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Varicose veins
Alternative Names
Varicose veinsWhat is Varicose veins
Varicose veins are enlarged veins in human body commonly in legs and feet because of extreme pressure on veins in the lower body . Varicose veins are a common, cosmetic concern. Sometimes varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort to people and lead to more serious problems. Varicose veins may signal about problems related to circulation.
Signs and symptoms
Varicose veins symptoms and sings include:
- Dark purple or blue in color veins
- Twisted and bulging veins
- Cords on your legs
- An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
- Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
- Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
- Itching around one or more of your veins
- Skin ulcers near your ankle
Possible complications
Complications that can be caused by varicose veins include:
- Bleeding if you cut or bump your leg
- Ulcers because of long-term fluid buildup in the tissues
- Blood clots within the legs
What causes
Varicose veins appear because of the following factors:
- Gender
- Genetics
- Age
- Overweight
- Occupation
- Pregnancy
Prevention
To prevent the risk of varicose veins you should:
- Avoid sitting or standing still for long periods of time.
- Sitting change position frequently and try to move every 30 minutes.
- Do not cross your legs.
- Take regular breaks.
- Exercise regularly for improving blood circulation, general health.
Treatment
Treatment for varicose veins may include:
- Self-care such as exercising, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, elevating legs
- Compression stockings
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser surgeries
- Catheter-assisted procedures
- Vein stripping
- Ambulatory phlebectomy
- Endoscopic vein surgery
