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.
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.
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.
Pregnancy is also attributed to the condition. It causes an increase in the volume of blood that flows through the body. With this increase in blood flow, there will be a decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from the legs. This circulatory change is supposed to support fetal growth. It however leads to enlarging of blood vessels. It is a condition that improves after birth. One should expect to heal after about three months.
When it comes to treatment options, people are advised to be cautious consumers. There are various advertisements that are misleading by offering quick fixes and promising to give permanent solutions. A doctor should be consulted before considering them. The side effects or health risks should be assessed as well. Cost of treatment should be considered before making a decision. You should also find out of the treatment is 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.
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.
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.
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.
Pregnancy is also attributed to the condition. It causes an increase in the volume of blood that flows through the body. With this increase in blood flow, there will be a decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from the legs. This circulatory change is supposed to support fetal growth. It however leads to enlarging of blood vessels. It is a condition that improves after birth. One should expect to heal after about three months.
When it comes to treatment options, people are advised to be cautious consumers. There are various advertisements that are misleading by offering quick fixes and promising to give permanent solutions. A doctor should be consulted before considering them. The side effects or health risks should be assessed as well. Cost of treatment should be considered before making a decision. You should also find out of the treatment is 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.
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.