The enlarged, over-filled, and swollen veins that some patients suffer from are varicose veins. This ailment usually develops in the legs, but it can occur in other parts of the body. If you have varicose veins, you will notice dark purple or blue veins on your body that have a bulging or twisted appearance. It's critical to have a doctor examine the veins to ensure further health problems do not occur.
The varicose veins can cause embarrassment for some people due to their abnormal appearance on the body. Moreover, some people may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as burning or sores over the varicose veins.
Causes of Varicose Veins
When the valves of veins fail to function correctly, varicose veins develop. There are one-way valves present in the veins that prevent the backward flow of the blood. Weakening or damage to these valves leads to the accumulation of blood in the veins, leading to their enlargement.
Prolonged standing or sitting is one of the most common causes of varicose veins in the legs. Pooling of blood can occur in such cases, causing an increase in the blood pressure within the veins present in the legs. Increased pressure results in the veins stretching, followed by the weakening of their walls and the valves becoming damaged.
Other potential causes for the development of varicose veins are:
- Obesity
- History of varicose veins in the family
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- History of vein surgery
- Trauma to skin
- Overexposure to Ultra Violet (UV) light
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Common symptoms of varicose veins are:
- Skin changing color
- Rashes
- Legs developing sores
- Aching or burning sensations in the legs
People with severe varicose veins may develop swelling that can last for a long time, ultimately leading to skin and tissue-related issues, such as ulcers.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
You may not require medical treatment if you are not symptomatic. However, if not treated, varicose veins may become severe, so always speak to a doctor if you notice irregular veins anywhere on your body. The treatment options for varicose veins are:
Leg elevation
Elevating the feet above the level of your heart three to four times daily for 15 minutes can be an effective measure to reduce swelling associated with varicose veins, particularly in mild to moderate cases.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings are elastic stockings that cause squeezing of the veins to avoid pooling of the blood. Wearing them every day can be helpful in the case of varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Doctors most commonly treat varicose veins using sclerotherapy. In this treatment, the veins are injected with a saline or chemical solution so blood can no longer flow in them. It starts circulating through other normal veins.
Thermal ablation
In thermal ablation, doctors utilize radiofrequency energy or lasers to destroy the walls of varicose veins.
Consult your doctor if you have varicose veins to figure out the underlying cause. Your doctor can also assess the risk of any additional health problem that may develop due to varicose veins.
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