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.
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.
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.
Some pregnant women also develop the condition. Pregnancy is attributed to the increase in blood volume through the body, but also with a decrease in flow of blood from legs to the pelvis. It is a circulatory change that is meant to support fetal growth. It will however lead to enlargement of blood vessels. This condition will however improve without any medical treatment within three months of delivery.
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.
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.
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.
Some pregnant women also develop the condition. Pregnancy is attributed to the increase in blood volume through the body, but also with a decrease in flow of blood from legs to the pelvis. It is a circulatory change that is meant to support fetal growth. It will however lead to enlargement of blood vessels. This condition will however improve without any medical treatment within three months of delivery.
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.
