VARICOSE VEINS: WHAT TO KNOW AND WHAT TREATMENT TO GET?
Over the years, varicose veins have turned into a common condition among the general population in the Western world. A study reveals that about 20% of adults experience varicose veins at some point. Generally, they appear when a person’s veins become swollen. To some people, it may cause severe pain and discomfort.
In this post, we will be talking about what exactly are varicose veins; what should you know about them and what treatments are available for them. So, stick to the article until the end.
In this post, we will be talking about what exactly are varicose veins; what should you know about them and what treatments are available for them. So, stick to the article until the end.
DEFINITION OF VARICOSE VEINS – WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM
Veins are blood vessels, accountable to send deoxygenated blood back from the outer parts of the body to the lungs and heart. When veins become unnaturally thick, full of twists and turns, they are called varicose veins.
Most commonly, it happens in the veins in the thighs and legs, but in rare cases, they may appear anywhere in the body. Usually, they are inherited and become prominent with the growing age. There are two major systems of veins in the legs:
According to the Chicago Vein Institute, more than 40 million people in the United States are suffering from varicose veins, and in more than 50% cases, patients have a family history of this condition.
So, what are the primary causes of Varicose Veins?
Since veins have one-way valves, blood travels in one direction only. However, if the walls of the veins become stretched or the valves may become weaker, they may push blood to leak backward. When this happens, blood starts to accumulate in the veins, resulting in varicose veins.
Though medical experts are not sure why the veins stretch and valves become faulty, however, some potential risk factors are:
Most commonly, it happens in the veins in the thighs and legs, but in rare cases, they may appear anywhere in the body. Usually, they are inherited and become prominent with the growing age. There are two major systems of veins in the legs:
- Superficial Veins: Superficial veins happen under the skin.
- Deep Veins: Deep veins appear when the leg muscles put pressure on the deep veins during walking, transferring most of the blood back from legs to the heart.
According to the Chicago Vein Institute, more than 40 million people in the United States are suffering from varicose veins, and in more than 50% cases, patients have a family history of this condition.
So, what are the primary causes of Varicose Veins?
Since veins have one-way valves, blood travels in one direction only. However, if the walls of the veins become stretched or the valves may become weaker, they may push blood to leak backward. When this happens, blood starts to accumulate in the veins, resulting in varicose veins.
Though medical experts are not sure why the veins stretch and valves become faulty, however, some potential risk factors are:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Age over 50
- Obesity
- Standing for long periods
SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS
One of the early signs of varicose veins is misshapen veins on legs. The patient may also experience pain, discoloration, and heaviness around and over the swollen veins. In severe cases, the veins may bleed, and ulcer may form.
VARICOSE VEINS DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose whether or not you’re suffering this condition, your doctor will do a physical test. It will include looking at your legs while you’re sitting or standing to see the swelling. Your doctor may also ask you about any pain or particular symptoms you’re experiencing. Some doctors may also suggest an ultrasound test. It will allow them to see how blood is flowing in your blood vessels.
When it comes to treating varicose veins, most doctors are generally conservative. Until your condition is severe, you will probably be advised to lifestyle changes and home-based therapies that include:
Regular Physical Activity:
Daily physical activities help better blood circulation in the legs that may help to push the blood that has accumulated in the veins. Exercise helps in lowering the blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to varicose veins. You may do some low-impact activities such as Yoga, Walking, Cycling, and Swimming to get the calf muscles working without excessive strain.
Compression Stockings:
Most pharmacists and online drug stores keep compression stockings. You can wear them to apply pressure to the legs. They aid the muscles and veins to move blood toward the heart. A study conducted in 2018 revealed that people who used compression stockings reported a reduction in the pain and aching associated with varicose veins.
Plant Extracts:
Some herbal treatments may also help ease the pain caused by varicose veins. A study carried out in 2006 suggest that horse chestnut extract can reduce heaviness, itching, and pain in people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, which is the primary cause of varicose veins.
Another study from 2010, claims that sea pine extract may both reduce edema, leg swelling.
Dietary Changes:
Dietary changes can also help with this condition to a large extent. You should cut down on salty food to minimize water retention. Foods that are high in potassium can help you with water retention.
When it comes to treating varicose veins, most doctors are generally conservative. Until your condition is severe, you will probably be advised to lifestyle changes and home-based therapies that include:
Regular Physical Activity:
Daily physical activities help better blood circulation in the legs that may help to push the blood that has accumulated in the veins. Exercise helps in lowering the blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to varicose veins. You may do some low-impact activities such as Yoga, Walking, Cycling, and Swimming to get the calf muscles working without excessive strain.
Compression Stockings:
Most pharmacists and online drug stores keep compression stockings. You can wear them to apply pressure to the legs. They aid the muscles and veins to move blood toward the heart. A study conducted in 2018 revealed that people who used compression stockings reported a reduction in the pain and aching associated with varicose veins.
Plant Extracts:
Some herbal treatments may also help ease the pain caused by varicose veins. A study carried out in 2006 suggest that horse chestnut extract can reduce heaviness, itching, and pain in people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, which is the primary cause of varicose veins.
Another study from 2010, claims that sea pine extract may both reduce edema, leg swelling.
Dietary Changes:
Dietary changes can also help with this condition to a large extent. You should cut down on salty food to minimize water retention. Foods that are high in potassium can help you with water retention.
- Leafy vegetables
- Potatoes
- Almonds and pistachio nuts
- Salmon and tuna fish
MEDICAL TREATMENTS FOR VARICOSE VEINS
Luckily, medical treatments do not enforce a patient to stay in a hospital for a long time – thanks to less invasive procedures. In most cases, veins can generally be treated on an outpatient basis.
If home treatment and lifestyle changes are not working for the patient, the following treatments are available to help combat varicose veins. Your doctor may prescribe one the followings:
If home treatment and lifestyle changes are not working for the patient, the following treatments are available to help combat varicose veins. Your doctor may prescribe one the followings:
- Endothermal Ablation: In this procedure, heat is used to seal the affected blood vessels.
- Endoscopic Vein surgery: During this surgery, a small video camera is inserted into the patient’s leg to help the operating surgeon see better. Removal of the veins then happens via a series of short surgical cuts made in the skin.
- Laser Surgeries: In this procedure, intense bursts of light are directed onto the veins, making them disappear gradually.
- Ligation and Stripping: This is where varicose veins are surgically removed.
- Sclerotherapy: This procedure utilizes a special foam to close and shrink the veins.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This method involves the puncturing the skin and removing the varicose veins with small slits. The patient may notice negligible scarring afterward.
FINAL THOUGHTS on VARICOSE VEINS: WHAT TO KNOW AND WHAT TREATMENT TO GET
Varicose Veins might get worse over time if left untreated. This is true that even if you’re making the necessary lifestyle changes to control them and ease your pain, you must see your doctor routinely. Ask your doctor if you need any particular treatment.
Usually, varicose veins don’t cause any long-term medical issues; in some cases, they may lead to sores on your legs, blood cots, ulcer, and chronic inflammation. So take the advice of your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms.
Usually, varicose veins don’t cause any long-term medical issues; in some cases, they may lead to sores on your legs, blood cots, ulcer, and chronic inflammation. So take the advice of your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms.
CONTACT US TODAY
Are you looking for vein treatment or a vein doctor near you? FSA Vein is at the forefront of varicose vein and spider vein treatments in Pomona and Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Click here to schedule your free vein consult.
