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.
There are various causes of the condition. Age is one of them. As one gets older, their veins lose elasticity, making them to stretch. Valves within them may become weak, allowing blood that should be moving towards the heart to flow backwards. Blood will pool will within the blood vessels, making them to enlarge. They have the blue color because they have blood that is deoxygenated. It is blood that is in the process of going 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 most cases, self care will be enough to bring some kind of relief. If they do not, there are other procedures that are used. They are less invasive and thus treatment will be done on an outpatient basis. Other forms of treatment include laser surgery, catheter-assisted procedures, vein stripping and endoscopic vein surgery.
Most of these treatments are effective and one will recover after a short period. However, it is possible that the condition will recur. If it does, treatment will be done again, preferably a different form of treatment.
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.
There are various causes of the condition. Age is one of them. As one gets older, their veins lose elasticity, making them to stretch. Valves within them may become weak, allowing blood that should be moving towards the heart to flow backwards. Blood will pool will within the blood vessels, making them to enlarge. They have the blue color because they have blood that is deoxygenated. It is blood that is in the process of going 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 most cases, self care will be enough to bring some kind of relief. If they do not, there are other procedures that are used. They are less invasive and thus treatment will be done on an outpatient basis. Other forms of treatment include laser surgery, catheter-assisted procedures, vein stripping and endoscopic vein surgery.
Most of these treatments are effective and one will recover after a short period. However, it is possible that the condition will recur. If it does, treatment will be done again, preferably a different form of treatment.
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