An Overview of Varicose Veins and Related Conditions
An Overview of Varicose Veins and Related Conditions
Just What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a most common, painful and annoying condition afflicting 25 million sufferers in the United States and is produced by the medically known condition known as venous insufficiency or venous reflux -- a result of the circulatory system not functioning properly in the lower limbs or extremities. Consequently, the uncirculated blood gathers up in the vascular vein regions producing their prominent features.
Whenever a varicose vein condition surfaces, blue/purple-coloured lines appear on the skin surface and the accumulated, uncirculated blood pools causing the veins to be visibly puffed up.
Most Common Symptoms
Most commonly occurring in the thigh, leg, ankle and feet area, varicose veins become quickly swollen and puffed up in turn producing a painful condition in the above mentioned areas. Additionally, the most common symptoms may include pain, fatigue, ankles and calves swelling, a burning or inching sensation, further discoloration and even leg ulcers in more advance cases. However, in less severe cases the only symptoms which may appear are thin vessels known as "spider legs."
Some Varicose Statistics
Estimations are that up to 72% of American women and 42% of men may experience varicose veins on reaching the age of sixty or beyond. U.S. Labour Department statistics reveal the annual loss of workdays well exceeds the two million mark while annual expenditures for various medical treatments total over $1.4 billion.
Varicose Veins and Related Conditions
Small Spider Veins (or telangiectasias), which appear many times are not generally accompanied by symptoms. They look like a spider web-like structure and not only appear on the thighs, ankles and feet, but also may appear on the nose and facial area.
Mature, Large Varicose Veins can bulge, be felt by touching, are long and be greater than 4 inches in length.
However, it must be noted that varicose veins conditions are many times caused by more serious venous diseases, (diseases of the veins), such as:
* Phlebitis - a condition known for the inflammation of the vein(s)
* Thrombophlebitis - a condition produced when a blood clot in the vein causes an inflammation of the vein, or
* Blood clots or obstruction to blood flows throughout the veins
Most venous diseases are generally progressive and may not be unpreventable. However, some persons may find that wearing a support hose and engaging in regular exercise may be beneficial, while weight control may or may not be an influence on the condition.
Although varicose veins are very common, painful and annoying at times, it is not considered a serious health risk and can be alleviated to a certain degree by sufferers by taking some of the measures as previously mentioned.
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