subject: Everything You Should Know Regarding Spider Veins [print this page] When veins near the surface of the skin enlarge and become more obvious, they are called varicose veins. This problem occurs most often in the legs, because the weight of the body puts the most pressure on this area, but they can occur anywhere. While not usually dangerous, occasionally varicose veins can lead to or be indicative of other problems.
Veins in your body have one-way valves that function to keep blood flowing only towards the heart, by preventing it from flowing in the other direction. Varicose veins happen when a combination of the vein walls weakening and the valves starting to leak occurs. The veins fill with extra blood, and stretch into larger, more visible structures under the skin.
Potential risk factors for developing varicose veins are pregnancy, standing for long periods of time, heredity, and age. Carrying extra pounds can also contribute to their development. All of these situations, with the exceptions of age and heredity, put excess pressure on the veins in the legs, which can cause the valves to leak.
Usually, varicose veins are not an indication of a bigger problem but occasionally they can mean you have developed a blood clot, vein abnormalities, or a tumor. This means that when you notice the problem, you should check with a doctor to rule out these issues. The diagnosis is usually made by simply looking at the veins with the patient in a standing position. Unless deep vein abnormalities are suspected, no other test is typically performed. If your doctor is concerned about deep vein involvement, an ultrasound may be done.
Treatments are both medical and home-based. Home treatments consist of elevating your legs, using compression stockings, losing weight if you need to, and staying off your feet. Exercise can improve the circulation and thus your problem with varicose veins, so biking, walking, swimming and otherwise being active are recommended. If you are at a high risk of developing this problem, you can employ these treatments as preventative measures.
There are no medications commonly prescribed for varicose veins, and medical treatments usually consist of laser, radio frequency and sclerotherapy, with surgery reserved for large veins. Sclerotherapy is the injection of a chemical into an affected vein, which then scars closed. It is most effective on small veins. Laser and radio frequency treatments work in a similar manner, but can be employed on larger veins. The biggest veins typically require surgical excision. These procedures can be carried out at the Nori Michigan vein clinic.
After your doctor confirms that your varicose veins are not the result of a larger issue, you will probably be told to simply keep an eye on them. If they don't cause discomfort, home treatments will generally be considered adequate. Contact a medical professional if you have bleeding from the veins, develop sores, or your affected limb becomes swollen and painful. Any of these could indicate a serious problem.
