Treatment Options For Varicose Veins

By Ruthie Calderon


All veins can become varicose but those that are affected most are those in the feet and legs. Varicose veins are those which are large and gnarled. Feet and legs are affected because standing upright or walking tends to increase the pressure in veins. For the majority of people, this condition poses only a cosmetic challenge. There however are those that feel pain and discomfort. The condition in some cases signals higher risk of problems with the circulatory system.

Because the condition does not normally cause pain, it is important to know the signs and symptoms that signal its presence. The color of the affected vessels is purple or blue. In addition, they will appear twisted and bulging and resemble cords. Any pain is usually felt after one has stood, sat or walked for long periods of time. They may also experience some itching.

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.

Pregnant women are also at risk. During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing through the body will increase. In the process, there will be decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from legs. The circulatory change is meant to improve growth of the fetus. However, it leads to enlarging of blood vessels. Luckily, the condition improves within three months of giving birth.

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 most cases, self care will be enough to bring some kind of relief. If they do not, there are other procedures that are used. They are less invasive and thus treatment will be done on an outpatient basis. Other forms of treatment include laser surgery, catheter-assisted procedures, vein stripping and endoscopic vein surgery.

These treatment options are very effective and recovery does not take too long. If however the condition recurs, which is possible, other treatment options are considered. One treatment option may not work for another person.




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