Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins






When the veins become twisted and enlarged near the surface of the skin, it is called varicose veins. They occur mostly in ankles and legs though any vein can convert into varicose. It is because we always put great pressure on the lower parts of the body while standing or walking. Hence the veins in the legs largely get affected forming varicose veins.


It does not cause any problem except giving discomfort and pain occasionally. In rare cases, varicose veins can cause serious problems in Circulatory System. It is enough if you follow the instructions of your doctor for getting it treated.










Causes :


When the veins in your legs become weak it can develop varicose veins. For any reason the normal blood flow is disrupted in the legs, excess of blood gets accumulated in the valves and slowly pressure builds up. In the result, the veins become weak and get twisted.


The valves present in the vein allow blood to flow from the legs to the heart and not on reverse. Since it gets weakened it builds up excess of blood in it leading to varicose veins. Varicose veins can be hereditary. It can also develop due to old-age since the veins may lose elasticity and it can become weak. This will result in pushing the blood to the legs instead of your heart. Blood accumulates in the veins thus making the veins larger in size.


If you observe the varicose veins closely they will be blue in color indicating the presence of deoxygenated blood. Veins are blood vessels that transport impure blood from many parts of the body to the heart for purification. There are small valves in the veins which would open when the muscle contracts pumping blood into the heart against the gravity. Pregnant women can develop varicose veins because during this stage the volume of blood to your pelvic portion and legs decreases. This leads to enlargement of veins forming varicose veins. However this stage will improve automatically after deliver without requiring any treatment. Obese people can develop varicose veins.


Symptoms :


Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins that are blue in color. It is often seen in the legs and ankle region. Generally they do not produce any symptoms and if at all any symptoms are seen it will be mild. It can cause heaviness or pain in the legs. Pain can be felt when a person gets up after sitting for long hours. It can cause swelling of legs or ankles. Muscle cramps are present with burning pain for some people.


In rare cases it can produce scaling on the skin and inflammation. It can cause itching and bleeding (for minor injury) in the affected veins due to thinning of skin. For some people Skin Ulcers are seen on the ankle which can be due to vascular disease. In serious cases, varicose veins can lead to the condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis.


Who are at risk?


Obesity, old age people and pregnant women have increased chance for developing varicose veins. Generally women are more oriented for getting this problem due to hormonal changes and menopause stage.


Complications :


Complications are very rare and observed only in few people. It can cause skin ulcers due to long term accumulation of fluids in the tissues. Due to swelling the legs become enlarged leading to blood clot which requires immediate medical attention.


Tests :


Your doctor can identify varicose veins by simply looking at your legs. He will look for swelling and tenderness in the ankles and color changes in the skin for confirming this disease.


Treatment :


It is enough if you take home treatment for mild to moderate forms of varicose veins. Wearing stockings on the legs will prevent excess of fluid accumulation and facilitate blood flow to the heart. Remember that you need to wear the compression stockings all the day and night and buy only the ones that are fitting properly. If you have pain or swelling in your legs, keep it in high position so that blood flows back normally. Give movements for your legs frequently and avoid sitting for long time. Doing mild exercises can be helpful in alleviating pain and normalizing blood flow.


Medical Treatment :


Sclerotherapy is done for treating severe form of varicose veins. A solution is injected directly into the veins so that the scar closes the veins. Within a few weeks the dark blue color of the veins will fade indicating that varicose veins have gone. Laser therapy can be done in the doctor’s office for closing off varicose veins. A beam of laser light will send strong lighting into the vein which will make them disappear. A tiny tube called catheter is inserted into the affected leg and the end of the catheter is heated up. The emission of heat would destroy the vein and seals it removing the fluid from it.


Vein stripping is another process through which larger veins can be removed. This can be done on outpatient basis and removing such veins will not affect the normal circulation of blood. In advanced cases, endoscopic vein surgery is done in which the surgeon will insert a camera through the tube and will close the infected veins and removes it by making incisions. Do not fall prey to the advertisement products that promise to cure varicose veins. You need to consult your doctor before investing on them.


Pictures of Varicose Veins :


Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Varicose Veins


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Prevention :


You cannot prevent the occurrence of varicose veins completely. But you can take measures to reduce your weight and improving the blood circulation. Do exercises daily. Walking and jogging is the best method for improving blood circulation in the legs. Reduce your weight by eating healthy diet. Do not take too much of salty items in your daily plan since excess of salt can cause swelling.


Avoid wearing high heeled shoes; instead choose the one that is most comfortable for you. Keep your legs in elevated positions whenever you get breaks. Do not stand or sit continuously for extended hours. You can make small movements for every one hour if you are working on computers for the entire day.











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