in easing the pain. There are also those who use compression stockings. These prevent the condition from getting worse. However, there are those that are concerned about appearance or have not gotten relief from using self care options. If this is the case, then seeing a doctor may be the next alternative.
The condition can be attributed to various causes. One of them is aging. As one gets older, veins will lose their elasticity and stretch as a result. This causes valves within them to weaken and allow blood which should move to the heart to flow backward. The effect of this is blood pooling within the vessels, enlarging them in the process. The blue or purple color is because it is blood that has no oxygen. It is blood that was to be transported to the lungs for oxygenation.
Pregnant women are also at risk. During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing through the body will increase. In the process, there will be decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from legs. The circulatory change is meant to improve growth of the fetus. However, it leads to enlarging of blood vessels. Luckily, the condition improves within three months of giving birth.
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.
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.
The treatments options are effective and relief comes after just some months. It is however possible that the condition will recur. If that be the case, another form of treatment may be considered.
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