Varicose veins are large in size and you can find them in the legs, which are close to the skin’s surface. In case the walls get thin and your valves don’t function properly, blood can get stuck in the veins. A result of this condition is the appearance of blue or purple swelling in the lower limbs. Varicose veins aren’t dangerous for most people, despite the fact that they can be unattractive and painful.
Blood clots are only one of the potential health complications that can result from varicose veins getting too bad. Although there are effective treatments, varicose veins often recur despite these efforts.
Is the Varicose Vein the Same as Spider Veins?
When asked this question, many people struggle to explain what spider veins actually are.
You can easily see the difference as the varicose veins are larger than spider veins. Their typical color of them is red. Possible visual analogs include spider webs and tree branches. In the case of spider veins, you can see them clearly, but unlike varicose veins, they do not cause the skin to bulge.
Often, spider veins manifest themselves in the legs and the face.
What are the signs of varicose veins?
In other cases, the only visible indication is veins that seem abnormally big.
Very common in those who have varicose veins are symptoms such as:
- Burning
- Itching
- Heaviness
- Cramping
- Restless leg syndrome
- Painfully swollen ankles
- Discoloration of the skin around the ankle
- Vascular eczema is a skin condition characterized by itchy red bumps.
In some cases, symptoms are more severe at night or after prolonged periods of standing.
Increased risk
The doctors agree that varicose veins are more likely to appear if you have any of these risk factors.
1. Gender
The issue is more prevalent in women as compared to men. It is mainly due to the female hormones which result in the expansion of the walls of veins, resulting in leaky valves.
Pregnancy, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and menopause can all induce fluctuations in hormone levels.
2. Genetics
If you have a close relative who suffers from varicose veins, your risk of having the ailment is increased.
3. Age
Veins lose their pliability and the valves within them become less effective as you age.
4. Excessive weight
When a person has increased body mass the veins have to work hard to pump blood back to the heart. It happens due to carrying greater weight.
Because of this, the pressure on the valves may increase, leading to leaks.
Body weight seems to have a greater effect on the onset of varicose veins in women than in males.
5. Occupation
Work that requires you to stand for lengthy periods of time may raise your chance of developing varicose veins, according to some studies.
According to the best doctors the reason for this is that prolonged standing reduces blood flow.
7. Pregnancy
The blood requirements of pregnant women increase due to the increased needs of their unborn child. There will be an increase in pressure in your veins.
Relaxation of the blood vessel muscle walls, caused by pregnancy hormones, is another risk factor.
Moreover, when the uterus expands, varicose veins may appear. Veins in the pelvic area are particularly vulnerable to becoming varicose due to the pressure exerted by the expanding uterus.
While pregnancy raises a woman’s risk of developing varicose veins, for the vast majority of women, vein health improves following delivery.
Varicose veins: Can you prevent them?
Although hereditary factors increase your likelihood of developing varicose vein, there are steps you may take to reduce that risk. Like:
- Engage in frequent physical activity. Keeping your leg muscles toned, your blood pumping, and your weight in check all depends on a regular fitness routine.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Get a balanced weight. In this way, you can easily manage your blood pressure in the veins of the legs and feet.
- Loosen up your garments. Constriction of the groin, leg and abdominal arteries can result from wearing clothing that is too tight.
- Keep your feet flat and away from heels. High heels are not only uncomfortable but also potentially harmful to blood flow if worn for extended periods of time. Shoes with no or very little heel are preferable for circulation since they help strengthen the calves.
- Have a walk outside. In order to keep the blood pumping, you should avoid prolonged durations of either sitting or standing.
- Stop using tobacco products immediately. Researchers have found a link between smoking and varicose veins.
- Prefer to sleep on your left side rather than your back if you’re pregnant. The uterus’s weight will be distributed more evenly, relieving the veins in your pelvic region from some of the strain. The fetus’s circulation will be boosted in this position as well. Ask your doctor to prescribe you compression stockings if you have a history of varicose veins.
Reasons for Seeking Medical Help
If you’re experiencing pain from varicose vein, you should see a doctor.
Self-care measures, such as avoiding prolonged standing or sitting or using compression stockings, do not alleviate the symptoms or make them better.
If your leg discomfort or swelling suddenly worsens, your temperature rises, your skin turns red, or you develop sores on your legs, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Ulcers or sores on the legs, blood clots, or persistent inflammation may develop as a result of having varicose vein. The veins may burst if the condition is serious enough.
Anybody noticing one of these signs should consult a vascular surgeon. After that, they may recommend more drastic measures like surgery or other procedures.
FAQs
1. What is the most effective method of treating varicose vein?
Several treatment options in surgery are available, These may include ligation and stripping, laser therapy, and radiofrequency ablation are commonly used to treat larger varicose vein. An effective treatment plan may necessitate a mix of methods. Sclerotherapy and laser therapy are common treatments for smaller varicose vein and spider vein on the skin.
2. What nutritional deficiency results in varicose veins?
Calcification of elastin, the cause of double chins, piles, and varicose vein, is linked to low levels of vitamin K2, reports the British Medical Journal. With the help of vitamin K, the fragile walls of capillaries (smaller blood vessels) can be fortified against straining and eventual rupture.
3. What varicose vein treatment is currently available?
For the excision of varicose vein, Endovenous Laser Thermal Ablation has surpassed all other methods as the most efficient, least intrusive, and comfortable option.
