Do you have varicose veins? Approximately 40-50% of Americans suffer from symptoms related to varicose veins.
The word varicose stems from a Latin word varix which means twisted.
The veins are twisted and enlarged and usually become a bluish purple color.
Causes Many factors are believed to contribute to this condition.
Gravity along with body weight can cause them to develop.
Your veins have a one-way valve to ensure the blood continues to travel to the heart.
Sometimes these valves become weak causing the blood to flow in reverse.
The blood then becomes trapped in the vein causing it to swell.
Symptoms ~In more severe cases skin ulcers can develop near the ankle ~Heaviness, aching, fullness, and often pain in the legs ~Discoloration of the skin around the ankles ~Visible, enlarged veins ~Swelling around the ankles Treatment Options Conservative treatments are usually recommended.
Typically, the doctor will advise you to avoid standing for long periods of time.
Also you should keep your legs elevated whenever you are resting or sleeping and wearing elastic support hose can be beneficial.
Non invasive treatment such as the use of prescription medication is typically how the doctor will treat the condition.
Other strategies include compression stockings, weight loss, and increasing muscle tone is often very effective.
If a conservative method of treatment is ineffective, there are other options for treatment that may be more effective but still do not require surgery.
Sclerotherapy is one of the most common non-surgical treatments used.
It is done by injecting medication into the affected veins causing them to shrink.
If the condition is more severe a doctor may decide that open varicose vein surgery will be needed in order to treat.
Some of the procedures are out-patient and are only minimally invasive.
There are options for self-treatment that you can try on your own.
Keeping your legs elevated and avoid unnecessary standing can help.
However, you should consult with a physician if the veins are painful, they get worse or don't improve with self-treatment, or a complication occurs.
Complications include sudden increase in pain or swelling, legs become red, fever, or leg ulcers.
The word varicose stems from a Latin word varix which means twisted.
The veins are twisted and enlarged and usually become a bluish purple color.
Causes Many factors are believed to contribute to this condition.
Gravity along with body weight can cause them to develop.
Your veins have a one-way valve to ensure the blood continues to travel to the heart.
Sometimes these valves become weak causing the blood to flow in reverse.
The blood then becomes trapped in the vein causing it to swell.
Symptoms ~In more severe cases skin ulcers can develop near the ankle ~Heaviness, aching, fullness, and often pain in the legs ~Discoloration of the skin around the ankles ~Visible, enlarged veins ~Swelling around the ankles Treatment Options Conservative treatments are usually recommended.
Typically, the doctor will advise you to avoid standing for long periods of time.
Also you should keep your legs elevated whenever you are resting or sleeping and wearing elastic support hose can be beneficial.
Non invasive treatment such as the use of prescription medication is typically how the doctor will treat the condition.
Other strategies include compression stockings, weight loss, and increasing muscle tone is often very effective.
If a conservative method of treatment is ineffective, there are other options for treatment that may be more effective but still do not require surgery.
Sclerotherapy is one of the most common non-surgical treatments used.
It is done by injecting medication into the affected veins causing them to shrink.
If the condition is more severe a doctor may decide that open varicose vein surgery will be needed in order to treat.
Some of the procedures are out-patient and are only minimally invasive.
There are options for self-treatment that you can try on your own.
Keeping your legs elevated and avoid unnecessary standing can help.
However, you should consult with a physician if the veins are painful, they get worse or don't improve with self-treatment, or a complication occurs.
Complications include sudden increase in pain or swelling, legs become red, fever, or leg ulcers.