Wellbeing

Your Guide to Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins are enlarged or swollen veins. They are most common on the legs, although you can get them elsewhere. Most people associate varicose veins with old age, and it is true that aging can be one cause. However, it is also possible to get them when you are younger. Two of the common causes include being pregnant or overweight. If you think you have a varicose vein, or more than one, you might be worried. Fortunately, they aren’t usually a serious problem. You might not need to visit a doctor for treatment, but if you do, it will be one of several routine procedures. Use this guide to find out about varicose veins and how to treat them.

About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins happen when a vein is enlarged or swollen. They might only have a swollen appearance, but they can have other symptoms too. For example, your legs might ache or feel uncomfortable, perhaps with cramping. Feet and ankles can swell up and they can even cause changes in the skin of your legs. There are different types of varicose vein, although which ones you have might not concern you. They include trunk, reticular, and telangiectasia varicose veins. Trunk varicose veins can have a bulging appearance, while reticular ones appear red. Telangiectasia varicose veins don’t cause a raise surface and are blue or red, but harmless.

varicose veinsDavid Goehring

The Causes of Varicose Veins

To understand why varicose veins occur, it can help to understand the differences of veins and arteries first. Valves in the veins cease to function correctly so that blood is able to flow backwards through the vein. This makes the veins swollen. Many people get varicose veins, and it’s not just older generations. They are more common for women, so it’s important for them to be aware of them. Pregnancy and being overweight can contribute, but aging is also a factor.

Treatment for Varicose Veins

There are several different treatments for varicose veins. However, your doctor won’t always see treatment as necessary. If you don’t like the appearance of your varicose veins, you can ask a vein doctor in Phoenix to undergo treatment for cosmetic reasons. There are a few things to do before trying a treatment. Compression stockings and exercise can help to alleviate the problem. However, if further treatment is necessary there are several options. The veins can be sealed with heat using endothermal ablation. This process can also be done using sclerotherapy, which uses a foam. In some cases, surgery will be necessary to take out the varicose veins.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent varicose veins so you won’t have to deal with them. While you can’t avoid aging and may not want to avoid pregnancy, you can watch your weight. Being active helps to improve circulation to reduce the chance of developing varicose veins. However, if you already have them, the best you can do is try to relieve the symptoms. Getting the right balance between exercise and rest will help.

Varicose veins might not be pleasant but they usually aren’t a big deal. A doctor can diagnose them if you think you have them.

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